A home's plumbing system is made up of a number of components, and any one of them can burst, leak, or stop working. The consequences can range from a minor inconvenience to serious water damage if left unnoticed. Here are some common problems that can occur with your home's plumbing systems.
Burst pipes
Fixing burst pipes is a hectic and stressful situation for most homeowners. Pipes can burst due to sub-zero temperatures, aging pipes, excessive clogs, tree roots, and even hard water, causing homeowners thousands of dollars in water damage if not addressed immediately. In most cases, a plumber must repair burst pipes.
Remember to turn off the water supply before your plumber arrives. If you are not familiar with this procedure, you will first need to locate the water shut-off valve. The location will depend on your home, but it could be in the basement or outside your home. Once you have turned off the water supply, turn off the power to the affected room or area so you do not risk electrocution if you step into or stand in the water.
Toilet leaks
If the water is constantly running, toilet leak repair can potentially be the most expensive plumbing project unless you can fix the problem quickly. A plumber may suggest that you turn off the water valve (located at the bottom of the toilet) in an emergency before the repair can be made.
Faucet leaks
Usually faucets are easy to fix, but you shouldn't wait too long to fix them or you risk a higher water bill because the faucet is dripping longer than it should. There are four common types of faucets that leak:
- Cartridge: Is due to a worn rubber seal on the valve seat
- Compression: Not as common in new faucets, but can occur in older homes; caused by a bad O-ring or a bad neoprene gasket
- Ceramic disc: Usually caused by a crack in the disc and requires replacing the cartridge (which can be expensive depending on the type and model of your faucet).
- Ball valve: Only occurs with ball valves and can leak in several places.
Faucets last on average up to 10 years before needing repair or replacement, but the lifespan depends on factors such as the type and age of your faucet, whether you have hard water, etc.
Leaks in the outdoor area
Exterior leaks are relatively common but difficult to detect if you've never had one. For example, a slab leak occurs when water pipes crack or leak beneath the foundation or slab of your home. This type of leak can damage your foundation, basement floors, walls, and even your lawn. You may not notice an exterior leak until you receive an unusually high water bill, even if your usage hasn't changed from last month to the current month.
If you think you have an outdoor leak, before you get a big bill, test all of your outdoor faucets one at a time. Turn on each faucet and observe surrounding rooms and areas for leaks or moisture. If you notice water in a place where it shouldn't be, you may have an outdoor leak and should turn off all faucets and call a professional to prevent further water damage to your home.
Water heater leaks
While water heater leaks are common, they should be addressed quickly so you can avoid major damage to your floors, furniture, and walls. There are a number of reasons for water heater leaks, but some typical causes include the age of the water heater, lack of regular water heater maintenance, uneven pressure, and sediment buildup.
If you're an experienced homeowner, you can perform a preliminary inspection of your water heater, but if you feel unsure or uncomfortable, call a professional immediately. A plumber can perform a thorough inspection and interpret subtle sounds that indicate the source of the problem.
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