Your home's plumbing system is made up of many components, any of which can fail, burst, or leak. While plumbing mishaps are minor in many cases, they can also become major problems if left unchecked. Below are some of the most common problems that can occur with your plumbing system.
Burst pipes
Dealing with burst pipes can be a scary experience for any homeowner. This problem can be caused by freezing temperatures, the age or lack of durability of a pipe, a clog, rogue tree roots, or even hard water. Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage if not treated quickly, so in most cases, you should call a professional.
Before the plumber comes, turn off the main water supply to your home. Not sure how to do this? The first step is to find the water shut-off valve, which could be in the basement or outside your home. It is highly recommended that you turn off the power in the room or area where the leak is occurring so that you do not risk electrocution.
Toilet leaks
Repairing toilet leaks can be an expensive affair if you wait too long to fix the problem. When toilets leak, the water runs or drips constantly. Plumbers will likely recommend that you shut off the water valve (at the toilet base) in case of an emergency before they begin repairs.
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.
On average, faucets last 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 common but sometimes difficult to locate immediately. A slab leak, which occurs when pipes beneath the slab or foundation of the home crack or leak, can affect the stability of the foundation, basement floors and walls, your lawn, and more. Your first major clue that you have an exterior leak is when you receive an initial unreasonably high water bill, even if your water usage hasn't changed from month to month.
You can also test your outdoor faucets by turning each one on individually and looking for unnecessary moisture. If you see water where it shouldn't be, there is likely an outdoor leak and you need to act quickly 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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