A variety of parts complete your home's plumbing system. Unfortunately, there is also a risk of leaks and breakages with both. The consequences range from minor inconvenience to a serious emergency with significant water damage if reacted too late. Read more about the most common plumbing problems.
Burst pipes
Dealing with burst pipes can be a frightening experience for any homeowner. This problem can occur due to freezing temperatures, the age or lack of durability of a pipe, a clog, wild tree roots, or even hard water. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage if not repaired quickly. In most cases, you should consult a professional.
Before the plumber comes, turn off your home's main water supply. Not sure how? The first step is to locate the water shutoff valve, which may be in the basement or outside of your home. It is strongly recommended that you turn off the power to the room or area where the leak occurs so that you do not risk electric shock.
Toilet leaks
Fixing toilet leaks can be a costly plumbing job if you wait to fix the problem. When toilets leak, they constantly leak or water leaks. In an emergency, plumbers will likely recommend that you turn off the water valve (located at the bottom of the toilet) before beginning repairs.
Faucet leaks
In general, leaky faucets are easy to fix, but you shouldn't wait to do so because you risk paying a higher water bill because a faucet has been leaking for longer than it should. There are four common types of faucet leaks:
- Cartridge: Comes from a worn rubber washer on the valve seat
- Compression: Not as common on new faucets, but found in older homes; caused by a bad O-ring or neoprene seal
- Ceramic Disc: Usually caused by a crack in the disc and requires cartridge replacement (which can be expensive depending on the type and model of your faucet).
- Ball Type: Only found on ball valves and can leak in multiple locations
On average, faucets can last up to 10 years before needing repair or replacement. However, longevity depends on factors such as the type and age of your faucet, whether you have hard water, and more.
Outdoor leaks
Outdoor leaks are common, but can sometimes be difficult to locate immediately. A slab leak, which occurs when plumbing pipes beneath the slab or foundation of the home rupture or leak, can affect the stability of the foundation, basement floors and walls, your lawn, and more. Your first big clue that you have an outdoor leak is when you first receive an 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 on each one individually and checking for unnecessary moisture in all areas. 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 age of the water heater, lack of regular water heater maintenance, uneven pressure, and sediment buildup.
If you are an experienced homeowner, you can perform a preliminary inspection of your water heater. However, if you are unsure or feel unwell, call a professional immediately. A plumber can perform a thorough inspection and interpret subtle noises that indicate the source of the problem.
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