The Top 5 Most Common Water Leaks and How to Fix Them
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family can waste 180 gallons of water per week, or 9,400 gallons annually, just from household leaks. That’s more than 300 laundry loads worth of water.
Some common household water leaks are easy to discover, like dripping faucets and shower heads. However, some leaks can go undetected for months or even years. You may not even know that your pipes are leaking unless you have them checked regularly.
Leaking water not only leads to water that is wasted, but it also means that you’re flushing money down the drain, which is why it’s critical to detect and fix leaks as soon as possible. If you suspect you have a water leak, keep reading to find out which areas of your home are most likely to be the problem.
Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets
The majority of homeowners have experienced a leaky faucet before. While the steady drip drip drip of water might simply seem like an annoyance, those droplets can cause a significant increase in your water bill. Excess water can also damage sinks and bathtubs by causing rust, mold and premature decay to develop.
Dripping faucets can be caused by a variety of factors including general wear and tear, a build-up of debris or when someone doesn’t turn the tap tight enough. Faucets can also leak if you over-tighten the valve, as this can damage the washer in the tap.
To fix leaking water, you’ll need to determine the cause. First, switch off the water supply through an isolator valve or the stopcock. Then, open up the tap and inspect the washer. You may notice that it has a build-up of debris which you can simply clean away. Or, the washer may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Toilet Flapper Valve
Toilets are often the culprits behind water leaks. The good news is, you can usually diagnose and even fix some toilet leaks yourself. If you hear water running or ghost flushes, you might have a failing flapper valve. Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time.
To replace an old flapper valve:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- Remove the tank cover and flush the toilet.
- Remove the old flapper.
- Attach the new flapper to the pegs.
- Reattach the chain and make sure it seals tightly.
- Turn the water back on and flush!
You can also check for a silent leak by adding a few drops of food coloring into your toilet tank, waiting 10 minutes and checking the bowl. If you see color, you have a leak.
Hot Water Tank
If your hot water tank begins to leak, it’s important to act quickly. A small leak can lead to a ruptured tank. To prevent your hot water heater from leaking, proper maintenance is key.
One way you can detect leakage on your water heater is by checking for condensation around the tank. There can also be top and/or bottom leaks. Top leaks are likely due to faulty inlet and outlet connections, while bottom leaks are usually caused by damage to the drain valve or the tank itself. The position of the leaks in the water heater can indicate which part needs repair or replacement.
Checking the pressure valve regularly and flushing the tank each year can help sustain a tank’s healthy lifespan. If you suspect a leak, call a professional plumber right away.
Supply Line
Unfortunately, water leaks don’t always happen inside of the home. If you attach hoses or irrigation systems directly to your property’s water source, your home is susceptible to supply line leaks, too.
If you notice excess water in the meter box or puddles in your yard, your supply line could be leaking water. These leaks can be caused by loose packing nuts, worn-out washers in the outside spigots or frost damage.
Faulty outside water spigots can cause foundation damage or water to back up into your home. This can cause mold and mildew growth, or even flooding in the basement or lower level of your home.
Leaks are usually the responsibility of local city authorities. However, if the problem occurs between your meter and home, then it’s up to you to call a plumber.
Clogged Lines
Clogged drains are usually just an inconvenience and can be easily fixed. However, without proper maintenance, a clog can lead to leaking, overflowing or even burst pipes.
For example, obstructions in air handler drain pans or in your gutters often lead to water damage. Keeping your gutters and HVAC system clean can prevent serious clogs.
Lenox Plumbing Can Help
If you’re finding water where it doesn’t belong, our experienced plumbers will figure out what’s going on, find a solution and make the repairs or replacements needed to get your plumbing system up and running again. Reach out to us today to get started.
