If left unchecked, leaks waste water, damage homes and encourage unwanted growth. Thankfully, it’s not always difficult to find and fix a leak if you know what to look for.
However, some leaks go undetected for months or even years, which can be costly and lead to mold problems if left untreated. Learn the most common household leaks and how to identify them so you can call a plumber before they become big problems! It may help to find a plumber for leak detection in Melbourne which may save you from a lot of future problems.
- Faucets
The faucet is the most visible part of your plumbing system, and a leak can make a huge mess. They’re not only annoying, but they can also run up your water bill.
While it’s easy to fix most simple leaks, you should always get professional help when a problem becomes more complex. If you try to do it yourself, you may end up doing more damage than good.
Leaks can occur anywhere in your home’s piping. They can occur in areas you access regularly, such as your sink or bathtub, or they can happen behind walls or under floors.
A common leaky faucet is due to a damaged washer or valve seat. A faulty cartridge could also be responsible for dripping. A leaking O-ring is another cause of a dripping faucet, and it can be fixed easily.
- Toilets
Toilets are one of the most common leaks in the home. They can be a major source of water waste and energy expense.
A broken floor flange, a poor wax seal, or both can be the culprit behind a leaking toilet. The flange is a metal or plastic bracket that rests on top of the sewer pipe protruding from the floor and attaches to the toilet with T-bolts.
The flange is prone to rusting, and the bolts and washers that hold the flange in place can also wear out, allowing water to leak from beneath the toilet.
To check for leaks, listen for running water or do a dye test, which involves adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank and waiting for 10 minutes before flushing. If the color shows up in the bowl, a leak is present.
- Water Heaters
A water heater is a crucial part of any household, heating water to be used for showers, laundry and cooking. They are usually powered by gas or electricity.
They are available in a range of sizes, from small micro-sized point-of-use (instant demand) heaters that don’t have a storage tank to larger conventional models with a tank that can supply a whole house’s needs.
Some smart water heaters have apps that allow you to control your home’s hot water temperature and monitor energy use by a smartphone.
A water heater should be inspected regularly for leaks and damage. It should also be flushed out on a regular basis to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
- Refrigerators
A leaky refrigerator can be a very annoying and costly household problem. It can cause water stains on the floor, structural damage to your home and even mold growth.
There are a few different reasons that your fridge might be leaking water, but most of the time it’s simply because the defrost drain tube or water supply line is clogged with food particles or ice chunks. Flushing the hose will usually clear it, but you can also call a professional if it’s severe.
Another common culprit of a leaking fridge is the refrigerant, a chemical mixture that is used in the refrigeration process. This substance is extremely toxic and can leak into the air if it’s not disposed of properly.
Finally, high humidity can also cause a refrigerant leak. The moisture in the air mixes with the cold temperatures of the refrigerant and causes condensation to form. This creates a water puddle on the floor and can be a very noticeable problem during humid weather.
