Signs of a House Leak
Running water and sanitary sewer systems have improved the quality of life ever since they were introduced. However, leaks can cause significant damage, including rot, mold, and increased water bills. Preventing leaks involves proper maintenance, but resolving issues promptly is critical. Leaks can cause costly repairs and require immediate attention. These indicators can help identify and seal the leak before it worsens. Being aware of these warning signs can help you prevent further damage to your home.
Contact Us
Most Common Water Leaks in House
Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks can lead to significant water waste, especially in sewers. One way to check for one is to see if the water is still running after you flush by turning off the water valve next to the toilet base and only turning it on while flushing. If there is a leak, you’ll need a professional plumber to address the issue properly.
Faucet Leaks
Unexplained water leaks can occur from multiple faucets in your house. Listen for drips and check for recent leakage, such as sink water. Hard water, pressure issues, or faucet issues can cause tap leaks. A plumber can determine if the entire faucet needs replacement.
Hose Leaks
Leaks might also originate from your exterior hose or irrigation system. If it is just the hose, the source of the water should be obvious. It could be necessary to swap out the hold or the fixture entirely. On the other hand, identifying leaks in irrigation systems could be more difficult because one of the sprinkler heads or an underground connection may be leaking.
Pool Leaks
Water damage could be due to a leaking pool. Since pools don’t fill themselves up, leaks can happen and you won’t be able to tell from your utility bill. A good sign is that the water level is lower than usual.
Supply Line
Water damage to walls or ceilings may not be due to a specific fixture or appliance, but rather a leak in the plumbing supply lines, which are usually invisible and can cause water seepage through the walls, making it undetected.
Tub
Leaks in bathrooms or under the bathroom occur only when someone takes the shower or bathtub. This could be due to a fissure or hole in the shower or tub itself, causing water to drip into the floor or basement. If the leak stops after taking a bath or shower, it still may require a plumber to fix it.
Humidifier
The furnace's whole-house humidifier, which uses a pan or water stream to induce humidity, can sometimes malfunction and leak water onto the ground. If a new humidifier was installed, runoff may not be properly routed down the drain, causing water to leak onto the floor.
Appliance Seal
A water puddle near your appliance may indicate a problem with the seal or the appliance itself. A plumber can identify the root cause and potentially resolve it, but it may be a manufacturing issue or another issue that needs to be addressed elsewhere.
Pipe Joint
Pipe joints are the points where two pipe lengths meet, where glue is used to seal the overlap. Leaks are more common in pipe junctions, as they are typically located in walls and are usually hidden beneath the sink. Glue is used to create a seal.
Water Leaks
Water heaters, particularly those in tanks, frequently have leaks. The best thing to do in this situation is to replace the entire water heater because the tank itself frequently develops holes after ten or more years of use. Some issues, such as damaged seals and leaking valves, can be fixable. Because they are less likely to experience these types of leaks, tankless water heaters might be a fantastic choice for you in terms of replacement.
Washing Machine
Washing machines are one of the most common appliances to leak. This can be fixed by tilting the overflow tube. Overflowing onto the floor can be caused by a blockage inside the machine, causing an increase in the water bill, clothing damage, and more damage to the machine. Consult a plumber to determine if the issue can be fixed or if a replacement is needed.
Sink
Sink leaks can occur in the same way as leaks in bathtubs and showers. This might be due to rust, damage, or a crack in the sink itself. Usually, replacing the basin is the best course of action to resolve this issue.
How to Find a Leak in Your House
Here are some ways to find where a leak is happening in your home.
- Water Pressure Test: Turn off all the faucets and measure the water pressure. If it's lower than usual, it may be evidence of a leak.
- Water Meter Test: Turn off all the faucets and check if the water meter is still running. If the reading changes, it may indicate a slow-moving leak.
- Check Appliances for Leaks: Disconnect all of the appliances from the outlet until you find one that is leaking.
- Listen for Running Water: If no obvious signs are present, listen for running water. Water leaks can be heard through walls or floors.
- Check Utility Bills: A sudden or unexpected spike in your water bill may be a sign of a leak.
- Check Toilets for Leaks: Add a drop of food coloring into the tank overnight and check if there's color in the bowl without flushing by morning.
- Water Drips and Wet Walls: Visible dampness around the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry area may indicate a leak.
At Scott Hale, we offer industry-leading plumbing services, including solutions for broken pipes, plumbing fixtures, and general bathroom plumbing needs. If you have a house leak that needs fixing, contact us today!
Contact Us
