Leaky pipes are a nightmare. Not only do they raise your water bills through the roof, but they can cause all sorts of health and safety issues in your house. Often, they are no easy or cheap fix. The leaking water can contribute to mold growth, attract disease-carrying pests, and even damage the structure of your home. Learn how to detect a leaky pipe, find the cause, and how to fix those leaks like a pro.
Signs Your Pipes Are Leaking
One of the best tells of a leaky pipe is your water bill. Your water bill fluctuates throughout the year, but if it shoots up for no reason, that’s a sign of trouble. You can also check for moisture around your exterior fixtures.
Don’t be afraid to use your senses, either. Do you see or feel damage like warping or brown spots on your walls, ceilings, or floors? Do you sense odd musty smells from moisture? In general, if something seems off, it probably is. .
Common Causes of Leaky Pipes
Pipes leak for many reasons. Here are the most common reasons.
- Broken seals are a common problem around connectors. Look for condensation near appliances.
- Pipes eventually corrode and wear out; when this happens, they leak. Look for warping or discoloration on pipes.
- If your water pressure is too high, your pipes can spring leaks sporadically.
- Clogged lines can cause pipes to burst as the water builds up pressure behind the clog.
- Damaged joints are weak points in the line. Weak points will eventually leak and are often indicated by banging or ticking sounds when you turn on the water.
- Loose pipes, hoses, and connectors can result from shifting and are noticeable by puddles that form under them.
- Cracks in fixtures cause leaks. Replace these fixtures to fix the problem.
- Finally, pipes laid incorrectly can burst or leak.
What to Do if Your Pipes Are Leaking
If you’ve spotted a leak, you may or may not be able to fix the problem. Broken fixtures repair easy. Shut off the water and replace it. A leaking pipe, however, is more complex. The first step is to locate the line that is leaking. Next, turn off the water flow to that pipe. Some pipes may have a shutoff valve; others may require turning off the water to the whole house.
Use a pipe repair clamp to control the issue. You can get these at most home repair stores. You can also apply epoxy putty to joint leaks. These, however, are temporary fixes. To fix pipes permanently, you’ll need to cut out the damaged part and replace it with new piping and couplings that you will solder. Wall, floor, or ceiling repairs may also be necessary.
Think your water heater is leaking? Check out these foolproof tips for a leaky water heater.
Replacing damaged pipes requires a professional touch. Without experience, you can potentially cause more damage. If you find your pipes are leaking, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for safe and long-lasting fixes. Contact Sin City Plumbing today if you need a fix fast!
