Water leaks are quite common yet dangerous home issues. As pipes wear down from regular usage, they are prone to breaking. Even microscopic cracks in a pipe can allow water to leak through. Over time, these minor amounts of condensation build-up and cause mold or rot. The cause of many leaks is wear and tear, but not the only reason you can get them. Newer houses can face water leaks just as much as older ones can. Fortunately, water leaks don’t do a great job at hiding. These tips will help you effortlessly find a water leak.
Major Causes of Water Leaks
The first step of locating a water leak is understanding what causes a leak. You can’t freely inspect the pipes inside your home walls! Some of the most common causes have unique symptoms that act as a dead giveaway. Knowing what to look for is a great start for finding the leak. Most minor leaks are due to some form of damage. Remember that water passes through your pipes at high pressure and often high temperatures. Some pipes wear down faster than others, but if they’re older than ten years old are at high risk. All the flowing water degrades the interior of the pipe, allowing cracks to form. If it remains in good condition, the fittings often take a beating. Fittings are joints connecting pipes, frequently sealed with tape or putty. The tape can dry and crack when presented with Vegas temperatures which allows water to leak out.
Easily Locating an Inside Water Leak
Water leaks inside the home are usually considered the most dangerous. Water can quickly rot through the wood, damaging your home structure. If this wasn’t bad enough, waterlogged carpet, furniture, or walls becomes the ideal habitat for toxic mold to grow. Finding an interior water leak promptly is crucial to protecting your home. Monitor your water bill every month. Large or sudden fluctuations in how much water you use are usually indicative of your leak. Test your toilet for unnecessary water use by adding a few drops of dye into the tank. If anything makes it into the bowl without flushing, you have a leaky toilet and should call a professional local plumber! Stay alert for distinct signs; water is noticeable when it gets to a place it shouldn’t be. Bubbling paint, discoloration on the walls, or a musty smell are all signs something is leaking inside the home.
Wasting Water: External Water Leaks
The outside of the home can still be a hotspot for water leaks. Most landscaping in Las Vegas is weather-resistant, so extra water pumped outside is expensive. You will most likely notice your water bill before you notice any changes outside, but if you see large swaths of land with unexplained green growth, you might want to call a plumber. Underground irrigation is challenging to detect leaks in since it’s buried so far under. Any aboveground fixtures should be checked every few months to make sure rubber fittings haven’t dried out, as that can cause leaks.
Preventing Damage: Stopping Future Leaks Before They Happen
Like with almost any major plumbing issue, water leaks can be prevented with just a little bit of care. Replacing fittings before they split can help avoid basic leaks. Keeping the water pressure at a reasonable level, between 40 – 80 PSI, will ease the strain on the pipes. Regularly have a plumbing expert come out and do a full diagnostic check of your plumbing. Whatever you do, don’t hesitate to call a plumber if you suspect a leak!
For more common plumbing and other related tips, please contact Sin City Plumbing.
