Leaks in residential pipes may be expensive to fix and potentially disastrous if the problem is not handled right away. The bursting of lines, the leaking of toilets or sinks, and even the leaking of refrigerators are all potential causes of water damage. Even the smallest of leaks may, over time, cause a property to become flooded and inflict considerable damage.
A leak may need foundation repairs or mold cleanup. You should not wait until a leak becomes unmanageable and causes expensive damage before taking action. The trick is to detect even the most minor problems well before they explode into significant issues.
Identifying the Source of Water Leak
As a homeowner, you must undertake short monthly inspections and make prompt repairs to little leaks. Small leaks must be discovered and repaired immediately to avoid more significant issues. If you’re looking for a place to start looking for water leaks, here are five of the most typical culprits in the home.
1. Appliances
Dishwashers and washing machines may spring long-term leaks. This is caused to water overflowing around or beneath the appliance. During regular use, these appliances can move from one place to another. They should be checked often to ensure no water leaks around the base or near the back, connected water hoses.
If you see leaks, turn off the water and examine the hoses for cracks or holes. If the appliance is leaking, it is advisable to get it repaired or replaced by an appliance repair specialist.
2. Drains
Leaks in drains can be hard to find because they are often out of sight. A leaky shower drain behind a wall or under the floor might lie undiscovered for a long time. Sink drains are simpler to find, but they might go undiscovered for a time unless they’re checked often or water pools around them.
Untreated leaks may damage walls, flooring, and more. Check the ceiling on the ground floor under the shower in bathrooms on the upper floors for any signs of water damage. You can probably repair a sink leak yourself, but a shower drain leak may need a professional.
Suppose you want to engage the services of a professional disaster restoration company. You can ask your peers for suggestions, or better yet, you can research online for the best results available in your area.
3. Water Supplies
Water supply lines connect the water meter to the house, and since the lines are buried in the ground, leaks in the supply lines might be difficult to detect. Check for standing water around the meter or where the cable enters the residence. Consistently damp soil near water pipes is another indicator of a busted line that requires repair. Unexpectedly high water bills may indicate a concealed leak. Get a plumber to fix the lines if you see any of these indicators.
4. Groundwater
As water seeps into the earth after heavy rain or snowfall, groundwater leaks, or seepage, occur. Water may seep through basement-level windows and doors when the water table rises close to the foundation. This can damage the foundation and cause retaining walls to fall and collapse.
Groundwater and floodwater may be pumped out of a basement with a sump pump. Call a foundation professional to evaluate and repair damage if you find cracks in the basement floor or bricks around the home’s foundation.
5. Rainwater or Snow
Leaks may damage the walls of a house in the attic or crawlspace caused by excessive rain or snow on the roof. There is a risk of mold development if the water is not discovered promptly. Every two to three years, get a professional roofing contractor and a flood cleanup company to complete a full inspection and undertake a daily DIY assessment to check for missing or lost shingles, broken gutters, or debris on the roof. Look for water drops or stains in the attic. Ensure that your roof’s bottom is free of water damage.
