A water leak can be a real nightmare for any homeowner.
Some leaks are easy to discover, such as dripping showerheads and faucets, and others are a little more difficult.
Of course, you will know you have a water leak somewhere when the readings on your water meter are unusually high. For larger leaks, you will also spot the telltale signs of water damage, such as dark patches on your ceilings and puddles around affected areas.
To help you find out where the leaks are coming from, let’s take a look at some of the common causes.
#1: Your roof
When talking about water leaks, we are generally talking about those that happen within the internal works of your property. However, we are mentioning your roof, as any water patches you find could be from the inclement weather rather than your plumbing fixtures. Signs of a leaky roof include mold where the roof and exterior wall meet and water patches on your exterior and interior walls.
In most cases, your roof can be repaired. You might need to replace missing tiles, for example, or you might need to have your roof vent mended. However, in a worst-case scenario, such as when your roof has been hit by severe weather damage, you might need to opt for a roof replacement. There will be an expense, but as it will prevent the risk of costly maintenance issues elsewhere in your home, it should be considered.
#2: A leaky showerhead or faucet
These are the most common causes of water leaks, as we mentioned earlier, and thankfully, you might be able to fix them yourself. Check out these maintenance tips for your showerhead, and have a go if you think you have the skills to do so. And when it comes to your dripping faucet, check out this useful guide on fixing the faucet leak. Of course, if you’re uncertain about making such repairs yourself, perhaps because you’re afraid of making the problem worse, call on the services of a professional.
#3: Your toilet
Signs of a leaking toilet include damp patches on the floor around the bottom of your toilet and strange noises from within when your toilet is not in use.
Of course, the damp patches could be the result of a family member whose aim is a little off, but you can still test for a water leak yourself. Add something that will color the water in your water tank, such as food coloring or a powdered drink mix, and then leave it for thirty minutes. Then check the water in the water bowl. If it is colored, you know there is a leak, and that a part probably needs to be replaced. A plumber will do this for you.
The leak might also come from a crack at the base of your toilet, in which case, you will probably need to buy a new toilet.
#4: The water supply line
A leak in your water supply line can be difficult to detect as the supply pipes are buried a few feet below the ground. However, you will know there is a problem if your garden becomes waterlogged in dry weather, or if there are issues with your water pressure. This isn’t a fix you will be able to take on alone, so contact a plumber if you think there is a problem.
Nobody wants a water leak, so deal with any issues as soon as possible. We have listed some common causes here, but there could be other reasons too. Commit to research, and contact a plumber for professional help if you know you have a problem.
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