7 Things You Must Know: Plumbing Leaks
It may all start with a small leak. A few drops of water here and there you decide to ignore because you are trying to save on the home budget. But these plumbing leaks rarely pass on their own and in the end, you will need professional help.
Leaks in your home can cause a lot of additional damage to the structure and furniture, which can prove to be more costly eventually. In order to make sure everything is in order here are some things to know about plumbing leaks that will save your wallet and time.
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Leaking pipes
Leaking pipes are a serious matter which needs immediate attention. First of all, don’t worry since this type of plumbing leaks happens rarely. Secondly, the moment you notice it, call professionals and don’t try to repair the damage by yourself.
Pipes are located in the walls and the only way you will notice the leaks is by wet spots. If this happens, don’t hesitate to consult an expert to assess the situation. The prompt response, in this case, will save you money for substantial repairs of the damage it can cause if left untreated.
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Leaking tub or shower
When your tub leaks, it’s most definitely the faulty seal. Now, even though the bathroom is intended to get all wet, the excess water can cause mold and enter the subfloor. This is the worst that can happen and may require complete remodeling of your bathroom which is quite an expensive ordeal.
On the other hand, showers are irritating and will waste a significant energy if the leaks are on the hot side. But in most cases, the inner seal is worn and needs replacing, or some parts corroded. Even limescale on your showerhead can lead to leaks so clean it regularly with white vinegar to remove these deposits.
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Leaking toilet
There are two ways the toilet will leak – internally or around the outer seal. Any water in your bathroom can cause mold damage, and damaged, leaking seal on your toilet is one of them. Internal leak refers to a tank that is not working properly and leaking water all the time.
Now, even though internal leak will not cause any water in the bathroom, it is still annoying and can lead to inoperable tank. This is usually an easy fix in the beginning, and you may not need to buy a new tank but is an emergency you can deal with by yourself.
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Leaking faucet
Leaking faucets are probably the most annoying sounds at your home. It’s normal for a faucet to show some occasional dripping, but when it turns to continuous one it could be the sign to call the plumber. Even though the water will go down the drain, the dripping will annoy you and become more extreme in the end if not addressed in time.
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Leaking washing machine
Washing machine troubles are signs that you need to roll up your sleeves and examine the device. It can be something easily solvable like leaking hose or something serious like a damaged inner tub. If not addressed immediately, leaks can lead to buying of a new machine and tons of dirty laundry in the process.
Also, washing machines that don’t rinse the laundry well can lead to allergies and damage your clothes. So, besides keeping them somewhere where leaks won’t cause floor damages like the bathroom or basement, you need to pay attention to their behavior as well. Sometimes you can even prevent the leaks if you discover your machine sounds differently, which can save you a lot of trouble.
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Leaking roof
If your roof is leaking, this is a cause for alarm since that way the water can enter the structure and damage the wiring as well. This means you will have to act immediately and consult with professionals like Remseal on the course of action. A waterproofing job on the roof can save you a lot of future problems created by leaks like mold, rot and structural stress.
Sometimes, a tile may be broken and let the water inside the house, but also the materials get worn down and need replacing. Check the roof seasonally to make sure that everything is alright with the tiles, and monitor the walls for spots during the rainy season.
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Leaking hot water heater
Leaking hot water heater can be cause for alarm since the leaks may be the sign you will lose a warm shower for a while. The leaks usually happen when the metal tank rusts out causing quite the leakage in the room. The best place for your hot water heater is the basement where leaks can do much damage and of course regular maintenance to keep it in top shape.
Finally
Plumbing leaks are bound to happen, but it’s up to you to what extent. A timely reaction can help you deal with the problem right from the beginning and prevent any more serious damage to your home.
