Did you know that a leaking faucet could lead to the wastage of more than 3000 gallons of water per year? Wasting water in your household future salability or cause unnecessary expenses. Here are some common causes of household water leaks.
1. High water pressure
Although you may be tempted to think that high water pressure is good, it could be a disaster in the waiting. Excessive water pressure can make the lifespan of your water heater shorter and can also lead to plumbing leaks. If you suspect that your water has excessive pressure, turn it off at the main shutoff valve and call a professional. In most homes, the shutoff valve is usually located in the basement.
2. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains could be caused by things such as soap buildup, grease buildup or food particles. When drains are clogged, it becomes difficult for water to pass through which may lead to a water leak. If you discover a water leak due to a clogged pipe, place a bucket under the leaking area to prevent water spillage and call a plumber immediately.
3. Corroded draining systems
Corrosion can eat away your pipes predisposing them to leakages. This is likely to happen especially if the pipes are old. Other reasons could be due to the pouring of acidic drinks like soda and beer down the drain pipes. If corrosion is leading to a leak, use alternative sources of water and get a professional to install a new system.
4. Broken water seals
Broken water seal could be caused by an accumulation of solid particles which interfere with its internal operations. Seals can also be affected by excessive temperatures which can cause deformation or cracking. If your seal is failing, reduce the temperatures of the water you pour on your drains and make sure that water does not contain solid particles. Seek the help of a professional to get a permanent solution.
5. Leaking shower hose
High water temperatures could cause a shower hose leak. It can also occur if the hose fittings are not well tightened. If your shower is leaking, try to find out what is causing the problem and if it is something you can handle like tightening the fittings, deal with it. It is also good to have a professional examine it.
6. Dripping Tap
Taps can leak if they are not turned off properly, but in some cases, they can develop leaks if they are over tightened. Faucets can also leak due to very hot water or due to debris blocking them. Try to find out why your tap is dripping; it is worn out, you may have to replace it.
7. Leaking toilet
A leaking toilet can be caused by various things such as a broken toilet tank, wearing away of the rubber linings used to make connections among other things. If the cause of the leak is something you can manage, try to fix it. It is advisable however to have a professional look at the problem.
Water leaks could be destructive and expensive to fix if not identified early enough. The good news, however, is that it is possible to prevent them from happening in the first place.
