Imagine walking into your bathroom only to find that you can’t avoid the puddle of water on the floor because of the water leak. You don’t know what could’ve caused it, but you know it’s a problem that needs immediate fixing.

Effective water leak detection is crucial for identifying and resolving water leaks in homes.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss common causes of water leaks in homes and how to detect them quickly to prevent serious and costly damage. Get your notepad ready for these top plumbing tips and let’s get started!

1. Aging Plumbing Systems

Aging plumbing systems are a common culprit when it comes to water leaks in homes. As pipes age, they can develop corrosion, cracks, or loose fittings, which can lead to leaks. This is particularly true for older homes that may have outdated plumbing systems in need of replacement.

When it comes to detecting water leaks caused by aged systems, it’s important to do regular maintenance and inspections. Keep an eye out for signs such as wet spots on walls or ceilings, dripping sounds, or high water bills. These can be indicators that there is a hidden leak within your plumbing system.

If you suspect a leak, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional plumber who can conduct a thorough inspection.

They will be able to identify any areas of concern and provide recommendations for repairs or replacements as needed. By taking measures to address aging pipes, you can prevent major leaks that can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs.

2. High Water Pressure

While high water pressure may seem like a desirable feature for a home, it can actually put stress on your plumbing system and cause leaks. Excessive water pressure can lead to pipes and fittings weakening over time and result in more leaks.

To prevent leaks caused by high water pressure, it’s important to monitor your water pressure regularly. You can purchase a water pressure gauge from a hardware store and attach it to an outdoor faucet to measure the pressure. The pressure should be between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (psi).

If your water pressure is above the recommended range, it may be necessary to install a pressure regulator. A pressure regulator acts as a valve that limits the amount of pressure entering your home’s plumbing system. By regulating the pressure, you can prevent leaks and improve the longevity of your pipes and fittings.

3. Clogged Drains and Toilets

Clogged drains and toilets are not only frustrating but can also lead to water leaks and other dangers if left unattended. Clogs increase the pressure within the pipes, causing them to crack or burst. This leads to water leaks and potential water damage.

Preventing water damage means that it’s important to address all issues promptly. Avoid flushing items down the toilet that can cause blockages, such as hygiene products, wipes, or excessive amounts of toilet paper. Consider using drain screens to catch hair and debris before they clog your pipes.

Regular home maintenance is key to avoiding clogs and potential leaks. Check your drains and toilets for any signs of slow drainage or unusual noises.

If you notice any issues, use a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the clog. If the problem persists, it’s best to consult a professional plumber who can inspect and resolve the issue.

4. Extreme Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature changes can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and lead to water leaks. When water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack or burst. This is especially common in areas that experience harsh winters or sudden temperature drops.

To prevent frozen pipes and potential leaks, insulate exposed pipes in areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or attics. You can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to protect your pipes from extreme temperatures.

During severe cold weather, it’s also advisable to keep the temperature inside your home above freezing.

You can do this by leaving cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Letting faucets drip overnight can help keep the water flowing, preventing it from freezing within the pipes.

5. Improper Installation or Repair

Improper installation or repair work is another common cause of water leaks in homes. Attempts at DIY plumbing projects or hiring inexperienced plumbers can result in a lot of problems. These include things like incorrect fittings, faulty connections, or other issues that lead to leaks.

When it comes to plumbing work, it’s crucial to hire licensed and experienced plumbers. Professional plumbers have the expertise and knowledge to ensure that everything is installed or repaired up to code.

In addition to reducing the risk of leaks, professional installation or repairs can also save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs due to do-it-yourself mistakes.

If you suspect that your plumbing system has been improperly installed or repaired, it’s best to consult a professional plumber.

They’ll assess the work and make any necessary corrections or repairs to prevent future leaks. They’ll help ensure the integrity of your plumbing system for years to come.

Water Leak Detection Keeps Your Family Safe

Early water leak detection and preventative measures are key to avoiding damage and keeping your home safe and sound. Water leaks can cause costly damage and inconvenience in a home, and it is essential not to let them go unnoticed.

Regular inspection from a professional solves any issue quickly.

If you suspect there’s a water leak in your home or you need assistance with plumbing maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team of experienced plumbers is here to help you with all your plumbing needs. Take action today to safeguard your home against water leaks and ensure the health of your plumbing system!

Learn more about Pathmaker Plumbing:

July 10, 2023

A leaky pipe can be an annoying problem and cause undue stress when it needs to be fixed. It is important to know the steps involved in repairing a pipe, as this will help you save time, money, and the headache of having a plumber over. This guide will provide you with the steps for repairing leaky pipes like a professional.

What are some common causes of leaky pipes?

Some of the most common causes of a leaky pipe include corrosion due to age, improper installation, cracks due to wear-and-tear, loose connections and fittings, freezing weather conditions that cause expansion and contraction in the piping material. Additionally, if too much water pressure is being applied through your plumbing system, this can also cause leaks.

Identify the Location of the Leak

The first step in fixing any leaky pipe is to identify where the leak is coming from. This can be done by looking for signs of water damage or discoloration around your pipes, as this indicates that there is an issue with your plumbing system. Once you have identified where the leak is located, you can start taking action to repair it.

Shut off Your Water Supply

Once you have identified where your leak is located, it’s important to shut off your water supply before attempting any repairs. The best way to do this is by turning off your main water valve; this will prevent any further damage from occurring while you make repairs. Additionally, if you are unable to locate your main water valve, turn off all of your faucets and valves in order to reduce pressure in your pipes before attempting any repairs.

Fixing the Leak

Once you have shut off the water supply, it’s time to begin making repairs on your leaking pipe. Depending on how severe the leak is and what type of pipe it is made out of (copper or PVC), there are different methods for making repairs. For example, if you have a copper pipe that has been corroded or damaged due to age or wear-and-tear, then you may need to replace that section of the pipe entirely with new piping material. However, if it’s just a minor crack or hole in PVC piping then you may be able to fix it with some epoxy putty or silicone caulk depending on the water pressure in the pipe. However, it is always better to replace a cracked or broken pipe as a permanent repair. Make sure that whatever method of repair you use fits securely and properly into place so that no leaks occur again afterword’s!

Here are some commonly asked questions about leaky pipes

Can I use Flex Seal on a leaky pipe?

Flex Seal is not intended to be used on pipes or plumbing fixtures, as it may not hold up appropriately in high water pressure. Additionally, Flex Seal takes a long time to dry and may even cause further damage to the pipe by trapping moisture inside. It’s best to use epoxy putty or silicone caulk for small repairs on PVC pipes.

Can plumbers putty stop a leak?

Plumbers putty is a great option for sealing small cracks and holes in pipes. However, it should not be used as a permanent repair solution for large leaks or cracks. Additionally, if the water pressure is too high, plumber’s putty may not be able to withstand it and could allow more leaks to occur. It’s best to use epoxy putty or silicone caulk for larger repairs on PVC pipes so that you can ensure your pipes are properly sealed and secured against future leaks!

Can you use duct tape or Gorilla tape to fix a leaking pipe?

Duct tape and Gorilla tape are not suitable for use on pipes, as they do not provide a secure seal and may even further damage the pipe. It’s best to use epoxy putty or silicone caulk for larger repairs on PVC pipes so that you can ensure your pipes are properly sealed and secured against future leaks!

Will JB Weld stop a leaking pipe?

Yes, JB Weld can be used to stop a leaking pipe. It’s a versatile adhesive that provides a strong bond on most materials, including plastic and metal pipes. However, it is not suitable for use on high-pressure pipes as the weld may not hold up against the water pressure. Additionally, make sure you apply the JB Weld in an even layer and let it cure completely before using your plumbing system again!

Is a slow leaking pipe covered by insurance?

It depends on the type of plumbing insurance you have. In most cases, a slow leaking pipe may not be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy as it would be considered to be caused by normal wear-and-tear. However, if the leak is caused by an outside force (such as a storm), then you may be able to make a claim for damages with your insurer. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider before attempting any repairs yourself!

Leaky pipes can be stressful but they don’t have to be! With this professional guide for fixing them correctly and safely now at hand, repairing those pesky pipes should be much easier than ever before. By following these steps—identifying location, shutting off water supply and finally fixing the leak—you should be able to patch up any holes or cracks quickly and efficiently like a true plumbing professional! So don’t hesitate – get those plumbing problems sorted out today!

February 11, 2023

You could save yourself from many expensive plumbing issues just by sticking to certain basics. Unfortunately, most homeowners fail to pay heed to these basics and end up running into huge plumbing bills. Here are five important plumbing mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Ignoring Minor Plumbing Issues

Whenever there should be a minor plumbing issue, give it the attention that it requires. At times, you will be able to fix the issue yourself in just few minutes but at other times, you may have to call a professional plumbing company. Delaying your call to the plumber will only aggravate things leading to unnecessary expenses.

2. Trying To Cut Corners While Hiring Plumbers

Whenever you should hire a plumbing company make sure that you are calling a professional service provider. Do not try to cut corners by calling unqualified plumbers. One of the reasons why people go for such service providers is because they think that they could save a few bucks. However, this could prove to be most expensive mistake that you could make. Imagine losing your insurance and getting into liability issue just because you wanted to save a few dollars. Before you summon any plumber, check their credentials and their license.

3. Failing To Take Winter Precautions

Plumbing companies get more business during and just after the winter. Why? It is simply because homeowners totally ignore the winter precautions that they are supposed to be taking. If you are not sure what are the plumbing precautions that you should be taking during winter you could talk to your local plumbing company to get tips and recommendations. It is also not a bad idea to call your plumber to inspect the entire plumbing system before every winter. If there are no issues, you will be spending only for the visit and if there were any issues, you would have attended to it in a timely fashion before the winter starts and thereby saved your plumbing system from expensive damages.

4. Excessive And Wrong Use Of Drain Cleaners

You need to keep your drains clean but at the same time, if you use excessive drain cleaners then your pipelines will be corroded as drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals to breakdown the dirt and the blockage. You need to be therefore cautious in selecting the right drain cleaners and use them correctly.

5. Choosing Wrong Fittings

In case, you are venturing into your own DIY plumbing repairs, make certain that you are choosing the right fittings. Wrong choice of fittings and size mismatches could result in leakages, which again could prove to be expensive. Rather than running into such issues, it is better that you contact your local plumber who could take care of your plumbing needs.

If you review the above listed most common plumbing mistakes, they could be categorized into two categories namely carelessness and cost cutting efforts. As far as the cost cutting efforts are concerned, you could save a great deal of money by carefully reviewing and selecting the right plumbing companies that offer their services at reasonable fee.

Contact Pathmaker Plumbing for professional plumbing services in Charlotte, NC.

September 14, 2015