No homeowner wants to deal with a water leak. Some individuals ignore water leak symptoms because they are afraid of what they might find if they go snoozing around behind walls and near pipes. Learn the five most notable causes of water leaks in your home so you are properly ready to deal with them before they drain your bank account.
Clogs
Clogs are one common cause of water leaks in your home. If not taken care of, they can create HUGE problems. If a clog is left alone long enough, pressure may increase within the pipe, making it crack or burst. Taking care of a simple clog is much simpler, and less expensive than what results if you don’t take care of the problem right away.
Tubs and Toilets
Tubs and showers have seals designed to keep water moving down drains and to the sewer. Every once in a while, a seal is faulty. For a homeowner, this can create a complete disaster, especially if the leak isn’t taken care of for quite some time. Toilets also have seals that make sure water drains to the correct place.
Leaks in bathrooms go undetected because they are generally in places where you can’t see the evidence right away. Water may have been soaking into sub flooring for months, where it creates the ideal environment for mold growth. The first sign of a tub or toilet leak may be stains on the ceiling or joists in the area below the bathroom.
Hot Water Heaters
Water heaters typically have an 8- to 12-year lifetime before they can no longer provide you with hot water. Sometimes, you know when a water heater is wearing out, and you can be proactive about either repairing or replacing it.
High Water Pressure
Now who doesn’t enjoy a strong hot shower in the morning? It’s an amazing way to wake up and face the day. It’s also a sign that you may have water pressure that is a bit to high. Why should you care? The water pipes in your home are not developed to withstand high water pressure for an extended amount of time. The normal water pressure should be 60 pounds per square inch (psi).
Pressure higher than 80 psi can cause pipes to develop a variety of pin holes, which can lead to a large-scale water mess in your home. If you’re not a handyman and don’t have the right tools to check water pressure, call a local Long Beach plumber.
Trees
Tree roots are usually the main reason why water leaks into a basement. These roots can create more pressure on water pipes, which causes them to eventually crack. If you do find that your leaky basement is caused by tree root invasion, it is highly suggested you give it some attention. You might turn an already expensive repair into a sever financial disaster.
Now that you know a bit more about what a handful of common causes of water leaks are, you’re better prepared to prevent them. Long Beach Plumbers suggest you check periodically for signs of water damage. Try and pay attention to clogs and deal with them right away. In addition, make sure to have your water heater inspected each year. Prevention may save a homeowner from inconvenience and financial difficulties.