How to Spot a Plumbing Leak | Tips from Your Trusted Richardson, TX Plumbing Repair Service Provider
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Leaking pipes are one of the most common reasons that homeowners in Richardson, TX book a plumbing repair. It’s important to call in the professionals if you believe there is a leaking pipe in your home, as attempting to carry out a DIY plumbing repair could cause more harm than good. However, it’s a good idea to know how to spot the signs of a leaking pipe so that you can have it fixed as soon as possible, avoiding unnecessary and expensive damage to your home.
What Causes a Plumbing Leak?
There are a few common causes of plumbing leaks and understanding how leaks can develop is the first step towards avoiding situations that could lead to a plumbing repair. Common causes include:
- Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are often no more than a nuisance, but if they build up in certain areas they could cause your pipes to overflow.
- Corrosion
Over time, the pipes in your plumbing system can start to corrode. This could lead to a leaking or burst water pipe.
- Leaking pipe joints
The joints where your pipes are connected are the area’s most likely to form leaks. This can be tricky to diagnose yourself as the pipe joints aren’t usually accessible.
- High water pressure
Very high or uneven water pressure can put more strain on your pipes than they can handle, which could cause a leak to form.
- Tree roots
Tree roots can interrupt water lines supplying your house, causing water to pool in your backyard. Book a plumbing repair right away if you notice any unexplained wet areas in your yard.
- Extreme temperatures
When the temperature changes very quickly, this can make your pipes expand or contract. This may cause cracks, especially if the water inside them has frozen.
- Broken and loose seals/connectors
Over time, the seals and connectors on your appliances may deteriorate or come loose, leading to water pooling around the area.
Signs of a Plumbing Leak
Many leaks take weeks to be detected by homeowners because a large amount of your plumbing system is tucked away in the walls and floors. This can cause significant damage to the structure of your house long before you start to see water appearing in places it shouldn’t be. A long-term leak also wastes water, so you could end up paying higher bills as a result. For all these reasons, it’s important to know the key signs that you need a plumbing repair. Although you will need a Richardson, TX plumbing professional to find and diagnose the cause of your leak, there are some things you should look out for.
- Unusual sounds
Any unusual noises from your plumbing system could be a sign of a leak. For example, you might hear a trickling or dripping sound as water seeps out from the pipes. A banging or clanking noise can also indicate a leaking pipe joint.
- Low water pressure
Leaking pipes can affect the pressure of water reaching your faucets, causing the water to flow more slowly.
- Discolored patches
Water damage can cause the wall paint or flooring around the leak to become discolored.
- Soft spots
If moisture is allowed to build up from a leaking pipe over a longer period of time, this can soften the drywall. You may notice softened patches of your walls or floor.
- Increased water usage
If water has been seeping out of a leaking pipe for a while, you may see a hike in your usage and water bills. Taking regular meter readings can help you spot any unexplained increase which may point towards a hidden leak.
What to Do if You Have a Leak
If you discover or suspect a water leak, it’s important to act quickly to prevent any further damage or flooding to your home. While it’s understandable to panic, especially if a major leak has caused water to gush from a pipe, there are steps you can take to stave off a disaster. You should immediately contact a plumber in Richardson, TX to carry out an emergency plumbing repair.
The first thing you should do while waiting for your plumbing repair is to shut off your home’s water supply using the stopcock. This will probably be somewhere around your water meter. Turn the valve counterclockwise until the water stops flowing.
Next, it’s important to unplug any electrical appliances in the area around the leak. If the leak has affected a large area, you should try to switch off your electrical supply at the panel. Remove anything valuable that could be damaged by the water. If you can, completely clear the entire area around the leak to make it easier for your emergency plumber to carry out a plumbing repair as quickly as possible.
If a lot of water has leaked, you should try to soak up as much as possible using towels, rags or a mop. Otherwise, water could get into the building material and cause other issues such as mold, which could be tricky to fix.
Preventing Plumbing Leaks
Prevention is better than cure, so you should take steps to keep your plumbing in good condition and prevent expensive plumbing repairs whenever possible. Checking your water pressure to make sure it isn’t above 80 p.s.i can help to protect your pipes. If your pressure is too high, a plumber can investigate and fix the problem. If you have hard water in your area, installing a water softener can prevent pipe damage and corrosion caused by mineral deposits.
You should also take steps to make sure your water pipes don’t freeze during cold weather. You can do this by insulating any exposed plumbing, sealing external openings and keeping your heating on during the winter.
The Bottom Line
Finding a plumbing leak can be stressful, but help is at hand. Call bluefrog Plumbing & Drain of North Dallas right away for an emergency plumbing repair to get your system up and running and protect your home. We serve the community in Richardson, TX to help homeowners prevent, diagnose and repair plumbing leaks.
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