Water damage is one of the most frustrating and costly issues homeowners face. It doesn’t just appear overnight; when it does, it can be a major headache, especially if left unchecked. This guide covers the basics of detecting water leaks in your home, what to watch for, and when it’s best to call a professional.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Water leaks in homes can cause costly damage if left unchecked. Common sources include water heaters, toilets, pipes, appliances, and air conditioners. Regular inspections and early detection can prevent larger issues. Homeowners can do some minor repairs, but bigger jobs—like plumbing system redesigns, external repairs, or extensive leaks—should be handled by a licensed plumber. Knowing when to DIY and hiring a professional is key to avoiding long-term damage and higher costs. Ensure your main water valve works, and maintain appliances to prevent leaks.
Common Sources Of Water Leaks
Water damage often starts with small, unnoticed leaks. While these minor issues might seem easy to ignore, they can escalate quickly and lead to more significant problems like mould or structural damage. Here are the most common places in your home where water leaks may occur:
1. Water Heaters
Water heaters are a leading cause of leaks, with about 70% of failures resulting from leaks or bursts. Depending on the age and quality of your water heater, leaks might develop after 10-15 years. Look for puddles forming beneath the heater or listen for a hissing sound, which could indicate a leak.
2. Toilets
Toilets are another common culprit. A leaking toilet may cause water to pool around the floor seals, which can cause damage over time. If you see water around your toilet, it’s best to turn off the water supply and check the tank. In some cases, it might be time to call a plumber.
3. Pipes
Pipes are particularly vulnerable to leaks, especially during winter. Cold temperatures can cause water to freeze and expand, which may stress or burst pipes. Look for drips, wet spots, or holes in your pipes. Early detection and repair can prevent costly water damage down the line.
4. Fridges And Freezers
Fridges with ice makers often leak due to the constant flow of water. These leaks may occur in the plastic pipelines at the back of the appliance. If you find water pooling behind your fridge, you might need to replace the plastic pipes with copper ones.
5. Air Conditioners
Finding some moisture around your air conditioner is normal, but excessive dripping could signal a more significant issue. Leaks from the condensate pump, refrigerant lines, or drain line can cause water damage to your home’s walls or floors if left unattended.
6. Dishwashers And Washing Machines
Dishwashers and washing machines use large amounts of water per cycle, and any holes in the water lines or faulty seals can lead to leaks. Keep an eye on these appliances to prevent damage.
7. Gutters
Not all water damage starts inside your home. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to overflow, leading to leaks that seep into your foundation. Ensuring your gutters are clean can prevent basement flooding and foundation damage.
8. Showers And Sinks
Showers and sinks are frequent sources of water damage, especially if the caulking is cracked or worn. Holes in water lines connected to these fixtures can lead to slow leaks, which are often hard to detect until significant damage has occurred.
9. Sump Pumps
After a heavy storm, your sump pump can fail, leading to basement flooding. Regular maintenance is key to preventing future failures.
10. Ductwork
Leaky ductwork can develop moisture over time due to condensation from your air conditioner. If you notice wet spots around your air ducts, you might have a problem that requires professional air duct cleaning to avoid future issues.
Tackling Water Leaks: A Guide To When To Seek Help
It’s important to know your limits when detecting and repairing water leaks. In some cases, doing it yourself can save you time and money. However, for more significant problems, hiring a professional plumber is the safest and most cost-effective solution.
1. Know Your Limits
Not every plumbing problem is a DIY project. If you’re not confident in your abilities, attempting to fix a water leak can lead to more damage and higher repair costs. Tasks like moving pipelines or redesigning plumbing systems should be left to licensed professionals. Even small jobs, like toilet replacement, can be more complicated than they seem.
Important note: In Australia, major plumbing work requires a licensed plumber, and doing it yourself could affect your insurance claim if things go wrong.
2. Understand The Cost
Hiring a plumber can be expensive but often cheaper than fixing a botched DIY job. If you’re dealing with a simple leak, you might be able to repair it yourself. However, a professional should always handle large projects like installing new plumbing or repairing extensive leaks.
3. Consider The Time Commitment
Fixing leaks can be time-consuming. If you have a busy schedule, it might be worth paying for a professional to do the job quickly and correctly. Consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate to the repair and whether it’s worth the potential hassle of doing it yourself.
4. External Plumbing Repairs
Any repairs to your home’s external water or drain lines, including your home’s connection to the city’s plumbing, should always be handled by a professional. These repairs require expert knowledge and equipment, and mistakes can cause serious issues—not only for your home but also for your neighbours and local infrastructure.
5. Internal Repairs
Internal plumbing issues, such as those that involve walls or floors, are best left to the professionals. Tearing down walls or floors to access a water leak can be tricky, and improper repairs can cause more damage. A licensed plumber will know how to handle the situation with minimal disruption to your home.
6. Renovations
Major renovations, especially new bathrooms or kitchens, almost always require plumbing. Whether you’re adding a new bathroom or relocating a kitchen, hiring a plumber is best to ensure all pipes and fixtures are installed correctly.
7. Unclogging Drains
Clogged drains are a common household issue but can be tricky to fix. For small clogs, you can use a simple drain cleaner. However, avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode your pipes and cause serious damage. For bigger blockages, renting or using a power drill can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with the equipment. In these cases, calling a plumber is the safer option.
8. Shutting Off Your Main Water Valve
Every homeowner should know where their main water valve is located. If you detect a water leak, shutting off this valve is your first line of defence. It’s important to ensure your valve is in working order and easily accessible. If your valve is stuck, call your local utility to turn off the water supply at the property line.
9. Managing Your Water Heater
When turning off the main water valve, consider how it affects your water heater. If the water heater remains on while the valve is off, the heated water may expand without going anywhere. To avoid this, switch your water heater to vacation mode or install an expansion tank if your system doesn’t already have one.
Conclusion
Water is essential for our homes but can cause significant damage if it ends up in the wrong places. Leaks can occur anywhere from toilets and pipes to air conditioners and dishwashers. The key to preventing extensive water damage is early detection and swift repair. Know when to handle minor repairs yourself and when to call in a professional plumber.
Following these steps and staying vigilant can avoid costly repairs and ensure your home remains safe from water damage. Remember, even if you’re handy around the house, some jobs are best left to the experts.
FAQs About Water Leaks
Is There A Tool To Detect Water Leak?
A water leak detector can reduce the risk by alerting you to problems quickly, so you can act to prevent severe damage. We have tested several over the past few months, and these are the smart water leak detectors we recommend.
How Do I Fix A Water Leak In My Wall?
Use high-quality, water-resistant paints containing elements like silicon that provide extra strength to areas prone to seepage. Seal the gaps between window and door frames and walls. Remove the plasters from the dampened areas and apply a layer of white cement or mortar or any other waterproof material.
Why Would Water Come Up Through The Floor?
When the soil has too much moisture, or the water table starts rising to the level of your basement or home foundation, hydrostatic pressure causes the water to move into cracks of your home, unless the basement is properly waterproofed.
Is There A Tool To Detect Underground Water Leak?
Yes! ROTO-ROOTER has specialized underground leak detection equipment that allows a service technician to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Modern underground water leak detectors are sensitive and accurate – and allow our team to create repair your pipe as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Who’s Responsible For Water Leak?
This means that as a property owner; you’re responsible for the maintenance and repair of the pipes that supply water to your property. This includes all the pipes that run inside your home and outside too. For example, if there’s a leak on the property boundary, then that is the homeowner’s responsibility.
