Water Leaks – Unfortunately, home ownership is not always smooth sailing. There are several issues that could befoul your property, and one such issue is leaking. There is nothing more annoying than being driven to distraction by the incessant drip-drip-drip of a leak that you are struggling to identify. Leaks tend to spring suddenly, and if they are not dealt with quickly and efficiently, they can cause issues both for the property and also financially too. This is why we have put together the following guide, so keep reading to learn more.
Detecting Leaks
Obviously, in order to deal with the leaks, you first have to know how to detect them. Some leaks are hard to miss, creating puddles, flooding areas of the home or making watermarks on the walls or ceiling. However, not every form of a water leak is apparent. Monitor your water usage; if you suddenly find your bills rising or statements that you have used more water, then this can indicate a leak in the home. Similarly, a drop in water pressure can indicate a leak somewhere in the system. Some leaks are underground and, therefore, harder to spot, they may still produce puddles on the floor, and they also tend to produce a mouldy, mildew smell too.
On occasion, the leak might be happening outside. You can usually work out whether you have a leak by checking your water meter, although you will need to turn off the stop tap first. If the dial on your water meter continues to move despite your stop tap being off, then this can indicate a leak in the supply line. Excessive mud in one area of your garden or a higher rate of growth on a patch of grass can signal that the leak is nearby. Finally, cracks in the concrete can also be a symptom of an underground leak. If you suspect a leak, arguably, the best thing that you can do is to have a professional come in and check for you. For example, Miracle Leak Detection serves several locations across the UK, and they offer a no-find no-fee guarantee too.
Where Can You Expect to Find a Water Leak?
There are a few different areas within the home that are more likely to experience a leak. The main culprits tend to be the boiler, toilet, showerhead or other appliances. Firstly, if you suspect the boiler take a look at it and check all valves and the surroundings for signs of a leak. Toilets are obviously used a lot, and therefore they do tend to be more prone to leakages. If your toilet is continually flushing or leaking, then there could be an issue in the tank.
Similarly to toilets, our showers, baths and taps, in general, are also used often. The wear and tear that happens over time can cause leaks. While low pressure can be indicative of a leak, on the flip side, while it might not be super obvious, continual drips from your taps can lose a lot of water over time and drive the cost of your water bills up. Finally, the appliances that are plumbed into the mains, like a dishwasher or washing machine, can shift and loosen the connection to the valve, causing a leak.
After Finding a Leak
if you are unlucky enough to stumble upon a leak in your home, there are a few things that you need to do. First and foremost, you need to assess the severity. This will then dictate the next steps. Is the leak likely to get bigger quickly or cause significant damage either structurally or cosmetically to your home? If so, it obviously need to be dealt with swiftly, and it will likely need professional intervention. On the other hand, is the leak limited to a single appliance like the washing machine? In which case, you can likely reconnect it with little fuss.
For the most part, you should be able to take care of small leaks yourself with minimal time, effort and money. You will likely need to turn off the water while you make your fix to avoid damage or any surprises. Conversely, serious leaks will likely require a plumber, although you should still turn off the water until you can get a plumber out to prevent any more damage from occurring. You need to be able to locate your stopcock and turn it off. Sometimes, the stopcock will be stuck open simply because it is not often used; if possible, as part of your maintenance efforts, you should routinely turn the stopcock to make sure that it doesn’t get stuck in any one position.
To Sum Up
While there are a number of benefits to owning your home, the privilege does come with a significant amount of responsibility too. Responsibilities that may not have been on your radar previously – especially if you are a first-time buyer. Homes do require maintenance work to ensure that they are habitable and comfortable for you and your family. If you carry out all necessary maintenance checks and keep an eye on your energy bills for any anomalies, you should be able to nip any potential problems in the bud before they escalate
Water Leaks is a feature post
