Leaks in the home can cause a lot of damage if they are not addressed quickly. From minor drips to major floods, leaks should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent further issues. Here are some of the most common causes of leaks in homes and what to do about them, such as using a compact puddle pump to remove excess water.
Faulty Plumbing
One of the top reasons for leaks is faulty plumbing. This includes issues with pipes, joints, valves, and more. Some common plumbing problems that can lead to leaks include:
- Cracked or corroded pipes. Pipes can crack over time due to weathering or chemical reactions. Corroded galvanised steel pipes are prone to pinhole leaks. Replacing old pipes is the best solution.
- Loose joints. Joints can come loose over time due to soil settlement, temperature changes, vibrations, etc. Tightening or replacing loose joints prevents drips.
- Malfunctioning valves. Shower, tap and appliance valves can begin to leak over time. Replacing worn valve seals or the entire valve fixes this.
- Broken supply lines. Rubber supply lines leading to sinks, toilets and appliances can crack and leak. Swapping in new braided stainless steel supply lines is recommended.
- Dripping taps. Worn tap washers allow water to drip from taps. Replacing tap washers stops annoying drips.
Worn Seals
Seals designed to prevent water leaks can fail eventually. Some key areas where worn seals lead to leaks include:
- Showers. Shower doors, enclosures, bases and plumbing fittings have seals that need periodic replacement.
- Sinks. Sink drain baskets and garbage disposals as well as sink overflow holes have seals that wear out.
- Toilets. The wax ring seal between the toilet and floor as well as tank to bowl gaskets can leak if worn.
- Appliances. Water-using appliances like dishwashers and washing machines have door and pump seals that need replacement if they are leaking.
- Windows. Window frames and sills have weatherstripping that wears down over time. Replacing this prevents rainwater intrusion.
Frozen/Burst Pipes
In winter, pipes that run through uninsulated areas like attics, garages and basements are prone to freezing. The expansion of the frozen water inside the pipe can cause it to burst. Some tips for avoiding burst pipes include:
- Insulating exposed water pipes in cold areas.
- Letting taps drip during sub-zero weather.
- Keeping garage doors closed to retain warmth.
- Opening kitchen/bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Shutting off and draining pipes leading to outside taps.
- Maintaining consistent heating during cold snaps.
Faulty Appliances/Fixtures
Appliances and fixtures that use water in the home can develop leaks due to wear and tear or malfunctions. Some problematic areas include:
- Dishwashers. Old door gaskets and supply line issues are common. Replacing gaskets and lines helps.
- Washing machines. Leaks typically come from hoses, pumps and door seals. Replace leaky components.
- Water heaters and boilers. Corroded tanks, loose fittings and leaks at the base are red flags. Replace faulty appliances.
- Showerheads. Worn washers allow showerheads to drip. Replace washers to stop drips.
- Outdoor hose bibs. Worn washers are the usual culprit. Replace the washer to fix.
Regularly inspecting appliances and fixtures can help spot leaks early before they become a big problem. Catching leaks quickly reduces water damage in the home.
Preventing Leaks
The best way to deal with leaks is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some useful tips for leak prevention:
- Inspect plumbing lines and joints annually for signs of wear. Address any issues before leaks occur.
- Replace rubber supply lines with braided stainless-steel lines that are more durable.
- Upgrade old galvanised steel pipes to prevent corrosion leaks.
- Caulk around sinks, tubs, showers, and other fixtures annually.
- Weatherstrip windows, doors, and attic hatches to stop rainwater intrusion.
- Insulate attics, basements and garages to protect pipes from freezing.
- Install leak detectors near water heaters and under sinks to get early warning of leaks.
Leaks should never be ignored as they can lead to mould, rot, damage to belongings and costly repairs if left unchecked. Staying on top of plumbing maintenance, inspecting seals, repairing appliances promptly and insulating pipes in cold weather will help minimise the chance of leaks. But if a leak does occur, turn off the water supply and make repairs immediately or call a plumber for help. Addressing leaks quickly reduces headaches down the road.
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