The Steps You Need to Take To Deal With A Leak
Even a small plumbing leak has the potential of becoming a disastrous issue. Many people think of plumbing leaks as a dripping faucet or a small drip located under the sink. Although these leaks are annoying, most people do not worry about fixing them; however, these small issues can become a catastrophic issue if you do not deal with it quickly and properly.
A plumbing leak can occur anywhere in the home where your plumbing pipes are located. This means a leak can occur in your basement, in your crawl space, in your floors, in your ceilings and in your walls. Because the pipes can be out of sight, you may not realize that you have a leak until it develops into a catastrophic leak. Continue reading to learn what to do if you find a leak.
What to Do if You Have a Burst Pipe
During the winter, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As the pipe thaws, air is released, which can cause pressure to build up inside your pipe. This pressure can cause your pipe to break. This type of plumbing problem is called a burst pipe. If you experience a burst pipe, here is what you should do.
If your water freezes, turn on all of the faucets in your home to allow the air to escape and minimize the pressure inside your pipes. As the pipe thaws, you may hear a hissing sound coming from your pipes. This is normal and can help prevent a break. Next, turn off the main water valve. Finally, heat your home to help thaw your pipes. Do not place a space heater near your pipes or use a blow torch to thaw your pips as it can pose a fire risk and even damage your pipes.
What to Do if You Have a Leak Near a Faucet
The first step to take with any plumbing issue is to turn off the main water supply. Once you have done this, you can either look for the leak or contact a plumber. A leak at your faucet could be caused by a broken seal, a break or even too much water pressure. A plumber can help determine the issue and correct it.
What to Do if You Have a Leaky Toilet
As with the other plumbing issues, the first step is to turn off your main water supply. Because there are several reasons for a toilet to be leaking, contact your plumber. The plumber will assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
What to Do if You Have a Leak Inside Your Walls or Floor
This type of leak is the most difficult to fix.
If you notice any water damage to your walls or floors, contact a professional plumber to inspect the plumbing system in your home.
To help minimize the damage from a plumbing leak, act quickly. Do not wait until a small leak turns into a burst pipe or larger plumbing issues as even the smallest leak can end up costing your thousands of dollars. Instead, contact a plumber to assess and correct any plumbing issues as soon as you notice them.