Common Household Water Leaks You Need to Watch Out For
Water is a scarce and non-renewable resource. Not only are many people in the world deprived of it, but it’s also becoming a major global issue with every passing day. You’d be surprised to know that most of your everyday habits are contributing to water wastage. Undetected water leaks are one of them!
According to the USGC, if any fixture drips 15,000 times a day, we waste one gallon of water. Furthermore, 4,000 drips equal a whole liter of wasted water. If the problem goes on for days, you risk the loss of an immense amount of water!
Here are some common water leaks that you need to watch out for:
Leaking faucets
Leaking faucets are one of the most common plumbing issues that households face. A faucet leaks if it keeps on dripping even after the valve has been shut off.
If the leaking faucet is ignored for too long, it manifests in high water bills and flooding in a pool at the bottom of the basin. In most cases, faucet leaks don’t pose a significant risk to the plumbing system, but can be a great source of annoyance, especially if they keep on dripping overnight.
Faucets commonly leak if the valve seat is corroded or the washer is worn out. Other causes may include improper installation of the washer or the faucet itself.
Leaking hot water heater
Ideally, your water heater should last for up to ten years or more. After this point, you may start seeing signs of rust, corrosion, and damage. These factors can result in leaks.
Water heaters start leaking if the water exerts too much pressure on the tank. This happens when the pressure valve is malfunctioning.
Water heaters also leak after years of use leading to excess sediment accumulation at the base of the tank. If this is the case, a repair is not usually an option, and you might have to opt for a total replacement.
However, if the leak takes place as a result of improper installation or a loose drain valve, call up your plumbing service and get it fixed.
Leaking garbage disposal
A leaking garbage disposal creates more of a mess than any of the above-mentioned leaks. Garbage disposals mostly leak from the bottom, and the common culprit is the sink flange.
All garbage disposals are connected to the sink with the help of a flange. Years of use can cause the seal to corrode and loosen. This, in turn, affects the garbage disposal and makes its contents fall out. Only a professional plumber will be able to re-seal it.
At Pro Serve Plumbing, no leak is too small or too big for us. We are based in Fort Worth, Texas and offer a number of plumbing services, including leak repairs. Learn more about our services by clicking here.
