If You’ve Got a Home, You’ve Got Plumbing

Homeownership and plumbing go together. It’s not an exaggeration to state that every homeowner will encounter at least one water leak in their lifetime. But here’s the tricky thing: a single slow leak that you don’t even notice can result in a water loss of thousands of gallons in one year. Not only that, but a slow, persistent leak can do thousands of dollars of damage to your home before you even know it’s happening. And, once you discover it, it’s too late. Everything the water has touched is damaged and may need to be replaced.

New homes and old alike are susceptible to water leaks. Here are three common residential plumbing leaks:

Toilets

When you flush your toilet, a flapper lifts up to let water move from the tank to the bowl and then drops to allow the water to replenish. When something’s amiss with that flapper, water will leak from the tank into the bowl all day and all night long. Sometimes you can hear it, but other times the leak is so slow that it’s imperceptible. If you suspect a leak, you can drop some drops of food coloring into the tank. If your tank is leaking, you’ll see color appear in the bowl in 15 minutes or so.

These leaks are easy to fix if you’ve got basic DIY skills. A trip to the hardware store for a new flapper will usually do the trick.

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets waste gallons and gallons of water; in fact, one drip every second uses 3000 gallons of water in a year. That’s nearly 200 bathtubs full and a lot of wasted money. The cause is usually a damaged washer, but unusually high pressures can sometimes be the cause. Replacing the washer is a straightforward task, but you’ll need to hire a plumber if pressure is the culprit.

Leaky Sinks

These links are especially pernicious. You probably won’t notice a slow leak unless you regularly visit the space underneath your sink. Most homeowners don’t become aware of sink leaks until the damage becomes noticeable. Cracking caulk, a loose faucet base, water stains, a creaking floor, or a stained ceiling are many signs of a water leak. Your best protection against these leaks is to regularly take a peek under your sinks and look for any signs of dampness.

Stay Dry; Schedule an Inspection

Responsible homeowners understand the risk of plumbing leaks and schedule regular professional home check inspections in Philadelphia to ensure water isn’t a problem anywhere in their homes. Schedule your plumbing inspection today.