Water leakage is a serious issue for it can cause massive damage to the building. A lot of people overlook minor leaks which is why their real estate properties run in a lot of trouble at the end of the day. If you don’t spot a water leakage quick you will have to spend a lot of money in fixing the macro issues which would aggregate at the end. Interestingly most leaks come from within the house and not from the roof. Therefore it is crucial to keep inspecting the house every few days up if you are skeptical about a possible leak in any area of the house. In this article, we will guide you through 10 common reasons for water leakage in the house. If you don’t know how to spot a water leak, you must consider professional help before it is too late:
- Washing Machine
Keep in mind; your washing room consumes the most amount of water. It is common for most washing machines to leak when they’re used. The most common reason behind a lot of washing machines leaking is the pouring of too much hot water in them. When you pour hot water in the machine, the plastic pipes start to expand, and ultimately at some point in time, tiny holes start forming which gives space for water to flow through. The best way to spot a leak near the washing machine is to remove it from its place and see if there’s still some water despite no work done that day. Secondly, you must access the tub inlet to check any problem inside. You can also inspect the washer after every few days up to see if there are any possible water spots.
- Toilets
Toilet and restrooms are the second most notorious places when it comes to water leaks. Most of the time, water leaks come from the tank behind the toilet seat. The problem with leaking pipes is they deteriorate the bathroom walls and cause smell in the toilet. Sometimes when water stays in the toilet for too long, it is common for harmful bacteria and insects to stay on it. The moisture, which is produced as a result of the water leaks damages the bathroom walls to a great extent. You must check the toilet seat every day before you leave the toilet. Don’t forget to flush your poop and check if the tank has emptied the water it had. In most toilet seats, the basic issue is that the pump often starts dysfunctioning, so the water continues to flow in the seat.
- Refrigerators
If your fridge is equipped with an automatic ice maker or a water dispenser, there is always a chance for water leaks. Secondly, if you don’t maintain such a fridge for a long time, many parts will eventually start dysfunctioning. A lot of people complain of water leaking from their fridge which is why many modern companies have stopped incorporating water dispensers within the fridge. Refrigerators contribute a significant amount of water leaks in the house which is why it is important to keep a check on them. So if you have an old refrigerator in the house, you must check it every few days up.
- HVAC equipment
Air conditioners give out a significant amount of water when they’re working. Therefore you need to make sure there’s no water on the floor or around the AC when it is not working. The central pans overflow if the drainpipe gets clogged. Especially when it comes to the season when humidity is at its highest, it is crucial to keep a check on air conditioners. It’s important to keep in mind, excessive dripping of the water on the wall can be very damaging. If the dripping water isn’t stopped, it might cause the entire wall to get affected, and your AC could potentially fall.
- Downspouts
Downspouts are pipes which are responsible for carrying water from the roof to the ground. If any of these pipes get damaged, it is important to get a plumber to fix them as soon as possible. If you are not well versed with handling such minor issues you must get water damage restoration done by an expert plumber to get rid of further issues. Once the downspouts are segmented in the right manner, water leakage will automatically get eradicated. Downspouts are installed in the crannies of the building which makes it easy for the homeowners to inspect them every few days up.
- Water Heaters
If you have water heaters in the house, you can always expect a water leak somewhere close to them. Millions of Europeans use water heaters especially in winter because they help in maintaining a warm temperature in the house. However, when the water heater hasn’t been changed for the longest time, there is always a chance of some of its pipes getting broken. Most water heaters, when they reach the end of their lifetime, start expanding and pouring out water. So the next time you turn on the central heating, you must ensure there is no leakage. Water heaters also have a pressure control which can be managed to avoid the problem in advance.
- Sewer Pump
If you live in a house where rainfall or storms are rampant, you can always expect the sewer to leak. During big storms, the large debris often gets clogged near the sewer pump which is why it is crucial to maintain it once in a while. Annual maintenance can help if you want to avoid any leakage near this kind of pumps. The best way to check for a possible leak is to analyze the main valve and feel around for dripping water or moisture. If you detect any water leakage you must not waste time and get a plumber to fix the problem as soon as possible.
- Sinks
In most households, sinks are the main source of a water leak. However, it is difficult to check water leak in those areas because most pipes are hidden beneath the sink. Most households adjust sinks in such a way that they can only be dissected by a professional more plum and not by a common man. Even if the water pipe beneath the sink is damaged, it will cause a lot of water to flow in other areas of the kitchen. Showers are also a main cause of water leak in the house. The best way is to not use the shower for a day and then check if there’s any drop of water around it. The modern showers are being carved in a way that there is zero water leakage from them. So if you have an old piece in the bathroom, you better replace it with something new and more concrete.
- Gutters
If you are living in Miami, you cannot expect all the water damages to come from within the house. Gutters are not just flooded with waste material which flows from the house, but they also have to encapsulate leaves, large pieces of debris, stones and a lot more. So there is always a chance of a gutter getting clogged with a lot of hard material. If you ever see dirty water coming out of the gutter, you must inform the local community cleaning department to work it out. Even if you experience bad smell around the house, you must check the gutter first. Furthermore, if you want to prevent the gutters from getting blocked, you must incorporate gutter guards on them.
- High water pressure
To pump water to the rest of the house, it is crucial to put some pressure. However, the issue arises when the pressure exceeds its maximum limit. A simple example is if the water pressure is very high it will cause your pipes to expand and burst. This, in turn, can cause flooding in the house. So if you leave the water pressure as it is and don’t check it again, you might get back home and find yourself in a pool of water. The best way to manage such issues in the house is to slightly lower the pressure and check the pipes for any possible holes. Most factories have a separate department for people who are assigned the task of managing water pressure.
Conclusion:
Therefore these were some of the reasons and places where water leakage rampantly spreads in the entire house. Water leakage is dangerous for it causes massive trouble to the building. In severe cases, it can even cause the building to collapse. Many buildings are often reconstructed when architects don’t plan for water leakage issues in the house. Water leakage is a serious issue which is often overlooked by a lot of people. The problem is that it gives rise to macro issues which are then even more difficult to manage. Therefore you must spend a few dollars to fix a small issue instead of taking a loan from the bank to construct a new house all over again.