Most Common Causes of Water Leaks in Houses

Running water comes with potential risks, the most common of which are leaks. Leaks will run up the water bill, lead to permanent damage of the fittings and fixtures, and, in the long-term, encourage the growth of moss and other organisms. To protect your Florida investment or home, you need to know the common causes of leaks.

In this article, the team from Income Realty Home Watch will be detailing the major causes of water leaks in a property.

Broken Seals of Your Water Fixtures

To ensure that the water runs through your appliances, technicians and plumbers make use of seals. The seals can be present in various appliances and fixtures such as the dishwasher door, the washing machine, and other devices that may have or need water connectors.

Due to wear and tear and sometimes damage due to negligence, the water seal may wear off. How do you know if the water seal has broken? If you see puddles near a device or condensation, check the condition of the seal.

A Clogged Drain

It is one of the common causes of water leaks on any property. Once a drain or pipe is obstructed by physical matter, you can expect a build-up of pressure in the pipes that can result in the pipe bursting.

 

 

As a rule of thumb, always clean up your plates before washing reducing the possibility of clogged drains. If you are hosting a party and use a lot of fat and oils, consider hiring a grease trap and used oil collection company to pick up the cooking remains.

Toilet Leak

From our experience in the industry, many homeowners don’t consider a toilet leak a possibility in their homes. It often goes unnoticed for months, if not years.

Have you ever heard of the toilet flush and not been able to identify if somebody has been in the washroom? It could be that you have a worn-down valve seal leak or a damaged flapper. You might want to replace that as soon as possible. And if you don’t have the expertise to do so, request the services of an expert handyman.

Another potential cause of toilet leaks is the loosening of the screws and bolt. The water closets hold a lot of weight, which may lead to significant pressure at the bottom. The toilet’s secure position to the wall might also move significantly. Always be on the lookout for small puddles between the wall and the water closet.

Water Pressure

Did you know that high water pressure can do significant damage to your pipes? The water pipes are meant to handle the pressure of a certain amount. The plumbing system, if you ask any respected handyman, can handle maximum pressure of about 80 psi i.e. per square inch.

If the pressure in your pipes exceeds 80 psi, you can expect your pipes to form leaks or burst. This is a common scenario in a hilly neighborhood or if your rental unit is located at the bottom of a high-rise building.

Due to the effect of gravity, the psi increases drastically. We recommend that you engage a local plumber and ask them which changes you can make to regulate the pressure.

Damage to Your Pipe Joints

How do you know if your pipes are damaged? Especially when the pipes are located within the walls? Some common signs are tell-tale signs that you should look out for: the ticking of pipes or a banging sound when you turn on the water.

To ensure that your pipes and the joints are in the best condition, we recommend that you perform a yearly inspection of your pipes annually. Water leaks can also lead to damp surfaces where mold can thrive, so it’s best to always check and get ahead of the problem. Detecting hidden water leaks before they get out of hand is always best.

Tree Roots

If you are the proud owner of a single-family residence or a multi-rental property, some of the pipes bringing in water will be located in the front and back yard. The original planners will have considered potential hindrances in the form of trees during the initial layout. But because trees are living organisms, this is bound to change over time.

Tree roots can either grow horizontally or vertically causing damage to your water pipes or drains. If you have noticed a significant soggy patch of ground on your property, especially near a big tree, there is a possibility of leakage.

Another common sign is the formation of a sinkhole. An increase in water creates muddy soil that is unable to handle the increased weight above drier soil.

Change in Temperature

Where there is a sudden change in temperature, there is a possibility of damage to your pipes. Made of steel, your drainage pipes expand easily during the hot season and contract fast during the cold season.

If there is a change in temperature suddenly, for example in your water or ice dispenser, the change in size could be too sudden leading to cracks.

Bottom Line

From the information detailed above, you can appreciate the amount of time that you need to put in to detect possible defects early on your property. Early detection could mean possible savings in utility costs and a reduction in the possibility of property damage. However, that is a challenge for most property owners, especially when you are going away for a long-time.

Rely on the experts from Income Realty Home Watch. We are the service providers to rely on to watch your second home or vacation home. Not only do we have the experience but also the expertise and tools you need.

Get in touch with us today and receive a quote for our property management services.