Most Common Types of Water Leaks

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Your toilet is a very common source of water leakage. Be sure to replace your toilet flapper every two years.

No homeowner wants water leaks as uncontrolled water sources can lead to damage in your home and drive up water bills way past your monthly budget. A lot of the times, leaking water goes unnoticed and long term water leaks can lead to severe damage and better yet, void coverage from your insurance company. To ensure that your home is free from water leaks, it is important to know the most common type of water leaks. We will discuss preventative measure later on.

Burst Pipe 

Water pipes are highly sensitive to temperature (especially cold temperatures). Pipes burst frequently during the winter due to expansion of freezing water. Pipes don't usually burst at the site of freezing. Rather, they burst in the area between frozen blockage and the faucet. The blockage causes the pipe to expand and burst. 37% of bursting pipes occur in the basement where temperatures near 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the freezing point of water. In order to prevent bursting pipes, it is important to regulate temperatures near pipes and also conduct a routine maintenance for pipes especially in cold regions during the winter time.

Toilet Supply Line

The line that connects the toilet to the sewage system is frequently a source for many water leaks. Thankfully, this is as easy as replacing or tightening and does not require as much remediation as bursting pipes. A toilet supply line needs to be replaced if the leak occurs between the fitting and it needs to be tightened if it's around the fitting. A toilet supply line is easier detected than water leaks from bursting pipes so be wary of this source.

Appliance leaks

Many appliances can have water leaks: dishwashers, washing machines, faucets, refrigerators. Rubber tubes from washing machines are the most common types of leaks. For a top load washing machine, leaks in the front could mean overflow tube is blocked or tilted and this is normally caused by loading too much detergent. For front load washing machines, leaks in the front are probably caused by damaged door seal, leaking water intake hose, and leaking outer drum.

Hot Water Tank/Boiler

Another common source of leaks is a hot water tank/boiler and there can be many locations of water leaks. Either the pipes could be corroded or the tank itself is corroded and might need to be replaced. If water is leaking from the heater itself, its probably from the pressure release valve. Be mindful in dealing with water damage from hot water tanks as they can burn you.

Leaking Toilet

A leaking toilet can cost up to 90 gallons of water per day and cause your water bill to be exorbitant. It is important to maintain your toilet flapper every two years. An eroded flapper can continuously cause water to flush.

Irrigation System 

Your irrigation system consists of pipes connected to your sprinklers. You should maintain your irrigation system at least once every couple of years.

Now that you know the most common sources of water leaks, you can do your utmost best to prevent further water leaks. Save yourself the money from the water damage and the water waste. Undetected water leaks can cause severe structural damage to your home and drain your monthly budget without any warning. If you need an inspection or maintenance of identifying sources of water damage or water leaks, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park.