9 Preventable Plumbing Leaks

Posted on Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

The best ways to stop any plumbing leak is through prevention or early detection. Most of the time, it’s too little too late. If the leak isn’t an intrusion from outside, the quickest way to stop water flow is to turn off your home’s main water valve. It’s not a permanent fix, but turning off the water can give you time to figure out the problem and repair it. Everyone in a household should know where to access a water shutoff valve and how to open and close it.

Depending on the severity of your leak, it might be an easy fix. But if you’re not sure what to do, don’t hesitate to call a professional. If you want to avoid potential plumbing issues, a quick 10 minute house inspection is all that is necessary to catch a small problem before it becomes a big one. Look for signs of water damage such as wet spots, discoloration, warping, or softness around:

  1. The Dishwasher – Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply.
  2. The Refrigerator – If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line.
  3. The Sink – Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks, and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.
  4. Showers And Bathtubs – Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage.
  5. Toilets – Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak.
  6. Washing Machine – Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
  7. Water Heater – Most water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain, or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.
  8. Sump Pump – Battery-operated backup sump pumps can help protect against power failure or failure of the primary pump. Test the sump pump before the start of each wet season. Sump pumps are not intended to last more than 10 years and must have some components replaced or serviced within those 10 years.

© 2011, All Rights Reserved
Dixie HomeCrafters

Legal Statement | Site Map