If your water bill is unusually high one month, or you noticed dreaded wet spots on your ceiling or walls, the cause is usually a plumbing leak. Whether it be clogs or corrosion, leaking plumbing – even slow leaks – can cause substantial damage to your house over time. However, armed with the knowledge of what commonly causes leaks, you can take steps to prevent damage from occurring.
A Dripping Faucet
Consider this – a leak is simply defined as water going from a place it’s supposed to be to a place it’s not. If your faucet is dripping, that counts as a leak. Fortunately, this type of leak is unlikely to cause any serious damage to your house – though it will certainly run up your water bill. If you have some plumbing skills, you can fix this yourself by changing the washer underneath the handle – provided that is the cause. If not, you’ll need to call a plumber in Granite City, IL for further examination.
Clogs
If you’ve noticed that water isn’t draining as quickly as it used to in your sink, bath, or toilet, the problem could be a clog. Clogs occur when debris gets stuck and accumulates inside a pipe. Smaller clogs can be fixed by snaking your drain or using a clog removal solution. You may need to call a plumber to remove tougher clogs.
Corrosion
Everything wears down over time, including your pipes. This is particularly a problem in older homes that have older plumbing systems. Rust wears through metal pipes and causes leaks. Unfortunately, unless you’re a plumber, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to replace the old pipes with newer ones by yourself. Keep in mind that it’s better to make the replacement sooner rather than later. Corrosion can get a lot worse very quickly.
Tree Roots
Not all plumbing leaks start within your home. If you live in an older neighborhood with established trees, the root system could begin to cause a problem. Roots are strong and they will twist, puncture, and break pipes. The tell-tale signs are usually a loss in water pressure, wet spots on your lawn, or sinkholes. If you’re experiencing this kind of plumbing leak, it’s best to call a plumber right away.
While these are some of the more common leaks you may encounter, only a trained plumber will be able to diagnose specific issues.
