Plumbing leaks are one of the leading causes of water damage. Whether it’s a leaking sink connection or a slow drip from your water heater, a plumbing leak can cause significant damage if not found and repaired. We cover how to prevent plumbing problems that cause water damage. Plus, regular maintenance will keep water bills low and extend the life of your plumbing.
How Do Plumbing Problems Cause Water Damage?
When most people think of water damage, they usually imagine a flood or a water heater failure. While those events certainly qualify, it’s unlikely that you’ll overlook a foot of water in your home.
However, it is easy to overlook a small plumbing leak. Depending on the location and conditions, a plumbing leak can go unnoticed for days or even weeks. And each drip is slowly damaging the area around the leak.
Water is a natural solvent and it will slowly break down cabinets, walls, and even wood. As the water spreads, so does the damage. Although the leak is unlikely to cause extensive damage, it’s usually a warning sign of a potential problem. If a toilet supply line is leaking today, it could break in the future. And that would cause a disaster.
How Do You Prevent Plumbing Leaks That Cause Water Damage?
Most of us take our plumbing systems for granted. Even though we use them regularly, it’s easy to overlook issues that could cause costly water damage. It’s easy to find and repair most plumbing leaks with a few minutes a week and nothing more than a few tools.
- Check Connections for Leaks – Check all water supply lines and drain pipe connections for leaks. You can tighten supply lines with an adjustable crescent wrench. PVC drain pipes are glued together, but most drain traps have screws. Just tighten them by hand until they are snug. However, overtightening them can cause them to break.
- Look for Corrosion – Water will corrode metal, causing rust or mineral build-up. In addition to signs of a leak, corrosion and rust are often the first indications that a plumbing device could fail. You can clean rust n water heaters, sump pumps, and old pipes with a wire brush. However, you should replace that item soon.
- Test Shut Off Valves – Most sinks and toilets will have water shut-off valves. Turn each valve off and back on to check it works properly. This will prevent leaks and ensure you can limit the damage if there is a problem in the future.
- Inspect for Water Damage – Check walls and other structural materials near plumbing systems for signs of damage in the walls. Damp or deteriorating building materials, water stains, and mold could mean you have a leak or other plumbing issue.
Where Should You Look for Plumbing Leaks?
- Water Heater – Hot water tank failures can be expensive and cause significant water damage and flooding. Visually inspect your tank for corrosion, rust, and leaks. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, have it professionally inspected.
- Sump Pump – Your sump pump is often the last defense against storm flooding, so it’s critical to keep it in proper working condition. Check your sump pump at least once a year. This ensures that it works as intended during heavy rains.
- Washing Machines – Most washing machines use 30 to 40 gallons of water per cycle, so it’s important to check both supply lines and wastewater lines every few months. If your washing machine drains to a utility sink, check the sink and floor drains for clogs as well.
- Toilets – Toilet components can wear out over time, causing higher water bills or even flooding and water damage. To inspect your toilet, remove the lid on the tank and flush the toilet. Make sure the flapper, flush valve, and ballcock are all working properly and in good condition. To check for a toilet leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Wait a few hours, then check the bowl for dye. If you see dye, you know you have a toilet leak.
- Sinks – Sink seals and washers can deteriorate over time. Not only does this wastewater, but it could potentially cause mold problems. Check cabinets under sinks for damp spots, deteriorating materials, musty odors, and visible mold. Tighten the connections on sink drains as well as replace the gaskets as necessary.
- Bathtubs and Showers – Bathtubs and showers are often the most heavily used pieces of plumbing in your home. Not only should you check faucets, showerheads, and drains regularly, but also inspect seals around the tub and on bathroom walls. Additionally, water can leak behind worn-out tile, grout, and caulk and cause mold.
What to Do If You Have Water Damage From a Plumbing Leak
Even if the damage is minor, make repairs immediately. Otherwise, the leak will continue to cause damage and could even fail. Follow these basic steps to repair the damage:
- Identify and Repair the Leak – Find the source of the leak and make repairs to stop it. This could be as simple as tightening a water line or as complicated as replacing your water heater.
- Dry the Area Completely – Dry the damaged area using high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. Allow the equipment to run until the area is completely dry. For the best results, use a moisture meter to test if the material is really dry.
- Remove and Replace Damaged Materials – Even after drying, some material may need to be cut out and replaced. Replace anything that is warped, cracked, or damaged.
- Disinfect and Deodorize – Mold and odors can develop even after the leak is fixed, so disinfect and deodorize the area. Use a solution of 1 and ¼ cups of bleach per gallon of water to disinfect. Deodorize with fresh air or sprinkle the area with baking soda.
Do you have water damage after a plumbing leak? Call 1-888-443-3110 for a free quote and fast water removal.
