Water leaks are a nightmare for all homeowners. However, leaks happen more commonly than people think. According to a report, a typical home can lose up to 10,000 gallons of water every year due to water leaks.
Water leaks lead to a significant wastage of money and precious water, leaving homes running inefficiently. While some types of water leaks, such as dripping showerheads and faucets, can be quite easy to detect, others could go undetected for weeks or even months. For example, leaking pipes could go unnoticed unless they are checked regularly by a professional.
There are many types of household water leaks. These include:
Water Softener Leaks
There are three significant reasons why your water softener might be leaking. These include a cracked bypass, a faulty rotor valve, and a loose water line connection. If you notice a loose waterline, you can simply tighten the fitting to solve the problem.
On the other hand, any damaged component of the water softener should be replaced immediately. Replacing these parts will save you both money and water that you will need to run your home.
Water leaks can also result from an old and worn-out rotor valve seal or a perforated brine tank. The best way to solve the problem is to call a professional to replace these parts.
Fountain and Pool Leaks
Pools and fountains are also vulnerable to leaks due to plumbing problems. For example, a small leak in your pool the size of a pinhole could lead to a loss of 970 gallons of water every day. Such a leak could go undetected for months, leading to an increased water bill.
Significant warning signs of water leaks in pools include cracks and fissures in the shell, algae and mold growths immediately after chemical treatment and loose tiles. You should also check the soil around your pool to confirm if it’s often damp.
Another great way to check if the fountain or pool is leaking is by testing it using a marked bucket. Place the bucket at the top step of the pool and leave it for 24 hours. After 24 hours, check the marked bucket to confirm if the water level is still the same. If it’s lower, you should contact a professional to help you with the repair.
Supply Line Water Leaks
A supply line water link is one of the most common types of water leaks at home. It can also lead to significant water bills and loss of water. Residential water supply pipes are buried deep into the ground, making this leak quite challenging to detect.
If you have a severe water supply leak, you may notice that some water will be seeping up on the ground directly above the supply pipe. This leads to the constant damp ground around the water supply pipes. Ensure you do a perimeter check constantly around your property to check for any damp soil.
Sometimes, leaking water from the supply lines often goes directly to the meter box. Therefore, keep a close eye on your meter box and contact a professional immediately you notice dampness around it. This could be an indicator that your water supply lines are leaking.
Tub, Shower, and Faucet Leaks
Have you noticed that your showerheads and faucets are often dripping even when turned off? This is probably the most common type of water leak at home because most homeowners don’t pay attention to dripping faucets or showerheads.
However, if the dripping is left for a while, it may lead to enormous wastage of water and money. Fortunately, it is easy to repair a dripping shower head or faucet. You can even do it yourself at home with the right tools.
The first step is determining the type of showerhead or faucet you have. It could be a cartridge or a compression valve. Then search for the correct repair method based on your faucet type.
On the other hand, bathtub leaks are often caused by water drain leaks. The drain pipe may be loose in most cases, leading to water dripping onto the beneath space.
Humidifier Leaks in the Whole House
Do you have a whole-house humidifier? Humidifier leaks are often frustrating and annoying. However, these types of leaks are pretty common in houses with a central heating unit. That’s because the air distribution relies entirely on the vents and ductwork.
A whole-house humidifier is often connected to the supply pipes directly. Therefore, the leaks often start when the refill valve malfunctions or fails. The water leaking, as a result, will go directly into the sewer, hence, making it quite challenging to detect.
Before you detect this type of leak, too much water will already be wasted. When your AC is working to heat your home during the winter season, it’s advisable to do regular inspections of your humidifier.
Slab Leaks
Slab leaks are stressful and can quickly lead to a plumbing emergency. Homeownership isn’t easy. You will be responsible for handling many home repair emergencies such as water leaks, which can be a nightmare.
A slab leak can be quite challenging to detect and locate the source. For this reason, it’s advisable to hire a slab leak repair service to help you in case your slab is leaking. The professionals will also help you with slab leak detection to avoid severe water damage to your home.
A slab leak occurs when water pipes running under your home’s floors or basement burst or are damaged. This often leads to a leaking basement, growth of mold and mildew, and a spike in your water bills.
Ensure you check your floors for dampness and check whether there are any decreases in your household’s water pressure. These are the telltale signs of a slab leak.
Now You Know the Different Types of Water Leaks
There are many different types of water leaks. These may include slab leaks, fountain and pool leaks, and faucet and shower head dripping. Knowing the different types of household leaks will help you determine the best way to go about repairs.
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