Some of the most common plumbing problems out there are leaky pipes and appliances. Unfortunately, though, many homeowners aren’t aware of these leaks until they grow severe enough to cause damage. At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we get it: Your household plumbing system probably isn’t on your mind very often. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it altogether.
By performing routine inspections of locations that commonly develop leaks, you can identify a minor problem before it gets out of control. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the most common household areas where plumbing leaks develop to help you keep a better eye out for leaks.
1. Around Water-Reliant Appliances
If you have a dishwasher or a refrigerator that dispenses water and ice, you’ll need to check around these appliances for leaks. You should never see moisture buildup around these units and if you do, one of the following issues is typically the culprit:
● A leaky hose
● A drainage issue
● Poor gasket sealing
● Faulty door latch (on the dishwasher)
With water-reliant appliances, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the leak on your own since these machines feature complex plumbing systems. If a faulty door latch or leaky gasket is the problem, you can usually determine that on your own. However, for leaks that appear to be related to hoses or drains, you’ll need to the expertise of a plumber.
2. Water Heater Base
Your water heater sees heavy use daily, which means routine inspections are essential to identify minor leaks before they get out of control. This is especially true if you have hard water, since a high mineral content in your household water can result in corrosion. To check for leaks, perform a quick visual inspection around the water heater tank. If you notice any moisture, call a plumber to schedule a more thorough inspection.
3. Around Your Toilets
If your toilet is leaking, you won’t always find glaring signs of water on your bathroom floor. Toilets can develop leaks that occur beneath your floorboards, and those leaks can cause extensive damage to your subfloor. If left unchecked, a leaky toilet can result in subfloor warping and mold development, both of which are serious problems.
You can keep an eye out for toilet leaks by performing routine visual inspections around your commode. If you ever locate any moisture or mildew, call a licensed plumber for a full inspection right away. You should also keep a close eye on your monthly water bills to detect unusual increases in cost. A toilet leak you cannot see will always cause your water bill to rise.
4. Outdoor Water Spigots
Constant exposure to fluctuating weather conditions can make your outdoor water spigots more susceptible to deterioration than your indoor plumbing components. As such, it’s important to perform routine visual inspections of all your outdoor plumbing fixtures to detect potential red flags.
If you can see puddles of water beneath your spigots, wet exterior cladding, or mold and mildew growth, chances are you’ve got a leak on your hands. Whether it’s due to a damaged spigot or a broken pipe, a plumber can find the source of the moisture and recommend the appropriate repairs.
Got Plumbing Leaks? Contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
If you’re worried you may have a plumbing leak anywhere in your home, get in touch with our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wassau, and we’re here for you, too. Plus, we offer 24/7 emergency service for your convenience. To schedule an appointment or request an estimate, give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or contact us online.