No homeowner wants to find that they have a water leak. The typical home loses between 2,000 and 20,000 gallons of water every year due to leaks, which wastes water, energy and money. But unfortunately, residential plumbing leaks are all too common, and should be addressed right away.
Some leaks are easy to find the source of, such as a dripping faucet, while others can go undetected for days, months or years. Here’s a look at the six most common household water leaks.
1. Rust or Corrosion/Burst Pipes
Rust is the leading cause of water leaks. Pipes can corrode over the years, which can introduce weakness especially at pipe joints. Burst pipes can also result when excessive water pressure is applied. Freezing temperatures cause pipes to expand and contract, which can result in cracks. These in turn can lead to burst pipes.
2. Water Softener Leaks
Leaks in water softeners arise from three things:
- Loose water line connections
- Defective rotor valves
- Cracked bypass valve assemblies
If the issue originates with the waterline, it can be fixed by simply tightening up the fitting. But components that are actually damaged should be replaced ASAP.
3. Water Supply Line Leaks
Water supply line leaks are hard to detect because the supply pipes are located underground. If the leak is bad enough, you will notice water will start to seep towards the surface right above the pipe in question. Sometimes the leak will travel along the pipe and make it to the meter on your home. If you see water in the box, you have a water supply leak.
4. Pool and Fountain Leaks
A leak as small as a pinhole can lead to nearly 1,000 gallons of wastewater each day. You will notice a huge uptick in your water bill, but you may not notice it for a month till you get your bill. Be on the lookout for:
- Loose tiles
- Pool shell cracks
- Algae formation right after chemical treatment
- Damp soil surrounding the pool
5. Faucet, Tub and Shower Leaks
Dripping faucets and showerheads are one of the more common leak sources. They waste a lot of water if left unchecked. They’re easy to repair, though.
6. Toilet Leaks
Another common water leak source is the toilet, which also wastes a ton of money and water. But like faucet leaks, they are also easy to repair. It may just involve a worn toilet flapper. You can run a simple test to see if you have a toilet leak. Remove the lid, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank, then wait. If you see the color show up in the toilet bowl within about 20 minutes, a leak is present.
Contact L&P Plumbing LLC
If you think you have a household water leak that needs inspection, repair or replacement, contact us at 512-768-6973.
