Water leaks carry a lot of risk if they’re not dealt with timeously. Even something as simple as a dripping tap can cause extensive damage to not only your flooring but your water bill as well.
Depending on the location of your water pipe, detecting the leak is easier than you think and it’s best to act as soon as possible. It’s not uncommon to reach out to an emergency plumber Melbourne locals make use of to deal with all types of water leaks. Here’s what one can learn from them.
What Are The Main Causes Of Water Leaks?
There are a bunch of reasons that could cause the pipes or current plumbing to sprout leaks. Here are the main ones as identified by our plumbing experts:
- Natural corrosion: Over time pipes become corroded which causes them to rust. This is especially the case in older homes where the plumbing has never been replaced.
- Vegetation: In many instances, tree or other plant roots grow over, around or even through existing pipes. When this happens, they force the pipes out of alignment and this, in turn, can cause older pipes to become damaged and leak.
- Higher water pressure: When pressure reduction valves aren’t installed correctly, excess pressure puts stress on pipes, joints and connectors.
- Faulty water hammer: Unchecked faulty water hammers can cause water pipe joints and flexible connectors to break.
- Water heater corrosion: Leaks can also originate from your water heater if the corrosion has gone undetected.
Signs And Risks Of Continuous Water Leaks
Not all water leaks happen inside your home where you can easily spot them. If the leak is anywhere along the pipe between your home and the water mains, the leak could go undetected until an inflated water bill draws your attention to a potential problem.
Our experts have identified the top signs that could indicate a damaged water pipe.
1. Mould and Mildew
If you’re suddenly seeing mould or mildew in parts of your home it’s a clear indication of unwarranted dampness. The tiny little black pores that signal the presence of dampness could indicate pipes leaking behind walls or on the roof. Mould that isn’t dealt with can lead to a variety of respiratory and allergy-related issues, which is a main reason why swift action is vital.
2. Damage to Property
If the leak is inside your home, you could see clear signs of water damage to flooring, furniture or carpets. Outside water leaks often cause subsidence of the surrounding ground. This means you’ll see damage to pathways and driveways. Another clear indication is puddles of water or wet areas in places that should be dry.
3. Increased Presence of Insects
It’s no secret that some common pests thrive in damp areas. An increase in mosquitoes, mites and garden bugs could also indicate a water leak. They’ll generally take up residence close to where the damp is. If this is in the walls or floorboards, it could cause property damage. Since certain bugs carry diseases it could put your family at risk.
4. Higher Water Bills
Another clear indication of a water problem is a sudden and unexplained increase in your water bills. If you receive an unusually high water bill, you should ask your local plumber to perform a test along your water line.
Simple Checks to Do Before Your Phone Your Plumber
If you’ve seen any of these signs, it’s crucial to perform the following tests for confirmation:
- Check your outside property for pools of water, visible leaks and damaged pipes
- Look around the inside of your home for signs of mould (small black spores on the walls)
- You should also check your toilet cistern for leaks
- If you have air conditioning units, you should check them for any dripping water
- Make sure your water heater doesn’t have signs of damage or leaking
- Check the water mains by doing the following:
- Close all taps and switch off the water heater
- Find the water meter and check if the leak indicator is moving – if it is, you have a definite leak
- Record the reading and repeat this action two hours later without using any water
- If there’s a difference in the two readings, it’s time to call a plumber specializing in water leak detection Melbourne residents often use
What Will the Experts Do?
The good news is plumbing experts no longer have to dig up your whole garden to find a leaking pipe. With the use of specialised equipment and the latest leak detection technology it’s super-easy to locate the problem.
Additionally, they use tools such as diamond hole saws, stainless steel screws and strong coated metal clips. These make it possible to fix any leak without causing further damage to your building or property.
Final Thought
There’s no reason why potential water leaks should stress you out too much. Following our guidelines and contacting your local plumber—sooner rather than later—will get the leak stopped before it causes any irreparable damage.
Remember: regular checks of your property and home for potential leaks will go a long way to early detection! Stay in control of the situation!
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