What You Need to Know About Water Leaks
Every home is susceptible to a few common issues. One of the most common but frequently misunderstood is the household water leak. Local Northfield plumbers are here to explain a few essential pieces of information about them - what they are, how they happen, and what can be done to fix or prevent a water leak.
What Exactly Is a Water Leak?
They can also happen with very few signs. Studies have found that homeowners, on average, lose up to 17 gallons in a 24 hour period due to subtle water leaks.
Once a leak is identified, a licensed plumber should be contacted. They will come out to evaluate, and the first step in the process will be to identify the location of the water leak. Some may be obvious, while others may be more difficult to find.
After identifying the location of the water leak, the plumber will move on to the repair part of the service. How that will occur depends on where the water leak is located and how severe it is. This can be anything from just replacing a fitting under a sink or total replacement of the entire plumbing system.
Why Does A Water Leak Happen?
A common issue that causes a water leak, regardless of the season, is aging pipes. As pipes age, normal wear, and tear on them make them less resilient and more prone to small cracks that can lead to larger problems. In addition, as the home ages and settles, the foundation has a tendency to settle too. The shifting can jostle the pipes around, putting pressure on them in inappropriate areas and increasing the likelihood of a leak or rupture.
One other cause of a water leak is a clog in the drain or other plumbing fixtures. If the clog is allowed to get large enough, it may cause the pipe to be under too much pressure and spring a leak. Clogs can be the result of a build-up of soap scum, hair, or unflushable objects.
Can A Water Leak Be Prevented?
As discussed, one of the main reasons that a water leak happens is due to clogging in the pipes. Prevention techniques for this scenario include keeping the bathroom door shut and the toilet seat down so your little ones can’t flush their toys, and making sure that there is an easily located garbage can for quick disposal of objects like feminine hygiene products and baby wipes.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has been serving homeowners in the Northfield area for years. Their customer-focused mentality helps ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. Contact them today to learn about their water leak detection and repair service.