How To Detect and Deal With Water Leaks

Nobody wants a water leak.. That’s because aside from being messy and time-consuming when it comes to repairs, they are destructive and tend to be expensive if ignored.

However, leaks do occur and often do not come at a convenient time. Nonetheless, it’s wise to become familiar with how to detect a water leak.

Doing this will help you detect them early enough before they became destructive or expensive to repair. In fact, it would be beneficial to discover or understand the reasons they occur and ways to stop them before they begin.

Below are a few reasons why water leaks happen.

Water Quality

The quality of water flowing through the pipes affects the pipes themselves. What does this mean? Well, the minerals, chemicals, and salt levels in the water contribute to leakages, especially when it comes to poor water quality. As such, today, leaks are very common because of treated water, which contains both treating chemicals and mineral salts.

When treated water flows through pipes, the minerals and chemicals bind together, forming limescale, which is deposited along the lining of the pipe. With time, the buildup begins to corrode, forming pin size holes, which will allow water to leak.

The leaking water will then begin to seep through the walls and floors. With time, big leaks will begin to form. To counter this problem, a homeowner can install a whole-home water softener to improve the quality of the water.

Old Plumbing

As plumbing systems get old, they lose their integrity, and this is a fact that does not only apply to pipes, but also other things such as vehicles, wood, and even buildings. When it comes to plumbing, there are materials that can last over 20 years and age fairly well.

Of course, many other factors affect plumbing integrity, which includes water quality, maintenance, piping material, environment, and more. This is why it is paramount to ask the age of the plumbing system before moving into a new home. This information will give you a good idea of what to expect and the time to replace the old.

Corrosion or Rust

Rust is not good for a plumbing system because it eats away the pipes. Rust often begins to form as the plumbing system ages and the environment in which it is within. The most vulnerable places within a system are the fittings and joints.

Rust can form both internally or externally. The factors that affect each vary: i.e., external factors often relate to the environment, whereas internal factors related to water quality and mineral buildup. Signs of rust include discoloration and warping pipes. If you notice these signs, call a professional immediately.

Water Pressure

High water pressure is an enemy of plumbing systems. What does this mean? Well, even though you will feel nice standing under the shower at high pressure, it is bad for the pipes. For you to maintain pipe longevity, water pressure must be regulated.

Therefore, if you are experiencing high water pressure in your home, then it is time to invest in water pressure regulators systems. You can do this by visiting your local hardware store and buy a pressure release valve and a hose bibb gauge. After installation, these items will monitor and regulate water pressure, which should range between 30 psi to 50 psi.

Of course, there are those homes that can handle 100 psi, and this is why it is important to know where your system sits at.

Remember, leakages do not have to be a common problem for you. By applying these tips, you can prevent them for a long time.

We hope these tips have been helpful in avoiding water leaks in your home or business. As always, if you need the help of a local plumber near you please feel free to call us. We are available 24/7 in the city of Milwaukee and surrounding areas, including:

Mequon, Glendale, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, New Berlin, Franklin, Cudahy, Oak Creek, West Allis, Germantown, Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood