Household water leaks across the nation are responsible for wasting over 1 trillion gallons of water each year.
They’re an all-too-common plumbing problem, but why do they seem to spring up out of nowhere? Here’s everything you need to know about leaks in your plumbing, what causes them, and what to do when you find one.
Most Common Causes of Water Leaks
A number of things can cause water leaks. Here are a few of the most common:
- Extreme Temperatures – Especially in Utah’s harsh winters, swift temperature changes can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Water expands when it freezes, so pipes that are filled with water often expand to the point of bursting.
- Leaking Toilets – Toilets are easily one of the most common reasons for a water leak. The plumbing mechanisms inside the toilet tank can warp or wear out over time, causing them not to seal correctly and water to leak out. The good news is that these leaks are easy to fix and don’t usually cause any damage to your home.
- Leaky Faucets – If you hear a steady dripping sound anytime your home is quiet, that’s a good sign that you’ve got a leaky faucet. As long as the water is dripping into a sink, it shouldn’t damage your home, But it wastes a lot of water!
- Root Damage – Tree roots are powerful, and they can force themselves right through your pipes. Roots seek out water underground, and if your pipes are leaking even the tiniest bit, they’ll find their way to it. Roots intruding through your pipes can cause severe damage and be extremely difficult and expensive to repair.
- Old Plumbing – Like most things in life, plumbing doesn’t last forever. Aging pipes, fixtures, and joints are prone to wear and tear and eventually lead to leaks.
How to Identify Water Leaks
One of the easiest ways to identify a water leak is to pay attention to your monthly water bill. Water bills are usually pretty consistent, so if you find a significant spike in your bill one month, then it’s a good sign you’ve got a leak on your hands. Other signs to watch out for include a dripping sound, a musty odor, and water pooling in one specific area
What to Do When You Find a Leak
Some leaks are easy to repair and don’t need much skill, but if you find a leak or even suspect you might have one, it’s a good idea to call a licensed plumber. They can help you detect the water leak and repair it so you won’t have to deal with more significant plumbing issues in the future.
Quick Quality Plumbing is Here
Water leaks are no fun to deal with, but Quick Quality Plumbing is here to help remedy the situation. Our plumbing experts are experienced in leak repairs as well as any other plumbing needs you might have. We serve clients in Orem, Provo, American Fork, and Lehi, Utah, as well as the neighboring cities. Contact us today for a free quote!
