If you have a leak in your home, you may not be sure why it’s happening.
Is there a problem with your roof?
A pipe?
A plumbing fixture like a toilet or shower?
There can be a lot of different sources of water leaks, which is why it’s important to hire an experienced plumbing technician to identify the source of the issue.
Wondering how your plumbing technician will narrow down the source of a water leak so that it can get the appropriate repairs to protect your home? Let’s take a look at a basic overview of the process now.
How Do Technicians Determine The Source Of A Water Leak?
In most cases, your technician will use their knowledge of common plumbing issues and ask you a few questions that will help them identify the potential cause of a water leak. This includes questions like:
Where is the leak located? If you see water damage directly on the ceiling directly below your bathroom, for example, this could indicate that the leak is being caused by a faulty shower or toilet installation, or a burst or damaged pipe in the bathroom.
Does it appear to be a water or sewer line? A leak in a water line usually does not cause any nasty smells, though it can result in mildew and mold growth over time. In contrast, sewer lines carry human waste, kitchen waste, and other unpleasant things – so if your sewer line is leaking, it will probably smell quite bad near the leak.
Does it leak all the time, or only under particular circumstances? Determining when a leak happens can be very helpful in identifying the source – a leak that only happens when you flush your toilet, for example, definitely means there’s something wrong with the toilet pipes or the toilet itself. Alternatively, it can also provide insight into system-specific issues; such as is it a water line issue or a waste line issue. For example: a water supply will leak continuously whereas a waste line will leak when it has been used or shortly after use. In the event you see leaking after a storm, driving rain or high winds, this may indicate a structural problem rather than a plumbing issue.
What kind of damage is occurring? The location of the water damage and the type of damage that is occurring – such as a small wet spot vs a larger, growing stain – can help your plumber determine the source or cause of the leak.
What material is the plumbing line made of? Some older plumbing lines are made out of materials like galvanized pipes, cast iron, lead and copper. Galvanized waste lines have been known to become obstructed with large amounts of buildup and ultimately weaken at their joints. Cast iron can become brittle and crack. Lead is prone to pitting. Copper can split and corrode due to their solder and brass fittings. Store-bought drain cleaning chemicals will corrode and deteriorate all types of waste lines over an extended period of use, lessening their life expectancy and structural integrity.
Need To Find A Plumbing Leak? Turn To A Pro!
If you turn to a professional plumbing service like Deluxe Plumbing and Heating, we can identify the source of your leak right away, and take the necessary steps to resolve your issue, prevent further water damage, and keep your home in great shape.
So don’t wait.
If you have a suspicious water leak, contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724 to get the help you need.