Today, at Autry Plumbing, we’re going to show you 4 hidden leaks in your home and how to deal with them. If you can find the leaks before it’s too late, you can save a lot of time, money, and headaches. Usually, these leaks will be found in the bathroom near bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. Let’s see 5 ways to find and prevent the most common water leaks in your home.
Types Of Common Leaks In Your Home
Bathtub Splash Leaks
A splash leak is what happens when water slips between a shower curtain and the side of a tub. While a splash leak is usually not a significant issue, it can damage the subfloor when left unchecked. Over time, the moisture will loosen vinyl or tile flooring before reaching the subfloor beneath.
If you let splash leaks get to this point, it will turn into a demolition and remodel job before you know it. Look out for curling vinyl flooring, loose tiles, water stains on joists, and the most important of all—standing water. There shouldn’t be any standing water after you shower.
If there is standing water following a shower, you should consider replacing the curtain or door as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure if your tub or shower door is leaking, run a little splash test. Simply splash some water along all the seal points and observe whether or not water is slipping past your gaskets. If so, you may just need to replace the seals or invest in some high-quality silicone caulk.
Sink Leaks
If you’re noticing sitting water on your countertop or the edge of your sink, you should check the rim of the sink. Like the splash leaks, these rim leaks may not seem like a big deal, but if they’re left unchecked, it can cost you a ton of money. Rim leaks will damage countertops and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
Here are some things you should look out for:
- moisture inside of cabinetry
- loose faucets
- caulk that seems to have dry rotted
To test for sink rim leaks, grab a flashlight and look underneath in the cabinetry to look for signs of rotting, deterioration, or discoloration. If there is a leak, fix it by tightening the faucet base, recaulking the rim, or tighten the clips under the sink rim that connect the sink to the counter.
Toilet Flange Leaks
The toilet flange is where your toilet meets the sewer line underneath the house. Flange leaks allow water to leak out with each flush, and this can destroy flooring and subflooring. If the toilet is upstairs, it can seep into the ceiling below and destroy joists as well.
If you notice water surrounding the base of your toilet, loose flooring, moisture stains, or the whole toilet moves when you push it, the wax seal may be breaking.
If you have a leak at the base of your toilet, it could be several things, but it is most likely a faulty flange. If you need to replace the flange, the toilet must be removed. We recommend talking to a professional plumber to do this for you because it can open a can of worms.
Shower Drain Leaks
The shower drain is where some of the most common water leaks can be found. How do they happen? Well, these drain leaks are prevalent with fiberglass or plastic showers and tubs. When the floor around the outside of the drain can flex and bend, water can slip in and past where the shower connects to the drain.
The primary issue with these leaks is that they can destroy floor joists, ceiling joists, or even flooring in the bathroom. There are some signs to look out for that your drain could be leaking, such as water stains or loose flooring near the shower.
To run a leak test, grab a test plug and fill the tub with water. If the water still drains, you have your answer. To fix this, take the drain flange off, clean it, replace any rubber gaskets, then recaulk.
Conclusion
Hidden leaks in your home aren’t a joke. You need to take them all seriously. Address each one, and if you need help, contact your local plumber. At Autry Plumbing, we understand how important it is to stay on top of plumbing issues, and we are here for you every step of the way.
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