Ceilings, underneath sinks, and in the wall are places to find leaks. You may wonder how to stop plumbing leaks. Read on to learn some tips. Coming home to a puddle in front of a sink or toilet is no fun. When it comes to plumbing leaks, things can happen fast. Not all leaks are equal. Some are small and quiet, but others happen out of nowhere and cause catastrophic property damage. Either way, leaking water is a recipe for disaster. The best thing you can do as a homeowner is to prepare and understand what’s going on in the pipes throughout your home. Whether it’s under the house or in the ceiling, you need to know what signs to look out for and how to stop plumbing leaks in their tracks.
What Kind Of Leaks Are There?
When you’re watching out for leaks, you need to be aware of what kind of leaks there are. Please note, these are only some of the most common types of leaks we see. There are hundreds of leaks that can happen in a home, so it’s best to have a professional plumber do an inspection.
Splash Leaks
The first and most common type of leak is a splash leak. A splash leak is easily identifiable because there is usually a splash or puddle of water wherever the leak occurs. Typically, these happen at the base of a shower, tub, or sink. Splash leaks are nothing to worry about, but you need to resolve them as soon as possible.
How To Handle It
While splash leaks aren’t a big deal at first, they cause severe damage over time. If you don’t have a bath mat, invest in a quality mat that absorbs water well and keeps your floor dry. Also, you’ll want to make sure that you’re drying off well before leaving the shower to minimize drippage.
Toilet Flange Leaks
This kind of leak is more difficult to spot. The best way to find out if a toilet flange is leaking is to check the area around the toilet’s base. If there aren’t any signs, check the ceiling or flooring underneath the toilet. Consider purchasing a moisture meter for any questionable areas. If you notice any discoloration, smell, or softness, you may have a flange leak that addressing.
How To Handle It
If you find out that your toilet flange is leaking, it’s most likely the wax seal ring. When the wax seal ring fails, this spells trouble over time. Is the toilet rocking back and forth? It’s time to remove the toilet and inspect the ring. If the ring has broken, replace it immediately, and reinstall the toilet.
Pipe Joint Leaks
Pipe joint leaks are what they sound like—leaks at a plumbing joint. Sometimes, these leaks aren’t easily spotted. You may not be able to see them even with a flashlight. The best way to test for these leaks is to use a paper towel or tissue to wipe the joint and see if it’s wet.
How To Handle It
If the joint isn’t damaged, the best thing to do is disconnect it. Once you disconnect it, wrap the threads with plumber’s Teflon tape. Be sure to wrap the tape in the same direction you tighten—to the right. After the tape is wrapped around the joint, apply an even bead of joint compound to seal the connection further. Tighten the connection well, and test for leaks again.
Still Can’t Locate or Stop a Leak?
Some things are best left to the professionals. If you’re having trouble locating an apparent leak or can’t stop it from leaking, please give us a call. At Autry Plumbing, we pride ourselves on being the premier plumbing service in Western North Carolina. We’re here for you!
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