Your plumbing system is an integral part of your home. In many cases it is hidden behind walls, allowing you to take it for granted and forget that it should be maintained regularly.
When this is neglected you’ll find that a variety of issues can suddenly happen from leaks to clogs and you’ll need the number of a good emergency plumber. They can also take care of regular maintenance for you.
Alongside a regular check from your plumber, you should be aware of the most common causes of leaks and how you can fix them if you want or need to.
Don’t forget that a water leak can cost you a significant amount of money over time.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are one of the most common issues simply because the faucet is used so many times every day. Faucets are effectively a valve that is opened and shut when you turn or lift the handle. This allows water through.
But, to make sure there are no drips when the valve is shut and under pressure, the faucet has a washer inside it. This is the part that wears and perishes over time.
You’ll need to shut off the water and remove the top of your faucet in order to locate the washer. It lifts out and can be easily replaced, your local hardware store will have plenty of them.
Leaking Valves
Valves are generally fitted near appliances to provide you with a way of shutting the water off when repairs are necessary. For the most part, valves are open and don’t cause an issue.
However, they do represent a join in your pipes and any joint is a weak spot. In most cases, they start leaking because the valve is suffering from corrosion. The leak is a warning that the valve is likely to deteriorate further.
Again, you’ll need to shut the water supply off in order to remove the defective valve and replace it. You may prefer professional assistance with this.
Holes In Pipes
A pipe can develop a hole due to corrosion, the stress of the pressure it is under, or the fact that you have accidentally put a nail through it. In all cases, you may be faced with a high-pressure leak that can quickly cause a significant amount of damage to your home.
You will need to shut the water off instantly in order to locate the leaking pipe. Although there are compounds designed to seal holes in pipes the best option is simply to cut the damaged section out and solder a new piece in.
Damaged Toilet Flapper
A leaking toilet can go unnoticed for a long period of time as the water usually leaks from the cistern through a faulty flappy into the toilet. It simply appears like the toilet is constantly running.
You may be able to replace the seal of the flapper or you may need to replace the internal unit in your cistern.
Both require you to shut off the water to the toilet, drain the cistern, and then unscrew the mechanism before repairing or replacing it.
Don’t forget, plumbing can seem straightforward but when it goes wrong you need to make sure you have the number of a good plumber handy.