Avoiding and Detecting Water Leaks in the Home

Water leaks are something you definitely want to avoid. They waste water at a time of drought. They look unattractive, cheapening the look of you home. Most importantly they cause a lot of damage to you home which can be costly to fix. The best way to fix water leaks is to avoid them in the first place, however if you already have water leaks in you home it may be time to call out a plumber.

The best way to avoid water leaks in the first place is to ensure that a good plumber does any works or repairs. A quality job from the start will lessen the probability of problems in the future, saving you money.

If you are constructing or renovating your bathroom a few easy design ideas can help prevent leaks in the future. Make sure the plumbing is of good quality. If you pay peanuts, the monkeys will come. Tiling is also important, make sure tiles are placed closely together and sealed properly. Many people have enjoyed their first shower in the new upstairs bathroom only to discover the downstairs room below has been flooded in the first place.

After you have moved into a new home, if you haven’t done so already, have a building and pest inspection done. Whether you have moved into a new or established home is irrelevant, it’s still important to get this inspection done. Doing so may reveal any leaks or other structural problems early. Addressing them now is better than paying for a heap of damage done further down the track.

If you think the leak is coming from a pipe, complete a simple test by turning off all water in the house. Make sure this includes the washing machine and any garden watering systems. If the water meter is running, it is likely you have a leak. Other leaks are harder to spot. Many people have leaks inside their roofs. If you have terracotta tiles you need to check for damage after any storms. Just a couple of broken tiles can cause leaks in your roof. Don’t ignore problems because they are small. Even minor problems like leaky taps should be fixed straight away, a dripping tap can waste up to twenty two litres of water a day.

Water leaks can damage your property in many ways. A slow leak can rot plaster, cause mold and mildew to grow and damage the home structurally. You may not even be aware of a slow leak existing. More serious leaks can cause major structural problems or flooding to your home. If you think you could be in danger of any of these problems, call an emergency plumber, or a 24 hour plumber straight away.

Water leaks are often easily fixed. New plumbing, sealant and general structural repairs are often required. If this damage is serious you may need some plaster or timber work done. It may cost a bit of money, but it’s a far better option than letting the damage to your home continue. Enlisting the help of a good, qualified plumber saves money in the long run, as well as a lot of hearth ache.