Plumbing Leaks

You can fix a leaky kitchen or bathroom faucet yourself if you have the right tools, but if you need help, we repair this type of plumbing issue all the time. Kitchen and bathroom faucets leak when the washers are too compressed to seal properly. Same thing goes for the seal on a shower head or the bath faucet. If you need someone for a diagnosis, we are just a phone call away.

If you noticed an unusual increase in your water bill, that's another tell-tale sign you water meter is working overtime because of a plumbing leak. Your water meter is maintained and repaired by the municipality, but that is not the cause, rather an indicator. A slow leak can waste gallons of water every month so it pays to fix a leak as soon as you notice it, before a musty smell reveals mold or mildew.



If you need to shut off the water supply they are commonly found in two locations. The main water supply could be in a few places like the crawl space under your home, in the basement, or near the water meter. Individual shut off valves are located under the sink in most cases.

If there is a plumbing leak inside a wall or somewhere else in your home, telltale signs will show up several ways. Some of the most common signs will be something like moisture under a sink, wet or dark spots on walls, ceiling or flooring. 

Defective pipes with a slow leak can cause serious water damage if not caught in time. Also keep in mind that once there is a leak, it will probably worsen over time. If you find signs of a water leak in your home, and can’t find the source, call us right away for an inspection and resolve the issue. On occasion we find it necessary to open a wall to get access. If it's something simple we can get it fixed right away and you can get on with your day. A professional solution is always the best answer for plumbing leaks of any kind.

One of the most common causes of a residential flood is when a washing machine water hose develops a crack. It doesn't just drip and make a mess; it can burst wide open and flood your laundry room. We've seen this type of property damage happen too many times.

We like to suggest replacing the plastic hose included from the manufacturer with a braided hose, which is much stronger and more flexible. Braided hoses last longer and don't rip wide open if they ever do spring a leak.

Another common appliance leak is found behind the fridge. The water inlet valve on your fridge may be loose, faulty, or clogged. You can find it at the bottom of the refrigerator in behind. This line is for water and ice and if it is damaged or not fully connected, it will leak.

For any issue like these types mentioned above, call us for reliable service and repair. We carry all common parts for replacement or to upgrade whatever is needed.

Another common source is leaky toilets. The toilet tank has numerous parts that tend to fail over time. The rubber seal wears out or the float can crack and sink a little, causing the inlet to run. You'll hear it if that's the case. If the porcelain seal has broken you'll have a wet floor. 

For any plumbing services you require, contact us during office hours for an appointment.

If you want to fix a leaking faucet yourself here are a few how to tips.

Preparations

1. Look for a shutoff valve, usually hidden under the sink. Turn the handle counterclockwise to shut it off. 
2. Cover the drain with something to prevent losing small parts like screws and washers down the drain (rags will work).
3. Line up the parts on your counter as you remove them. This will be helpful when it's time to reassemble it.

Start the Work 

1. Remove the faucet handles. There will be a top screw holding them in place, so take those out and wiggle the handles off with a flat head screwdriver.
2. Replace the old washer with a new washer.
3. Put things back together in reverse order. When you tighten the top screw, make it snug but not tight, otherwise you could damage the fittings.
4. Test it by turning your water valve on under the sink and then the taps.
5. If you were not able to stop the leak, it may be time to call a licensed plumber. 

How To Fix a Leaking Shutoff Valve

When a valve leaks it is typically around the water valve stem. The water valve stem goes through a “packing” nut and washer, which provides the seal. Back in the day, fiber was packed around the stem and that's why it's called a stem valve.

The nut may be loose so try tightening the packing nut a little to snug it up. Use a wrench not pliers, so you don't ruin the nut. If that doesn't work the packing washer is probably damaged and will need to be replaced.

If you need help with any of these issues call us for assistance.

Tips for a Plumbing Leak

You don't need to know everything about a plumbing system, but it's important to understand the basics, especially when it comes to common water leaks. Click here to read the full article.

Tip # 1 Insulation

Wrap your water pipes with insulation. The important feature is the exterior piping. If the cold-water supply pipes touch the exterior portion of the building, when the water isn't being used and the temperature is very cold, most likely frozen pipes will be the issue. The only time water won't freeze is when it's moving, so it's is a good idea to leave all the faucets open while you're away from home for any length of time. The best thing you can do to prevent major damage, is insulate the whole space.

Tip # 2 - Visible Problem

You may not know what's right, but you can usually spot what's wrong. Take a quick look at any visible pipes in your house, just to keep up on what's going on with them. Homeowners often don't routinely check; then water stains appear in the basement, damaging their valuables, and they had no inkling that anything was amiss. You can look at the pipes in your basement and have no idea what you're looking at, but if you see rust, buckling or drops of water, you'll definitely know something's wrong.

Tip # 3 - Water Heaters

A leaky water heater is a dead water heater. The biggest problem is that the lining wears away and you get water dripping from the base creating puddles. If there is a tank leak, call the manufacturer and provide the model number; you may get lucky and find that the product is still under warranty. Another issue can be the overflow valve, or the pressure relief valve. It is a safety item that must be replaced if it has vented the heater.

When you do change the hot water heater, put a pan under it next time. Remember, regular plumbing maintenance is a good insurance policy against any of the issues ,listed in this article.



In some cases a plumbing leak can turn into a disaster if not fixed within a reasonable time. Our company is known for professional service and quality work. Call us today to get that leak corrected.