23 Dec Tips on Primary Areas to Look For a Leak in Your Home
Most parts of your house can have water running freely. It is safe to flow through most parts of your home as long as it doesn’t get into appliances or pipes. Leakage can cause water to seep into areas it shouldn’t. Even in modern homes, plumbing leaks are quite common. All water leaks can be hidden, so homeowners should inspect their homes for signs of leakage.
Where to look for leaks in your home
You can prevent water damage and drips by identifying the areas that are most likely to be affected. Here’s a list with five key areas to check for leaks in your home.
The Roof
Roof leaks tend to go untreated for the longest time, usually because most people do not use the attic often. You should check your roof for any signs of water seepage. Even the smallest leaf can cause significant damage including mold infestation.
- The sound of water running in the walls and overhead
- Ceiling water stains
- Wet or damp spots on exterior walls
- Bulging patches in interior walls
You should also inspect the attic floor as well as the bottom of the roof rafters for any moisture, stains, or deterioration.
Showers
A Shower pan leak could cause a lot of water damage, and that’s not just for the bathroom. Shower pan leaks can be caused by movement, normal wear, and poor drainage. These are the signs to watch out for:
- Install loose floor tiles adjacent to the shower
- Basboard’s with water stained near the shower
- Carpeting soggy from a shared wall
- Stains below the shower’s ceiling
Leakage from shower pans can lead to water damage ranging from soaked sheets-rock to rotted timber. Mold can also pose a threat. If left untreated, this can make it difficult to eliminate and contain.
Water Heater
A water heater is at risk if it makes a roaring sound, causes rising water bills and creates visible water damage. A slow leak can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact location where a water heater is leaked.
There are two vulnerable areas on a water heater: the top where water can enter the tank and the bottom where it drains.
- Examine the tubes and pipes above to ensure that they are properly sealed. Check to see if there is any leakage at the pressure relief valve.
- The most common source for water tank leakage is the lower drain valve. Fortunately, the process of replacing it is simple and cost-effective.
You may notice water pooling below the tank due to sediment buildup. Although draining and cleaning the heater may help, replacing the water heater is the best option if it’s old.
HVAC System
Clogged condensate drains are one of the main causes of an HVAC leak. You should immediately turn off your HVAC system if you see water leaking. Leakage can cause compressor failure, or even system collapse due to water accumulation. Another reason for an HVAC water leak could be a damaged drain pan or rusted drain line, a disconnect drain line, or a broken condensate Pump.
Sub-Sinks
If you find water droplets or flooring damage in the cabinet beneath your bathroom sink, it may be that the pipes under the sink are leaking. Leakage of pipes from clogged or damaged pipes is a common cause for under-sink water leaks. Other causes of leaks are water supply leaks, faucet leaks, and drain leaks.
A pipe leak can cause severe damage regardless of its origin. Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Specialists will provide leak detection services to help you.
- Identify the source.
- Find a trustworthy local contractor to fix it.
If there is water damaged, we will quickly return your home to normal.