Plumbing Leak Detection and Repairs

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Water Leaks?
Clogged DrainsWhile strands of hair, dirt and debris can clog the water flow of your drains, over time, they can also cause your drains to burst or crack. Clogs that aren’t dealt with can create increased pressure within the drains, causing the water to strain your water pipes and result in damage.
Toilet Leak20% to 35% of all residential toilets contain water leaks. While quite common, there are multiple causes for a toilet leak that can remain unnoticed. If you hear your toilet flushing on its own, you have a toilet leak, which is due to a damaged flapper or a flush valve seal leak.
Another issue could be the seal under your toilet is damaged. This leak can usually go undetected unless there’s a stinky smell coming from your toilet. Inspect the screws and bolts for rusting as well as mould surrounding the bottom of the toilet. Make sure the toilet is mounted securely because a loose toilet can allow the seal to leak water.
High Water PressureHigh water pressure can do a lot of damage to your pipes. Your average water pressure should be at 60 psi (per square inch), while your home’s plumbing system is designed to withstand a maximum of 80 psi.
High water pressure is usually out of your control. Living in neighbourhoods with hills, tall buildings or near fire hydrants can be the cause of the high water pressure. Talk to your plumber about how you can regulate your home’s water pressure.
Corroded PipesCorrosion in your pipes is an inevitable issue. You could insulate the metal to maintain its durability, but still, corroded pipes will happen eventually. When your pipes become corroded, pinholes can begin to form, resulting in small leaks in your pipes.
Pipe corrosion is usually due to high or low pH levels in your water. The pH metric measures how much acid is in the water. To check what your water’s pH levels are, purchase pH test strips at any hardware store. The recommended pH level for your water is 6.5 to 8.5. If you have high or low pH water, install water treatment tools to balance out the pH levels.
How Can You Tell Where A Water Leak Is Coming From?Sometimes leaks can happen right under your nose. Before you start ripping out walls, the easiest way to check whether you have a water leak is by reading your water meter. In the City of Regina, most water meters are found in the basement, right above your main water shut-off valve. The leak indicator (small coloured symbol beside the meter hand) will be moving if there’s a water leak in your home.
Water Meter Leak Indicator
The next step is to find the source of the leak. The best way to determine where the leak is coming from is by shutting off the main water valve. Then if your leak indicator has stopped moving, you have a water leak inside your home. If the indicator continues moving, your leak is coming from outside the home.
When To Hire A Plumber To Fix A Leak?Sometimes, certain situations with water leaks can easily be repaired without the help of a plumber. With basic knowledge and instructions, you can perform these easy repairs to stop your plumbing system from leaking.
Faucet LeakWhether indoor or outdoor, leaky faucets are mostly caused due to an old faucet washer. This small, circular rubber piece is found by removing your valve and valve stem. If the faucet washer looks worn out or deteriorated, you can replace it at any hardware store. Make sure you purchase a faucet washer that matches the old one, or it won’t fit.
Toilet LeakNow, some toilet leaks will require a plumber. But as we’ve stated, there is a wide range of causes for a toilet leak, and there are a few that can be fixed with ease. In this case, your toilet leak could be due to a damaged flapper or faulty fill valve.
Inspect the water levels of the water within the toilet bowl and tank. One way to check is by putting food colouring in the tank, waiting 20 minutes and inspecting whether the food colouring has seeped into the toilet bowl. If the food colouring is in the toilet bowl, it’s time to replace your flapper and fill valve. All can be purchased at your local hardware store with simple how-to instructions included.
Complicated LeaksWhen your water system starts leaking, your first instinct is to try and fix the problem yourself, avoiding the plumbing bill you dread. Although there are YouTube videos galore showing you how to repair your plumbing system, doing the job yourself can run you into some issues which could cost a lot more than a plumbing bill.
When you’re out of your depth, it’s best to trust an honest plumber who knows what they’re doing.
Hire The ProfessionalsDon’t take a long time to get these leaks fixed! Whatever household water leak you may have, let the experts at Budget Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning take a look. From water heaters, tubs to showers, we’re ready to help. Our experience in the home service industry allows our staff to serve your needs at a higher and more efficient standard.