Preventing and Identifying Plumbing Leaks, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog, we discussed some of the tactics you can take to confirm a plumbing leak and its location in your home. These leaks are some of the top sources of rising water bills around the country, and identifying and preventing them important for both lowering your bill and preventing water damage and other issues.

At All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air, our plumbing services include full assistance with any plumbing leaks that may take place. What are some of the primary leak types that might have the largest impact on your home and your water bill?

Overflowing Toilets

Water in your toilet sits in the tank when it’s not in use, then is moved down into the bowl when you flush. Within the tank is an overflow pipe, but if there are issues with a piece called your ballcock valve, water could overflow past this pipe.

To test for this, shake some pepper or baby powder into the walls of your tank. If the powder moves into the center of the tank, the overflow is leaking. It’s often possible to stop this by simply adjusting the screw on top of the float arm in the tank, or to bend the arm itself until the water level drops below the overflow pipe. If you aren’t sure, call our professionals for a basic fix.

Dripping Sinks

One of the most common leaks that doesn’t get picked up by homeowners is a dripping sink or faucet. The cause here is usually a worn out or bad-fitting washer, which usually just needs a simple replacement. If you can’t find the source of the leak, schedule leak detection in Salt Lake City today.

Toilet Flappers

The flapper refers to the large rubber plug found at the bottom of your toilet tank behind the bowl. In most cases, dripping noises coming from the toilet are a result of the flapper leaking. To test for this, use some food coloring or a toilet dye pill dropped into the tank – wait about half an hour, and then check the bowl to see if any of this water made its way in despite you not flushing. If so, you know the flapper is leaking.

Hot Water Tank

Most hot water heaters and tanks are found in the basement, and their leaks are simple and easy to find. Just check around their base or on the sides of the tank, then call our professionals for a tune-up if leaks are taking place.

Ice Machine

Your fridge naturally needs to use water to create ice in the ice machine, but simple malfunctions here can lead to this machine collecting too much water. This can lead to a leak, but this can be easily fixed by repairing the ice maker itself.

Home Appliances

Other appliances like dishwashers and washing machines may leak as well, and you’ll see the signs in water on the floor. If you notice this, check first to ensure all the water connections are stable and haven’t come loose.

Outdoor Lines

Finally, you might notice soft or wet spots on the lawn when snow isn’t down. This can mean a service link or sprinkler line is leaking. You also may notice outside bibs and faucets are failing.

For more on the common causes of plumbing leaks, or to schedule leak detection or repair in Salt Lake City, speak to the staff at All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Air today.