Picture yourself sitting in your cozy living room, the delicious scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Then you hear it – drip, drip, drip. Your heart skips a beat, and you know it’s a water leak. And, it’s more than an annoyance; it’s a potential disaster waiting to unfold. Water leaks can turn your tranquil home into an abode for mold, leading to expensive rehabilitation and repair work. So, let’s look at some of the reasons behind household water leaks to keep your residence safe, dry, and leak-free.
Most Common Causes of Household Water Leaks
Aging Pipes and Fixtures
Imagine the plumbing in your house as a network of arteries. If the pipes are a couple of decades old, they begin to show their age, like the rest of us. Over time, corrosion creeps in, and joints weaken. The adhesive materials that once held strong begin to give way.
Next time you take a warm shower, wash the dishes in hot water, or run a load of laundry, consider what’s occurring within the plumbing system behind the walls. Those pipes are under constant pressure and can develop splits, causing leaks without warning.
Water Leaks from Faulty Appliances
From washing machines and dishwashers to water heaters, appliances work around the clock to make our lives easy. But when these appliances go awry, they immediately become a protesting mob, exacting waterborne chaos on your home.
You’re in the laundry looking for a shirt to start the day and dismayed to discover your washing machine sprung a leak overnight. A burst pipe and gallons of water transform your laundry room into a toddlers’ swimming pool.
Appliances age and seals or rubber hoses are the usual suspects in appliance and toilet leaks. They break down over time and become brittle, breaking easily.
Clogged Downspouts, Gutters, and HVAC Systems
The outside of your home is your first line of defense against water intrusion. Leaves, twigs, and general debris plug up gutters and can’t redirect water away from the roof and foundation.
Heavy rainwater cascades over the edges of your gutters like a miniature waterfall. It crashes into the ground at the foot of your foundations. Regular gutter cleaning can prevent this disaster scenario. Pull on your gloves, drag out a good ladder, and remove the leaves and debris blocking the free water flow through your downspouts.
Your HVAC system has a condensation drain line that removes moisture from the air. When algae and dirt clog the line, water can back up and leak from the unit. The air handler drain pan connects to the line that carries water out of your home. The pan can overflow and leak, causing potential damage to floors or walls.
Cracks in Walls and Foundations
Cracks in the walls and foundations appear as the house settles over time. These tiny cracks become a water entry point, especially when heavy rain pounds down.
Minor fissures within the walls and foundation can open further over time. This allows water to enter your home, leading to significant water damage.
Protect your property from water intrusion by periodically searching for cracks in your home’s exterior. A little waterproof sealant goes a long way to reinforcing weak spots, keeping water from making an unwanted entrance.
Neglected Irrigation Systems Lead To Water Leaks
If you put time and energy into landscaping your yard, you probably have an irrigation system. Your system keeps your plants beautiful and your lawn lush and healthy. Now, visualize that scene as a soggy mess due to broken sprinkler heads or cracked pipes.
Regularly inspect the irrigation system for wear and tear. A sudden drop in water pressure can signify a broken sprinkler. Identify problem sprinkler heads or water supply line leaks by looking for patches of standing water on your lawn.
High water pressure can cause:
- Valve leaks
- Water waste
- Higher water bills
- Water damage
Beat the Water Leakage Blues
It’s time to give your property a good once-over. With proactive vigilance and a little tender loving care, you can keep your house dry and warm for you and your loved ones. You can tell if you have a water leak by looking at your water meter.
If you don’t have the time or skills to assess your home, get it inspected by a professional plumber once a year. Have it done before the start of the rainy season. This small investment in home maintenance pays enormous dividends throughout the year.
Denver Clean-up & Restoration Services
With over 150 years of combined experience, the Colorado Cleanup Services, Inc. team has the knowledge, skill, and commitment necessary to handle any emergency cleanup services you may require. From flood and fire damage restoration to sewage backup, and coronavirus cleanup services in Denver, CO, you can always turn to us when you need deep, disinfecting cleaning for your home or business.
Family-owned and operated, our cleaning company is proud to provide the services of trained and certified technicians to all our clients. Our impressive team knows what it takes to return damaged properties to their original condition with the highest level of professionalism. Don’t settle for anything less when you require high-quality disaster recovery services. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you receive the help you need when you need it give us a call: 303-237-4406.