Pipe Leak Repair in Orlando, FL

How To Find a Water Leak: An In-Depth Guide

No matter where you live, at some point you’ll probably have to deal with a water leak in your home. Leaky pipes, whether it’s noticed right away or goes undetected for a while, can cause serious damage to your home. That’s why it’s important to call a plumber as soon as a leak is discovered! The plumbers at United Air Temp are ready to take your call, day or night. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing team will arrive swiftly with a full inventory of parts, so you’re never stuck waiting for repairs.

There are several things you can learn to help you with a leaking pipe. Keep reading to find out more about how to find a water leak.

Signs of a Water Leak

Leaking pipes can be tricky to find. Several factors can cause this problem, and they can hide in a variety of areas in your Orlando home. The first step to resolve a leak is to locate the source.

When checking for leaks, look for: 

• Wet spots 
• Mold and mildew 
• Cracks
• Worn-out pipes and corrosion 
• Moisture on drywall 
• Raised flooring 
• Discolored walls or ceilings

Common Causes of Pipe Leaks

Repairing a pipe leak quickly is essential. You will save time and money by contacting a plumber. Leaks can be caused by the chemistry of the water flowing through them. They can also be caused by corrosion due to time and normal wear and tear. Pitting corrosion happens in copper pipes. There are three different causes or types:

• Type I Pitting – If you have hard water and the pH level of your water is between 7.0 and 7.8, Type I pitting will be the cause of your cold water piping leaks.

• Type II Pitting – If the water in your system is soft with temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and there’s a pH level under 7.2, you’ll probably experience Type II pitting.

• Type III Pitting – If your water is soft, cold, and has a pH above 8.0, Type III pitting will occur.

Types of Leaks With Your Water Supply

There are a few places water supply leaks can appear. Be thorough in checking these, as they can sneak up on you:

Dishwashers and Refrigerators – Because your dishwasher and refrigerator’s water supply lines are not easily accessible, leaks can go unnoticed for quite some time. Since these types of leaks aren’t found right away, you could have damage to your floor. If you have a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker or water dispenser, check for leaks underneath regularly.

Water Pressure – The maximum water pressure for a typical home should be around 60 psi. If it stays within 40 to 60 psi, you should have a sufficient water supply running throughout your home. However, if it goes above 60 psi, there could be excess stress on your pipes. 

HVAC and Air Conditioners – A small amount of condensation around your HVAC equipment is common, which can make detecting water leaks tricky. However, if there’s a clog in your drain line, then the pans will overflow, causing excess moisture and water damage.

You can detect a leak by looking for excessive dripping or moisture on the drywall. If you see those symptoms, look at the drain line, pump, and refrigerant to search for leaks. Also, consider a safety overflow switch for your HVAC unit.

Types of Leaks in Building Drain Piping

Building drain piping prevents leaks and water damage in your home. Below are some of the places you’ll find leaks in your building drain piping.

Sump Pump or Sewer

If you have a sump pump and you’re experiencing heavy water backup or blockage, it’s likely time to schedule a replacement. Sump pumps need to be replaced approximately every five years. In rare cases, they can last 10 to 15 years. If your home was built after the ’70s, you likely have a sump pump. A sump pump works in tandem with your public drainage or sewer system.

A working sump pump can reduce the risk of basement flooding and assist in waterproofing your home. If you detect a water leak in your basement, get one installed today!

Sprinkler

Leaks can also occur in your sprinkler or sprinkler system. Keeping your system up to date and tested frequently is essential to preventing leaks. Check your irrigation controller and look for pooling or dry spots on your lawn. Don’t forget to check your sprinkler heads, as well!

The Different Types of Plumbing Fixture Leaks

Plumbing issues can be a major hassle in your home. They always seem to happen at the most inopportune times, too. If your toilet is clogged, it can ruin your day. Bathrooms and sinks can also harvest bacteria if they’re not taken care of or have leakage.

Toilets – Leaky toilets, appliances, and faucets are responsible for 18 gallons of water waste per day in the United States. If a toilet is leaking, it’s usually coming from the wax ring or the flange. In some cases, your drywall can become moist and wet spots will appear after the water pushes through your walls.

Make routine checks on the pipes that run from your wall to the toilet to prevent leaks, and ultimately, water damage. If you see any puddles, mildew, or mold, turn your water off and schedule plumbing services right away.

Showers and Sinks – Worn-out caulking can cause sinks and showers to have water leaks. Also, there may be holes in your supply lines. Leaks from your showers and sinks are extremely hard to detect. Make sure you’re looking for raised tiles, low water pressure, or small puddles.

Water Heaters – Constant use of your water heater results in typical wear and tear. Over time, your water heater may leak. Once a water heater reaches a certain “age,” it tends to corrode and rust. Look for slow leakage coming out from it. We recommend scheduling water heater maintenance every year. During a water heater tune-up, early signs of an issue can be resolved, keeping your water heater operating at max efficiency.

Washing Machines – Second only to your bathroom, the washing machine has the most usage of water in your home. A leak from your washing machine will most likely be caused by a ruptured water supply hose. Remove the cabinet or lift the main top door. Then, look for any cracking or abrasions with the hoses. If you don’t find anything there, check behind the machine for mold, mildew, or wet spots on the wall.

The Structural Impacts of Water Damage

Some structural damage is easy to notice, such as a sagging roof, tilted windows, and door frames. However, things such as load-bearing walls and two-by-fours that hold it up are at risk of collapsing due to water damage. Some ways to detect if water leaks have caused structural damage to your home are to check if windows and doors don’t open like they used to.

Check for cracks in any wood structures. Also, look for wet insulation, wet electrical circuits, or any leaks that may have caused structural damage, such as cracks in your foundation or rust coming out of any cracks.

Impacts on Your Health

Water leaks can cause allergic reactions and respiratory illness. Implementing a system to detect leaks early on will help keep you and your family safe and comfortable inside your home. Remember, a dehumidifier will keep moisture and mildew at bay.

What You Can Do To Prevent Leaks

Preventing water leaks is much better than fixing them. A backup pump works great if your power goes out due to a storm. Or if your main sump pump isn’t working properly.

During and after a storm, water in the ground has no place to go and can flow into your home. A yard drainage system will help water flow away from it. The water will naturally flow to an open or available area, which could be inside your walls, under your floor, and in your home.

Contact United Air Temp for Leak Repairs

Leaks can take you by surprise at any time. If any of the above sounds familiar, let us know how we can help!  For over 90 years, we have been the experts for plumbing repairs in Orlando. Contact us online for any water leak repair services or give us a call at 877-552-8919.