Plumbing leaks can be one of the most annoying and detrimental problems that you face as a homeowner in Bethesda. Leaks cost you money in wasted water, time spent trying to fix them yourself, plus costly repairs if they are allowed to escalate into more severe issues.
Here are the types of plumbing leaks and how to remedy them with the help of a plumber Bethesda.
Worn Out Seals or Gaskets
The rubber seals on washers, toilet flappers, faucet fixtures, etc., eventually wear out over time. When they do, you’ll start seeing water dripping from your sink or toilet. Replacing these is simple and relatively quick with standard household tools.
Loose Hardware Pieces Small pieces of hardware like nuts, bolts, washers, or screws can wiggle loose over time, causing water leaks. Look for any loose-fitting parts under your sink (faucet connectors) or near a showerhead and tighten them back up if necessary.
If your leak is further down the line from a connection, you’ll need to remove the piece to tighten it up, as it will be impossible to do so through the existing piping.
Cut off the rusted part using a hacksaw at your desired stopping point, then re-attach it with an epoxy suitable for use on metal pipes after cleaning both surfaces completely first with alcohol, as this will allow for a strong bond.
As you can see, this is not a very straightforward process, and it would be wiser, safer, and less time-consuming to simply hire a plumber in Bethesda to do it for you instead.
Failed, Burst, or Deteriorating Pipes
Plumbing leaks caused by corroded, deteriorated, or burst pipes are not always as easy to find as the other causes since there aren’t many indications until it’s too late.
If your home doesn’t have an internal inspection system like a water meter, you should check your exterior faucets (inside and out) each year for signs of these issues.
They often appear in the form of discoloration or flaking around washers or fixtures after years of neglect where moisture has corroded the metal piping underneath the outside faucet.
Your indoor fixtures (sinks, showers, and tub) can also go undetected for years before they start to leak when these types of problems arise. A simple way to check your in-house piping for signs of deterioration is to turn off all your faucets and then slowly run your sink and tub faucets, one at a time, until you hear the water running slightly.
This will tell you if any of the valves or fixtures in that line is leaking water into the wall cavities where it can’t be seen easily. If this happens, call a plumber immediately as these pipes are much more likely to burst and must be replaced immediately.
Leaks from Water Heater Tank
A leaky hot water tank often goes unnoticed for many months before an issue becomes noticeable since people tend not to use their hot water for much except hand washing and dishwashing in that period.
A slow drip the size of a dime per minute (or slightly less) can cost you up to 10 gallons or more per day which will add up over time quickly to become an expensive problem if not addressed promptly.
Your local plumber will be able to install an inexpensive temperature and pressure relief valve that fits on top of the tank’s drain valve. This is highly recommended regardless of whether your hot water heater is old or new.
Plumbing leaks of any type need to be taken seriously and must be attended to before they get worse immediately. Water is a valuable resource, don’t waste it. Your plumber will be able to determine the best solution to fit your home and budget.
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