The Importance of Fixing Leaks & Risks of Leaky Plumbing
Okay, let's take a poll. Who's ever noticed a leak in the kitchen or bathroom and simply put a bucket under it to "fix" the problem? Many of us have done this, but unfortunately, leaky plumbing can create serious problems for your home's infrastructure. In this article, we'll talk about the importance of properly dealing with kitchen and bathroom leaks to avoid the serious types of damage that could result.
Damage Caused by Leaky Plumbing
During the winter, leaks are often cause by freezing because a frozen pipe causes water to slow down to a trickle or not at all. Throughout the year, leaks also cause damage to appliances nearby and equipment that you use to protect your home from fire. Leaks can cost businesses and homeowners a great deal to tear out and replace parts of buildings caused by water damage. Leaky pipes also lead to mold, which can be hazardous to your health, unsightly, and sometimes not covered by insurance to repair. In addition to all of these damages, leaky pipes cost you more on your water bill each month and contribute to environmental waste.
How to Deal with a Leak
The type of faucet you have will determine the best way to repair it, but there are a few general guidelines you can follow to fix a leaky faucet, for example. First, equip yourself with an Allen wrench, pliers, screwdriver, WD-40, replacement washers, and any replacement parts you may need.
Turn off the water supply
Remove decorative parts
Loosen the packing nut with a wrench to find the stem
Remove the washer and put in a replacement
Look for any parts that look damaged
Reassemble the parts and test the water
Common causes of leaks are corrosion in the valve seat, loose parts, worn-out seals, and broken parts. If your best efforts fail, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
How to Know if You're Plumbing is Working Well
There are many telltale signs of faulty plumbing, so it just takes a little knowledge and a few practical tips to make sure you plumbing is up to snuff. If your water bills are going up without explanation, then it may be time to investigate for a potential leak. Know how old your pipes are and bring in a trusted plumber for an inspection if you have concerns. The color of the water in your bathtub after you've been on vacation is also an indicator of plumbing issues, because yellow or brown colored water is a sign of rust and decay in the pipes.
New York Plumbing Services
For all your plumbing counters and supply needs, make Central Plumbing Specialties your go-to source for leak control and prevention. We offer the top brands and latest technology to give you peace of mind and stress-free days. We have multiple Central Plumbing Specialties and Grand Central Showroom locations to make plumbing easy, affordable, convenient, and leak-free. Contact a location near you for all your New York plumbing needs!