Water leakage has to be one of the most common reasons for damage in households.
People only get to know that there’s water leakage in their house after some damage has already occurred. Hence, it’s essential to watch for any sign of water leakage.
Even though we think that the prominent signs of water leakage would be something like a flooded house, that rarely happens; instead, you may even miss the signs of internal leakage, whereby the damage is visible as mould and mildew growth.
Nevertheless, if you suspect a hidden leak, it’s crucial to follow a few steps to minimise the extent of the damage. Therefore, we have created this guide to help you better deal with a water leak.
Identify The Type Of Water Leak
Finding out that there’s a probable water leak in your house can be pretty stressful. But you need to be calm at this point to figure out how you can fix the problem.
Naturally, the first step in managing a leak is to identify its source and the severity of the issue. Here are the three common types of water leakage:
1. Non-Damaging Leaks
As you may understand, non-damaging water leaks fall in a category where the issue won’t cause severe problems in your home. However, these leaks are often associated with extensive repairs that are pretty costly and time-consuming.
Common examples include faulty sprinkler systems in lawns and toilets that tend to leak. These also tend to generate a hefty water bill at the end of the month.
Additionally, leaky toilets are one of the most significant problems, as the issue can often be hidden from you. A common cause of leaky toilets is an eroded flapper, which may fail to store water in the flush tank even without using the toilet. So, finding out how to fix toilet leaks as soon as you know about the issue is essential to avoid wasting more water.
2. Minimal Damage Leaks
One of the reasons minimal damage leaks tend to become huge issues is our negligence. Most people avoid fixing a leaky tap or a faulty shower before it gets too late.
Wall water leaking is a typical example of this type of leak, where the preliminary signs are often in the form of a discoloured wall or the emergence of mould. These water leaks sometimes originate from a hot water heater and must be addressed as early as possible. Early detection of leaking hot water systems can save you time and money!
Apart from hiking up your water bill, constant leakage can lead to severe water damage in the future.
3. Significant Damage Leaks
Sometimes, the initial leak is quite severe and needs your immediate attention. A common sign would be an overflowing toilet that floods your home.
Other problems may include a fault in the toilet supply line or leakage from common appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. However, bursts and damaged pipes often occur in internal pipelines, leading to more severe damage to your plumbing system.
What To Do In The Case Of Non-Damaging Leaks?
Here are the things that you should do after you have identified the leak:
1. Turn Off All Water Sources
Whenever you detect a leak, shutting off the water supply as early as possible is best. So, go through your home and lawn to ensure no faucets, showers, hoses, or sprinklers are running.
2. Check Your Water Metre
The water metre of your home reflects the amount of water used. Its analogue display usually has a low-flow indicator which helps in suggesting a continuous leak. If the indicator keeps moving even after you shut off the water supply, there might be a water leak inside your home.
Also, write down all the numbers you see on the metre dial to keep track of the water usage. Wait an hour or so, and remember not to use water. Then, recheck the metre to see whether the number has changed and if your home has a leak.
3. Shut Down Your Toilets
Leaking toilets are often a predominant cause of excessive water usage. So, we recommend checking every toilet for leaks or damage.
What To Do In The Case Of Minimal Damage Leaks?
As minimal damage leaks are often clearly identifiable, turning off your home’s water supply as soon as possible is necessary. Then, clean up the mess and call for a professional to fix dripping taps or leakage in the walls.
Note that you may need to spend some time cleaning up the mould and mildew in case of this leak. To prevent the growth of germs and bacteria, disinfect your home after the issue has been resolved.
What To Do In The Case Of Significant Damage Leaks?
If you suspect a significant leak in your home, turn off the water immediately and call a professional plumber to find the source of the problem. Then, take the following steps to resolve the issue with your plumbing system without delay.
1. Document The Damage
As significant hidden leaks can damage property, it’s important to document the severity of the problem for insurance claims. Hence, we recommend taking photos and videos of the leaks and the damaged items before cleaning your home.
2. Contact The Insurance Company
In the case of a significant leak, make sure to go through the terms of your home insurance to place claims for the damage. Usually, the company will fix an appointment for a home visit, and you have to make sure not to perform any permanent changes during this time.
They will send an adjuster to your home to inspect the damages and help you settle the claim. So, remember to save the repair receipts and clean up to claim all the costs.
3. Fix The Issue
Contact a reliable plumber to fix the water leakage, and you can do this before contacting the insurance company. If you live in Perth, speak to the trusted team at Woolf Plumbing. We have extensive knowledge of water leaks and burst pipes. We offer a 24-hour emergency response service, so you never have to worry about a water leak again!
Repairing Your Water Leak
We had to tell you what to do when there’s a water leak. Yes, it may seem overwhelming initially, but you can quickly fix the issue by contacting a licensed plumber.
Remember to spend time on clean-up irrespective of the leak’s extent, and disinfect your home to prevent mould growth. Also, think about installing an automatic shut-off system to avoid future hidden leaks.
Good luck!
