How to Check for Home Water Leaks

September 09, 2024

When it comes to minor drips and leaks around the house, you might not think anything of it. You just wipe it up and carry on with your day. However, these seemingly innocent leaks may be the start of larger plumbing problems and potentially serious water damage.

You’ll know, for example, if you have more than a dripping faucet if you should spot one or more water stains on your ceiling, accumulated water under your sink, or water damage to your walls or floorboards. A burst pipe can damage your furniture and other personal possessions, as well as lead to problems from mold build-up.

Now, Conway Services offers you practical advice on how to check for signs of a leaking water pipe, hose, valve, toilet, or any other plumbing device (like your water heater) that contains water capable of escaping to places you wish it couldn’t.

The Bathroom

• Showers and Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drainpipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage.
• Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes.
• Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects flushed that never should have been. These include wet wipes, disposable diapers, cigarette butts, and anything else other than toilet paper. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak. Again, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

The Kitchen

• Dishwasher: Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped, or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.
• Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.
• Sink: Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks, and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.

Elsewhere in and Around your Home

• Water heater: Periodically check your water heater to see if there’s any water on the floor or anywhere else around it. If so, there’s a strong likelihood that internal corrosion or damage inside the tank has caused a leak.
• Your lawn: Every now and then, take a walk around your property when it hasn’t rained in at least a few days and your lawn is relatively dry. If you encounter a wet or damp area or one that’s discolored, you could have an underground leak from a cracked sewer pipe.

The fastest way to put a temporary halt to a water leak is to turn off the water supply valve to that particular fixture or toilet. If you can’t locate it or it’s too difficult to turn, locate and turn off your main water valve. Next, contact Conway Services for a rapid response and decisive, professional action. We are well experienced with every type of home water leak imaginable: how to fix them, how to prevent water leaks in the first place, and how to help protect your home, property, and valuables from the threat of water damage.