How to Watch for Water Leaks | Excalibur Plumbing

The thing about plumbing for most people is they don’t really pay much attention to it until they have a problem. And when something does go wrong, it can really put a damper on things. Can you imagine life with a clogged toilet? Can you imagine a clogged kitchen sink that wouldn’t allow you to use it? What about a burst pipe and a flooded basement? None of these are good things!

For the purposes of this article, we’re going to focus on water leaks. Why? Because a tiny leak can wreak havoc as it gets worse. When ignored by homeowners, small water leaks have a way of leading to BIG, and costly problems.

What Do I Look For?

As a homeowner, always have water leaks in the back of your mind. You want to be alert and always on the lookout for signs of a water leak because even a tiny leak usually means there will be big trouble ahead if it’s left alone. If you observe any of the following red flags, it’s time to take quick action and call a plumber right away:

Leaking faucets
Rocking toilets
Damp cabinets
Dripping refrigerators

Take Early Action

A leaking faucet can be really annoying, especially if it’s in the master bedroom and the sound keeps you awake half the night. But it’s more than annoying, a leaking faucet means added moisture, which encourages mold growth, which is not only unhealthy, but it can lead to added repairs.

If you want to be extra proactive about leaks, once a month, pull your refrigerator away from the wall. If there is any water, it could mean you have a leaking icemaker. Also, don’t let a small puddle fool you. A small puddle can actually mean that water is being absorbed into the floor, which is not good.

What to Do In the Case of an Overflow

It’s critical to know what to do if there is an overflow. If water gushes from a sink or toilet, or another source, head to the home’s main shut-off valve for the water supply and shut it off. However, it’s best to know where this is located before you have a plumbing emergency.

If the main shut-off valve is located in a hard-to-reach place, and the emergency happens at night, make sure you have the tools you need nearby so it can be quickly shut off, even if it’s dark. You don’t want to be in a rush to shut off the water in the middle of the night, only to be searching the house for a flashlight or a lost shut-off key as water is pouring all over from the broken pipe.

We hope you found this article helpful. For all of your plumbing needs in Cedar Park and the surrounding areas, contact Excalibur Plumbing!