It starts with just a drip. Perhaps a puddle under the sink or by the water heater. Or even a drip, drip, drip from the faucet you have been planning to repair. It does not make much of a look, and you shrug it off.
However, small leaks do not tend to remain small. When left alone, they are capable of inflicting severe damage in terms of:
- Water
- Mold
- Structural damage.
You can prevent a small problem from turning into a plumbing nightmare with several simple steps.
Find the source quickly
The quicker you can discover the source of the leak, the easier it will be to fix. Inspect:
- Under sinks
- Around toilets
- Beside your water heater
- Behind appliances such as washing machines.
The leak may be very clear. At times, it may not be apparent except for a wet patch on the floor or drywall. It will not get better, so act immediately.
Shut off the water if needed
When the leakage is not a slow drip and you cannot control it, then use the shut-off valve of such fixtures. Just turn the valve clockwise. It will typically seal the flow. You can turn off the main supply of water in your home in case of larger leaks that cannot be located. Such a basic measure can buy time and ensure that a minor leakage does not turn into a flood.
Don’t ignore the signs
A drop of water may not be an alarming situation. But water is known to creep into areas that you can hardly notice. With time, it may warp wood and rust pipes. It can also leave a stain on walls. Look out for:
- Water stains
- Musty odors
- Increased water bills.
These are your red flags that a leak that seems harmless might be escalating.
Fix what you can
Little leaks are DIY projects that are not difficult to do. The solution can be changing a worn washer on the faucet. It could also require tightening a loose connection underneath the sink. However, when you are not sure, you should not guess. A wrong repair may complicate the situation. Do what you can do, quickly and easily, and get someone to help you with something you can not do.
Get a professional before it is too late
Do not wait till it is an emergency. Although the leak may seem insignificant, it is nearly always cheaper and less demanding to call a plumber at the earliest, rather than allow the issue to get out of control. Unless you have someone in mind, you can use Google to search for 24/7 plumbers near me. This way, you will know who to call in case things start getting out of hand.
Plan for periodic maintenance
Most plumbing disasters can be avoided by observing routine maintenance. Get your system checked annually or biannually, particularly when you reside in an old house. The professional can identify minor problems that you may not notice and remedy them before they become costly.
The takeaway
Leaks are small and insidious. But they can be disastrous. You need to observe the signs and respond promptly. Also, seek assistance where necessary to ensure your house is safe and dry.