Each day, the average Cape Town residence uses 1500 liters of water. The plumbing system is the unseen backbone of any activity that requires water use.
When water leaks from the plumbing, it can cause issues all over the house. Water damage, mold growth, and other problems can occur when water leaks out of the intended system and into unintended parts of the house. The wasted water that caused the damage to your home is your responsibility to pay for.
In the Event of a Water Leak, Immediate Action is Required
Water damage from leaks is a serious problem that can ruin your home. Immediately fixing leaks is necessary for the following reasons:
- Reduce your water bill and help the environment by fixing any leaks you find. It’s not good for the planet, and it’s not good for our wallets, as water prices rise.
- Floors can be protected from water damage by installing a drainage system, as water will naturally fall to the floor and become trapped under floorboards, tiles, slabs, etc. Cracks in the foundation can lead to mold growth and other problems if they aren’t fixed.
- Walls, don’t fall! The majority of a house’s water supply system is hidden away inside the walls. Because drywall absorbs water like a sponge, a leaking pipe can cause a wall to collapse.
- Avoid having problems with mildew by keeping the humidity down. Such growth can be encouraged by water pooling in your walls or floors, which poses a threat to your health.
Unfortunately, not all plumbing leaks manifest themselves in the obvious ways that dripping water taps and leaking pipes do. Leakages in the concrete slab or behind walls or underneath floors are just two examples of the many types of underground leaks that can occur in a home; sometimes these leaks go undetected for years. If you find a water leak or suspect one might be hidden somewhere in your home, you should get a professional plumber out there as soon as possible. A plumber can locate the water’s entry point, provide advice on how to fix the problem, and check for additional leaks. Visit this page for more information.
Consolidating water outside the house, crevasses in the framework, and other indications of water or water damage are all good indications that you need to schedule an appointment with a plumber to have the leaks fixed. Leaks can cause hidden harm to your home, but you can trust their (hopefully) highly skilled plumbing staff to find them in an emergency.
There Are Several Telltale Signs of a Water Leak
There are times when a Cape Town resident will only be alerted to a concealed water leak by the subtlest of symptoms. Knowing the signs of undetected leaking pipes, concrete leaks, as well as other water leaks around the house can help you find the source of the problem and get it fixed quickly before more damage is done.
If you’re like most people, you’re scratching your head over why exactly your water bill went up. Seasonal changes, trips away, guests staying over, new appliances, and other predictable factors can all contribute to noticeable variations in water use. Evaluate whether or not the weather played a role in the discrepancy between the utility bill in question and one from the same month in the previous year. A leak is likely to blame for the unexpected rise in water usage if no other cause can be found.
The Water Meter Keeps Ticking
The water meter in your household should tick as water is consumed and halt when no fixtures or appliances are drawing water. If the water meter turns over when nobody is using water, it means water is escaping from a leaky pipe or another source.
Within your house, you detect a musty odor that you believe to be mold or mildew. The musty smell that develops from dampness and mold is something that most Cape Town house owners are used to. An undetected water leak may be concealing mold growth if the odor remains after a thorough cleaning.
The Framework of Your House is Crumbling
While it is normal for a house to develop a few hairline fractures as it settles, new gaps shouldn’t appear anywhere. If you find a new crack in the foundation, you should have a plumber check for slab leaks and make any necessary repairs.
There are puddles where water has pooled in your home. Can you see any damp or shady areas on the floor or wall close to the toilet, sink, or shower? In these spots, water from the leak has pooled, providing a visible indicator of the problem.
Fixing Water Leaks of Varying Severities
When there is a water leak, you can expect to experience any of these three outcomes, ranging from a minor annoyance to a financial disaster with substantial destruction of property. Learn the best practices for defending your home from various threats.
A Leak That Does Not Cause Any Physical Damage but Adds Up in Cost Over Time
Even though a small leak that hasn’t yet caused any significant damage is mostly just an annoyance, it’s still not something you should ignore. Most water leaks can be traced back to a faulty fixture or plumbing part, so fixing the problem will require some investigation.
Turning off individual water supplies should help you pinpoint the source of the leak and locate the offending appliance or fitting in your home. If that doesn’t work, you can always hire a leak detection service to send out a plumber and track it down for you.
A Small Leak That Could Become More Serious if It Isn’t Fixed Soon
Limited damage leaks may not seem like a big issue at the time, but they almost always become a big deal if they are ignored for too long. This is a common occurrence with slow leaks, such as those in pipes that are concealed behind walls or a faucet whose slow drip is inaudible over the normal sounds of daily life at home. Minor leaks in boilers and water heaters, for example, can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation if left unresolved.
The solution is to turn off the water supply to the house at the primary shutoff valve. Find and fix any water leaks you come across. The final step is to repair the leak; this may require the assistance of a professional plumber, depending on your level of DIY plumbing expertise.
Extensive Leak That Can Cause Extreme Damage and Cost a lot
Such leaks can do a lot of damage to a house, so hopefully, you never have to worry about one. Leaks that cause serious damage are usually easy to spot, such as when water begins to pool in your cellar or rush down your stairs like a waterfall. Iced pipes, broken washer hoses, or a malfunctioning tank water heater are all potential causes of such extensive pipe damage.
The solution is to shut off the water supply and start a damage log. Get the claims process started by calling your insurance provider. A professional plumber is needed to fix the problem, and they can also help you file an insurance claim by determining what caused the damage.