Today’s Leak….Tomorrow’s Flood?

Leaky plumbing fixtures and pipes can be much more than a nuisance…if not dealt with swiftly and thoroughly, you could be facing major water-related damage.

Leaky faucets and shower heads? Piece of cake, right? After all, you can see them, hear them and, very often, fix them yourself…before the constant dripping drives you crazy, that is.

But what about those leaks that aren’t so easy to spot? Water leaks can happen anywhere in your home. Here are some of the more common occurrences, and the probable cause behind each.

• Refrigerator – If you have a built-in icemaker, you have a built-in potential water damage source on your hands! In fact, the wet spots you see on the floor might indicate a crimped icemaker line, and if it’s crimped, it’s just waiting to burst. Also, anytime you move your refrigerator to clean behind it or for any reason at all, check for water. If you find any, remember this: the smaller the water accumulation, the more damaging the problem can be. Slow, steady leaks can eventually rot your wood floor, while big, messy leaks are easier to detect and solve before serious damage ensues.

• Toilets – Ever seen those hanging bowl deodorants? Well, don’t buy them. They’re prone to slipping and lodging deep in your plumbing system, and can block the line outright or give grease and other debris something to cling to. Also, certain chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal components, and before you know it, you’ve got a major hard-to-get-at leak. With toilets, here’s another truism: the water you don’t see is the water that can hurt you. Small leaks can head straight to your sub-flooring and, over time, rot the wood. If you see a grayish stain in the vinyl flooring around your toilet that won’t come out, give us a call, because it probably means you have a below-the-surface leak.

• Water Heater – The telltale sign? Once again, wet spots on the floor. Probable cause? Internal rust or overfull drain pan. Fact is, most water heaters are designed to last a maximum of 15 years. So check yours often, and make sure there’s a floor drain beneath it in case you do experience a leak.

One final bit of advice. Every now and then, turn off all faucets and water-using appliances in your home, and don’t flush your toilets for at least one hour. Next, record the water meter reading. If the flow indicator (rotating button) is spinning or the meter reading changes while no water is being used, there’s an excellent chance a water leak is lurking somewhere within your home.

Ultimately, the best way to fix a leak is to find it before damage strikes! And the best way to accomplish that is with a house-wide plumbing inspection with Bonfe’s. Contact us at 651-332-6633 or schedule service online at www.bonfe.com. We offer regular rates from 7 AM – 10 PM 7 days a week and emergency service 24 hours a day 365 days a year.