What happens when a pipe leaks?

One of the most common culprits of water damage is a leaky pipe. Leaks can occur throughout a home; above the ceiling, below the floor, and behind walls. Water damage caused by plumbing leaks is often not immediately visible or identifiable due to its location in concealed spaces such as wall cavities and crawlspaces.

Leaks that go unnoticed for days or weeks can lead to significant structural damage and may compromise your health and safety. The following steps need to be taken when dealing with leaking pipes:

Identify The Pipe: Identifying which pipe has sprung a leak will help you decide whether it’s an essential line (such as an underground shutoff valve) or something less important (such as a garden hose). If unsure, it’s best to turn off the water at the source.

Shut Off The Water: If you cannot find the shutoff valve or not working, locate your property’s main water supply and turn it off. Not all homes have a main shutoff; home one maybe near your water meter. If these are inaccessible, call a professional near your area.

Act Fast! – Once the problem has been located, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. While moving quickly can save money on repair bills, acting immediately protects your property from further damage caused by standing water. If you don’t know how to operate plumbing tools or equipment, wait for a professional plumber to arrive before going any further.

Prevent future Leaks: An excellent way to prevent future leaks is by regularly inspecting your plumbing system for any potential problems. This can be done by shutting off the water to each fixture and checking for drips. If you find a leak, turn off the water and fix it immediately. Pipe insulation can also help protect against future leaks.

If you have a leaky pipe, the best thing to do is identify the source of the leak and turn off the water. If you can’t find the shutoff valve or if it’s not working, locate your home’s main water supply and turn it off. Not all homes have a main shutoff valve; if this is the case for you, call an emergency plumber in your area.

Once the problem has been located, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. While moving quickly can save money on repair bills, acting immediately protects your property from further damage caused by standing water. If you don’t know how to operate plumbing tools or equipment, wait for a professional plumber to arrive before going any further.