Water leaks are sneaky and sometimes it takes a while until you notice something is off. Too bad the damage is already done, or it will only get worse if you ignore it. Fixing leaks while they are small is much cheaper so it is important to act immediately.
The best way to deal with a leak is to detect it and call someone to have a thorough look. I needed some advice on what I should be on the lookout for in my home to be able to detect it early on, so I discussed the topic of leaks with Risk Free Serv, and here’s what I learned:
Toilets generally use a lot of water, and leaks here are not that hard to detect. Usually, they are followed by noise. If that’s not the case and you are still suspicious because you’ve noticed water around the toilet, then there’s a simple trick you can do. Use food coloring tablets. First, flush the toilet, then put the tablets inside the tank. Let that sit for about half an hour and then check for results. If you see the colored water in your bowl, then you can confirm there’s a leak.
Your washing machine can also leak very easily. A washing machine uses a lot of water and one can leak for multiple reasons. For example, uneven positioning, too much laundry or detergent, water hose loosely connected to the wall, or broken water pump. Hoses are the most common cause of leaks, and if you notice something, they are the first suspect. They can very easily get loose or even fall off, causing the water to go directly from the wall to the floor. The water pump should also be checked before a hose is connected to the pump and the tub. See if it is properly connected, or replace it if it’s old. If the hose is properly connected and in good shape, you might be dealing with a failing water pump.
Water heaters are less reliable the older they get. If they are not cleaned regularly, they might not heat the amount of water you wanted, but also this could lead to a leak. There are several things to inspect and replace like valves, nipples, liners, and caps. If you are dealing with a broken tank and the leak is coming from there, then replacement is the best solution.
These two also use a lot of water. These leaks are not always easy to notice as the kitchen is frequently used and cleaned, and sometimes people don’t pay much attention to water on the floor. When it comes to the fridge, similar to the washing machine, you should check the water supply line and make sure it’s holding tight. It would be good to check the back of the fridge a few times a year just to make sure everything is okay.
The dishwasher leak can be found if you look underneath. Let the water run and see if you can notice any unwanted dripping from the hose and valves.
Regular maintenance is vital for any home. It is always better to prevent than to wake up one morning in a flooded apartment. If you don’t feel confident enough to do these checkups on your own or if you lack proper experience, you can schedule a visit from a professional and let them perform the necessary investigation and recommend adjustments on the spot.