Every homeowner knows the struggle of dealing with household leaks. Leaks are stressful, expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating. Some leaks are tricky to locate, while others can annoy you with their obvious signs. Whatever the case is, no one can deny that dealing with leaks on your own is a hassle. The key is to prevent leaks from even happening in the first place, which you can do by keeping a close eye on your household appliances and plumbing system. You should also be aware of the common areas for water leaks in your home so you know what to look for if you suspect a leak.

Read on to learn about some of the most common areas for water leaks in your home.


 

Common Areas for Water Leaks in Your Home

The Toilet

Toilets are one of the most frequently used appliances in a household. That being said, it’s not surprising that toilets can experience leaks. Leaks commonly form in the flapper, the water supply line, and the wax ring under the toilet. These leaks normally leave evidence, such as dripping water or inconsistent water pressure, that makes it difficult to flush the toilet. Be sure to check the pipes behind the toilet to check for signs of standing water.
 

Under the Sink

If your sinks are prone to clogs, you may experience leaks here quite often. Build-up from food waste, soaps, hair, and other debris can create damage in your pipes, leading to leaks and burst pipes. Be sure to clear your drains frequently and check under the sink for dripping water or puddles.
 

In the Shower or Tub

It is not uncommon for showerheads to start leaking. These leaks are typically minor and can usually be fixed by tightening the showerhead or replacing it altogether. However, if you notice inconsistent or low water pressure in your shower or bathtub, this may be a sign of a more problematic leak deeper within your plumbing system.
 

Faucets

Like showerheads, faucets can spring leaks from time to time. Tightening them or replacing them is usually the first step to resolving the leak. However, low water pressure might indicate a more serious leak within your plumbing. Even though these leaks are minor, be sure to address them right away. If left untreated, these leaks will waste gallons of water and cost you a lot more in water bills.
 

Behind Household Appliances

As your household appliances start to age, keep an eye on them to make sure they are working properly. Small malfunctions can cause leaks in your dishwashers, refrigerators, laundry machines, and more. Check behind and underneath these appliances for standing water or leaking pipes. You may need to call a specialist to help repair these leaks if they are specific to your appliance.
 

The Water Heater

Because the water heater runs in the background, most homeowners don’t pay much attention to them. However, your water heater can also be susceptible to leaks. Check your water heater for signs of damage and listen for strange noises that may indicate a leak. If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan (most can last around 8-15 years), it may be time to replace it before it causes problems.
 

Outdoor Spigots and Irrigation Lines

If you water your landscaping, you may already be familiar with leaks in water lines and spigots. Many water lines succumb to the intense summertime heat, leaving you the task of patching up rips and tears in the line. Finding and repairing these leaks isn’t always easy, so we recommend hiring a professional to help you out.
 

Your Roof

Roofs are pretty durable, but even the strongest roofs can get damaged in a bad storm. If you see water stains on your ceiling (on the floor directly below the roof), this may be a sign that your roof is leaking. You’ll definitely need to call a professional to inspect your roof and patch up the damage.
 

Warning Signs of Water Leaks in Your Home

Some leaks are easy to spot, while others build up over time in a hard-to-reach area. Taking care of your home should prevent most leaks (unless those leaks are age-related). However, it’s still important to know some of the warning signs that may indicate you have a leak in your home.

Now that you know about the most common areas for water leaks in your home, let’s examine some of the most common warning signs of a leak.
 

• Your toilet won’t flush or the water in the bowl will not refill
   
• Strange gurgling noises coming from your toilet tank
   
• Standing water underneath or behind household appliances (such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, laundry machine, etc.).
   
• Mold or mildew growing in your shower or tub
   
• A foul smell that won’t go away no matter how much you clean (this could indicate water damage or the growth of mold)
   
• Water stains on your walls or ceiling
   
• Cracking paint or curling wallpaper, which may indicate a burst pipe behind the wall
   
• Blistering floors or damaged hardwood
   
• Standing water or dripping water from pipes under the sink
   
• Low or inconsistent water pressure in certain fixtures or throughout your entire house

If any of these signs sound familiar, you may have a leak on your hands. If you think you have a leak, call a professional leak detection company right away. The longer you wait to address a leak, the worse it gets, and the more money you’ll have to pay in repair bills!
 

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix a Leak

We understand how much work goes into managing a household. With all the time you spend cleaning, cooking, and taking care of your family, it can be easy to set aside issues that you don’t have time to deal with. However, you should always address leaks as soon as they spring up. Not only do leaks waste hundreds of gallons of water, but they also waste your money! And the longer you leave a leak untreated, the more it will build up and cause damage to your property. Then you’ll be spending even more money on repair bills. If you have a leak, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional leak detection company. They will locate and fix your leak so you don’t have to deal with expensive repairs later on. The sooner you address a leak, the better!
 

Leak Science: The Experts at Identifying Common Areas for Water Leaks in Your Home

We hoped this short article has helped you identify the common areas for water leaks in your home. We understand that leaks are a hassle to deal with on your own, especially if you don’t know where to look to find them. The most important thing to remember is to address leaks as soon as they pop up. The longer you wait, the worse your leak can get—and the last thing you want is to deal with additional water damage!
 
If you think you have a leak but don’t know its source, contact the Leak Science team. We have over 15 years of experience locating and repairing repairs of all sizes. No leak is too big (or small!) for our team. Call us at 480-794-0959 or contact us online to schedule your leak detection service today.