Plumbing leaks can be a nightmare, since few things are more damaging to a home than water. Water can cause damage to drywall, other systems in the home, property, and it can lead to mold. When you have a plumbing leak, you need to get it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to avoid damage.
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical has been serving the plumbing leak repair needs of suburban Chicago homeowners since 2008. We understand that with a leak, time is of the essence, so we’ll get it taken care of quickly to protect your home and family.
Signs of Plumbing Leaks
Some leaks you can spot easily, but other leaks are hidden. Several signs can tell you that you likely have a plumbing leak somewhere in your home. These include:
- High water bills
- Mold or mildew that you can see, or a musty odor
- Low water pressure
- A sudden crack in your foundation
- Odd sounds coming from your pipes
- Warping of a floor
- Cracked drywall
- Yellow stains on your ceilings or walls
- Bubbling paint
- Wet patches in your yard
If you notice any of these signs, you need to find the cause of the issue as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Plumbing Leaks
Often, plumbing leaks, particularly hidden ones, can be hard to diagnose. Water takes its own path, so, for example, you may not know where exactly a water spot on your ceiling is coming from. It could be from an upstairs toilet or shower, or from any piping that runs through your ceiling.
Plumbers have specialized knowledge that can help them determine where a leak is coming from, and they also have tools including moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and acoustic detectors.
Types of Plumbing Leaks
Unfortunately, there are numerous types of leaks that can occur in your home.
Toilet leaks
Toilet leaks can have multiple causes including a damaged flapper, a cracked tank, a broken supply line, a damaged float, a corroded fill valve, broken connectors, or a bad wax ring. Many toilet parts are simple to replace, so you may be able to fix the problem yourself, but often, a plumber can do the job for you more efficiently. Diagnosing the problem can sometimes be half the battle, so giving us a call can save you time and get the problem resolved before the water does damage.
Tub/Shower leaks
If you’ve noticed water spots on the ceiling below your shower, the leak could have numerous causes. It could be from a damaged drain, or from cracks in your grout or caulk. Those are relatively easy to fix. However, it could be that your shower pan is cracked or the waterproofing around your shower pan or tub has failed or wasn’t installed properly. Those issues need bigger repairs that might involve some demo.
Pipe leaks
Pipes can leak for a host of reasons, from corrosion to broken seals to damaged joints, and can occur in pipes that you can see and those that you can’t see. A plumber can help you to identify the source of leaks and recommend the proper repairs.
Water heater leaks
If you notice water around your water heater, you might have a cracked tank, a damaged pressure relief valve, or loose connections. You can replace a pressure relief valve or fix loose connections yourself, but if either of those are not the culprit, you’ll need to bring in a professional.
Faucet leaks
A good old annoying dripping faucet usually requires just a new O-ring or washer inside the valve. The faucet also may have loose parts or connections that you can tighten. Sometimes high water pressure can overwork the faucet parts and lead to leaking, or the parts can become corroded. You can replace parts, but it may end up being more economical to replace the faucet.
Leaks from the base can be caused by a worn O-ring or rubber washer, or by a loose screw. All of these you can fix easily yourself. You just have to diagnose the problem and know the right size O-ring or washer to buy if that’s the cause.
Under sink leaks
If you can see a leak coming from your pipes under your sink, the most likely causes are a broken seal or a clog, both of which you can likely handle yourself, However, some causes are trickier and may require a plumber.
Drain leaks
Drains can leak due to loose connections or damaged components. Loose connections are easy to fix, but sometimes the drain or connected pipes need to be replaced.
Sewer line leaks
Signs of sewer line leaks include odors, slow drains, puddles in your yard, foundation cracks, and sewage backups. A sewer line leak should be addressed immediately by a professional before it leads to damage or hazardous fumes.
When To Call a Plumber
If you can’t find the source of a leak, or it’s not something you can fix easily by tightening connections or replacing a small part like an O-ring, your best bet is to bring in a plumber. Plumbing repairs that are done incorrectly can cause additional problems or even damage to your home. TR Miller is just a phone call away to handle all your leak repair needs.
Plumbing Inspection and Maintenance
A professional plumber can provide an annual inspection of your plumbing system to detect leaks and their causes. They will use equipment to diagnose issues that you can’t see and identify potential problems that need preventive maintenance. From top to bottom, they can ensure that everything in your plumbing system is functioning properly.
Why Choose TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical?
TR Miller has been providing plumbing services to suburban Chicago residents since 2008, and as a family-owned and operated company, we care about our customers and their families.
No matter what you need, we’ll give you our full attention. From plumbing leak repairs to inspection and maintenance, we are here to assist.
When you need a plumber you can trust in the Chicago area, give TR Miller a call and experience for yourself why we’re a leader in plumbing services in the region.
How Can I Detect a Plumbing Leak?
You can look for common signs of leaks such as water spots or puddles and high water bills. Leaks that are hidden, however, need to be detected with specialized equipment that’s used by plumbers.
What Causes Pipes to Leak?
Corrosion, cracks, broken seals, and damaged joints are the most common causes of pipe leaks. Some can be repaired, but often, leaking pipes need to be replaced.
What Happens if You Don’t Fix a Plumbing Leak?
Water can be very damaging to your home. By not fixing a leak, you’re risking damage to walls or floors, cabinets, and your property. Water can also lead to mold.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Plumbing Leak?
The cost of a plumbing leak repair can vary widely depending on the cause of the leak, the location, and the extent of the required repair.
What Is the Most Common Type of Plumbing Leak?
Faucet leaks are the most common type of leak. Fortunately, they can usually be repaired simply and inexpensively.
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