Having a leaky faucet, even if it's a small leak, can cause a lot of frustration for homeowners. Not only can it lead to excess water and mold, but it can also heavily contribute to an increased water bill.
If you need help troubleshooting a leaky faucet or shower, follow this quick list of best practices:
Spotting Leaks
Sometimes leaks can go unnoticed until a major kitchen or bathroom disaster occurs. Every once in awhile (about once a month) check underneath your faucets to see if there is any water damage or visible puddles - this is usually the first sign that something has gone wrong.
You can also easily hear drips from the faucet - the sound is usually unmistakable. Once you know the leak is occurring, you need to find where it is coming from. Two of the best ways to locate a leak's origins is to look for stains on the ceiling below your shower or sink, and seeing rust, lime, or mold growing from the showerhead.
Another major indicator? Sudden increases in your water bills. Faucets and showerheads use more water than any other area of the home, so if you start seeing your water bills getting higher, it's probably a sign there is leak occurring in one or both of these locations.
Checking Visible Pipes
It's also a good idea to head outside or down into your basement to look for visible pipes. If there is rust or any water accumulating on the surface or on your floors, it's time to make a call to your local plumber.
Tips for Preventing Leaks
Installing a leak-protection system is probably the most surefire way to ensure leaks don't happen. Although it might mean investing a few-hundred dollars in the beginning, it could potentially save you a bundle in water bills over time.
Practical Leak Prevention Tips
However, there are other practical ways you can prevent leaks. For instance, a lot of faucet leaks occur because the space underneath your sinks becomes too crowded. Be sure that if you are storing cleaning products or other bathroom/kitchen essentials under the sink, the area around the pipes isn't cluttered. Not only will this keep your pipes undisturbed, but it can also lessen the chances of ruining expensive household goods.
Winter Care for Faucets
With winter well underway, now is the time to start being diligent about frozen pipes, one of the main causes of faucet leaks. This can lead to leaky pipes, and, if left ignored for long stretches of time, frozen pipes could burst.
To prevent frozen water from accumulating in pipes, you will need to ensure water is constantly moving, especially if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, such as a vacation. If you are heading out, make sure a light drip is ongoing - although this might seem like a waste of water, it can definitely go a long way in preventing leaks during the frigid winter months.
Although many people prefer the do-it-yourself route for leaky faucets, if you are unsure where the leak is coming from, it's always best to seek help from professional plumbers.