While a sudden burst pipe or geyser can cause immediate devastation to your home, a slow leak can cause just as much damage over time, as well.

Leak detection is something every homeowner should be well-versed in and on the look-out for. As soon as you suspect a leak, nip-it-in-the-bud as soon as you can!

Do you know the common signs of pipe leakage, and more importantly, what to do when you find a leak? Catch up-to-speed in this blog…

Pipe Leakage 101: Common Signs and Solutions

One of the most damaging by-products of a slow leak in your home is mold. Not only is it dangerous, but mold can cause unpleasant smells and damage wood, wallpaper, plaster, and much more.

Mold is a sneaky sucker – before you know it, it’s spread like wildfire throughout your home and you’ll have to pay a fortune to have it professionally removed.

So, how do you know when you have a slow leak? Here are a few common signs:

• Pooling water in your cupboards (especially under sinks)
• Unpleasant odors
• Low water pressure
• An increased water bill
• Damp spots
• Peeling wallpaper
• Rotten wood patches

These in-home leakages are often caused by plumbing issues, pipes which heat or cool too fast, causing corrosion, extreme weather or tree-root intrusion.

How To Find the Source of a Leak

If your home has a basement or an attic, it’s best to start in these areas and look for evidence of water damage.

Additionally, if your home is on the older side, then your pipes most likely are too. If you can’t find any obvious signs of water damage, you’ll need to do a thorough inspection of your piping system. This is often best left to a plumbing professional who knows exactly where to look!

How to Prevent Pipe Leakage

Make sure you’re always on-top of leak detection by inspecting areas of your home for evidence of moisture. This includes under your sinks, in your attic, basement, and any other storage areas prone to damp.

It’s important to keep your pipes clear of anything but water- clogged drains and pipes are a major hazard which can lead to slow leakage.

Remember to pull your heavy-duty appliances out-of-place on a regular basis and check for damp or pooling water. This includes appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and fridge.

Keep your appliances leak-proof with extra protection such as a drip tray for your dishwasher and washing machine.

Inspect your home’s faucets and a showerhead for slow drips and leaks when they aren’t being used- especially guest bathrooms which aren’t used regularly!

Protect Your Pipes

If you suspect a certain pipe is rather clogged up, don’t just reach for the drain cleaner straight away! Drain cleaner is not always the best solution- especially for older piping systems as it’s a caustic solution which can wear your pipes down.

As an alternative, pour baking soda and vinegar down the suspect clogged pipe. This combination is effective in eating away any trapped organic matter within the pipe. Once you’ve let the solution work for a few minutes, pour boiling hot water down the drain to flush it all out.

Keep in mind that drain cleaner should only be used as a last resort and careful instructions should be followed!

Find Affordable Plumbing in Tulsa

If you have pipe leakage in your home, then Big C’s Plumbing Service is your affordable, professional, and timely go-to in Tulsa.

Take a closer look at our drain cleaning services, here.