Identify the Source of the Leak
If you discover a water leak inside your home, begin by tracing the pipe’s route to find the source. Investigate common leakage spots like under sinks, behind dishwashers, washing machines, close to toilets, or at outdoor taps. Inspect your home for damp patches on walls, floors, or ceilings that suggest leak origins, and follow the moisture trail to its source.
Checking your meter is an effective way to uncover hidden water leaks in your home. Turn off all taps, record the meter reading and compare it again after one hour. Should the readings change with all water sources off, this points to a leak, culminating in a concealed problem.
Consider the leak type and your building’s standard format plan, ranging from a slow drip to a bursting pipe.
These signs may point to leaks in zones where homeowner inspection is crucial. For example, your toilet may leak into the bowl or from its internal inlet fittings. Use food colouring in the tank as a simple test for leaks.
Pinpointing the leak source, whether a water pipe or faucet, is crucial to limit plumbing damage and begin repairs. We can do thorough investigations - call us on 1300 349 338 if you suspect an issue.
Assess Severity and Take Safety Precautions
Safety must take precedence when evaluating a water leak. If water nears electrical wiring, immediately turn off electricity and the water to that area. Don protective rubber boots and gloves to guard against water at potential leak sites.
Assess whether high water pressure or flow rates can result in leaks and further plumbing damage; In these situations, it’s crucial to seek professional help. You may need to shut off water supply to the main system. Assess if the deluge through walls, floors, or ceilings compromises the building structure - this is when you’ll need to consult your building format plan.
Act quickly to address affected walls and floors to reduce the risk of leaks impacting your property, but never at the expense of your safety; contact your body corporate or property owner if applicable. Our team can help with emergency water leak detection and secure repairs to prevent extensive damage; call us 1300 349 338. Please call Werrington Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for priority assistance managing a big leak.
Stop the Flow of Water
To stop a leak home encounter and prevent further damage, First, figure out how to cut the main water supply to your property. Commonly situated near your water meter, the main meter tap is a frequent leak source. Twist this tap clockwise to cease incoming water and mitigate worsening problems.
If your home has a dedicated hot water system, get to know its control valve to turn off the isolation if needed. This valve is commonly situated under or close to the hot water unit, although its location can vary.
Ensure your taps inside your home are not dripping, and make certain when the water is switched back on, all fixtures seal tightly without delay. When away for long periods, turn off your main stop tap quickly and drain the pipes to conserve water.
Prompt cessation of water flow can protect areas under gutters and around garden taps from leak damage. Please contact Werrington Plumbing on 1300 349 338 if you need help accessing or turning off your water supply, or want us to attend and make repairs.
Mitigate Damage
Once the main water supply is turned off, take steps to reduce further damage your home might suffer. Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water from a leak near your sump pump area. Elevate carpets, rugs and drapes up one metre inside to facilitate drying and minimise the impact of a water leak at home.
Move furniture and valuables away from around your areas affected by leaks, using caution and care. Place buckets to catch water coming from areas where persistent leaks drip. Open windows and use fans to circulate air near exterior walls and assist drying.
When cleaning up, wear rubber boots and gloves to protect against water, and avoid using electrical items in wet areas. Prevent mould mildew growth by thoroughly drying all wet materials within 48 hours.
Engaging a professional plumber to check water leaks in your plumbing is highly recommended. Early intervention can greatly reduce costs of water leak repairs in your home.
Make Temporary Repairs
If facing a small leak while waiting for a licensed plumber, there are some temporary solutions you can try. For cracks or holes in a water line, you could use waterproof repair tape, but consult a professional plumber for a more permanent solution. Ensure the pipe is fully dry first.
You can apply plumber’s epoxy putty to help stop leak progression in pipes or fittings when pressed firmly over cracks. Follow package directions closely as it sets hard in around 30 minutes. Hose clamps can sometimes seal a leaky hose fitting as a short-term fix.
Please note, these are temporary measures only - a qualified plumber should still assess and repair the leak properly. Covering leaks may seem like a quick fix but won’t prevent longer-term damage if underlying issues remain.
Engage a Professional Plumber
When facing any type of water leak in your home, engaging an experienced professional plumber is highly recommended. At Werrington Plumbing, our licenced technicians have the expertise to accurately diagnose the source of leaks and provide long-lasting repairs.
Our services ensure leaks are fixed properly in line with relevant building codes and plumbing standards. We use high-quality parts and materials for reliable solutions. This helps prevent leaks recurring and causing further damage or unsafe conditions.
As your local plumber, we can respond promptly to emergency call-outs while also handling scheduled maintenance or installations. No job is too small - we’re happy to address a leaking tap as well as more complex pipe repairs.
Learn more about our transparent pricing, which guarantees no hidden fees. You can trust our team to complete work to the highest standard. We back all jobs with a satisfaction guarantee.
Don’t wait for small leaks to become bigger, costlier issues. For a personalised quote or to book a certified Werrington Plumbing technician, using your postcode to find the nearest service, to inspect your property, email us or call 1300 349 338.
Conduct Preventative Maintenance
Regularly checking your system for leaks proactively deters issues from arising. Conduct periodic inspections of your water systems to identify leaks and avoid potential severe damage. Regularly inspect under sinks, at pipe joints, around taps toilets, and behind appliances for signs of moisture.
Consistently clean your gutters and downspouts to avert overflows and the moisture damage they can cause to your roof. Pay close attention if your water bill has gone up even though consumption habits haven’t changed - this can signal concealed leaks needing urgent attention.
Consider installing whole home leak detection systems that trigger alarms upon detecting leaks using your water excessively, particularly after hours. This can alert you early to even a few litres water being wasted due to leakage before major damage results.
Minor leaks can lead to bigger problems if not addressed in time. Don’t ignore drips or weeping fixtures - call us on 1300 349 338 to schedule maintenance. Nipping issues in the bud protects your property and avoids costly repairs down the track.
Monitor and Address Issues Promptly
Vigilance and proactivity are crucial in effectively managing water leaks. Effective detection can be caused by knowing the most common locations of leaks.
Schedule regular inspections of exposed pipes, fixtures, appliances, and all plumbing elements for signs of drips or moisture.
Also monitor your water meters and bills closely. Take swift action to address any issues, avoiding extensive repairs.
Unexpected spikes in usage can be caused by concealed leaks requiring urgent attention. When dealing with potential leaks often, don’t ignore small signs as they can forewarn of bigger problems.
Signs such as damp spots or musty odours need urgent investigation as they could herald serious issues pending major damage. Leaks that develop in concealed areas like wall interiors or beneath floors can cause significant damage.
If you suspect a leak but can’t locate it, or if you’ve been advised not to use any water, Werrington Plumbing offers leak detection services. Our technicians use advanced methods to pinpoint leak locations within your plumbing system. We also provide routine maintenance checks for peace of mind.
Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 349 338 if you have any concerns about potential leaks. Timely repairs prevent wasted water your property may incur and mitigate potential structural damage down the track.
