Plumbing Repair: The Hidden Dangers of a Water Leak

Television commercials from the 1970s depict a water leak as an annoyance that disturbs sleep. But plumbers know that even small leaks create serious problems. A drip from a faucet every second is pretty fast, but it takes such a minor leak almost 2 days to waste one gallon of water. The seriousness of small leaks comes from different factors than the amount. Consider these plumbing repair leak factors.

1. Freshwater leaks in a faucet or tub are likely to leave a mineral deposit on the surface. Trace amounts of iron, calcium, and other elements leave a stain that can be difficult to remove.
2. Freshwater leaks in a faucet or tub allow water to follow the intended course—down the drainpipe and away for treatment. However, freshwater leaks outside of a faucet create bigger problems. Freshwater is under pressure, so even the tiniest leaks will create a bigger flow of water. Since most of the freshwater pipes are behind the walls, noticing a leak can take time. The water can also travel. A leak in a floor under a bathroom can cause water to travel along frame members and eventually find its way to the ceiling above a bedroom. Moving water makes locating the leak more difficult.
3. Wastewater uses gravity to drain water away. Movement is possible for wastewater leaks, especially when the water leaks under a toilet. This can cause the water to travel between layers of flooring before it manifests itself. Hidden wastewater leaks can remain secret, causing rotting and damage to floor joists, weakening the floor.
4. Visible leaks are much easier to repair and are often found much quicker. Hidden leaks can go on for decades, since the real indication can be in the crawlspace under a house. Unless such a leak is wastewater, it may be very difficult to find, since homeowners rarely crawl into tight, enclosed spaces.
5. Outdoor freshwater and outdoor wastewater leaks are usually very different. Freshwater leaks generally develop in the distance between the water meter and the main inlet valve for the home. Any leak in this length can be significant, but it can stay hidden for a while. Gravity pulls the water down, so a wet spot may or may not occur on the surface. Erosion will eventually occur, leaving a depression, but it can be a dry depression for a long while.
6. Outdoor wastewater leaks are different. First, the wastewater will attract roots from any surrounding trees, shrubs, or even grass. The drainpipe will also develop a clog, which becomes very noticeable. Since the water is slow moving, it is much more apt to wick upward. The leaking wastewater will smell terrible and require a quick repair.

From Drip to Disaster: Let Doctor Cool Plumbing Repair Experts Protect Your Home

Have you noticed that a complete plumbing do-it-yourself project usually requires three trips to the plumbing supply store? That is because plumbing, which seems so easy, is not. It is complex and difficult to get right. For this reason alone, it is best to have a good working relationship with a professional plumbing contractor, who has the right training and tools, and often the most common supplies already available on the truck.

Our plumbing repair experts can quickly identify problems and have available solutions for big and small problems. We can quickly repair even a minor annoying leak.

Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your plumbing repair questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-516-5952 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential League City Plumbing Repair Contractors assist with all of your plumbing repair needs.