How to Avoid Water Leaks

Water leaks don’t just damage your property. They can also cost you considerable amounts of money! Did you know that you can save up to 10% on your utility bills by preventing water leaks? With that in mind, let us show you how to avoid water leaks – and what to do if you find a leak at home.

1. Check Your Water Pressure

Monitor your water pressure for changes. You could already have a leak, or risk a leak, if:

Water flow is weaker than usual
You can’t get hot water
Hot water is weak or intermittent

Our team can help if you suspect there’s a pressure problem in your plumber system.

2. Perform Regular Plumbing Inspections

Regularly inspecting your pipework, appliances, and outlets can prevent water leaks. Keep a close eye on:

Toilets
Pipes
Hoses
Water heaters
Tanks
Sump pumps
Gaskets and other plumbing components

If you notice any signs of wear and tear, replace or repair the part. Ignoring damage can lead to bigger and more expensive problems.

3. Look for Water Damage

Already concerned you have a leak? Even if you can’t see a leak, you might spot signs of water damage. The most common signs include:

Damp patches on walls, floors, or ceilings
Peeling or flaking paintwork
A musty or damp smell
Visible mold e.g. black, brown, or grey patches

Even a small leak can cause serious property damage over time. If you identify water damage, call us for help.

4. Maintain Your Appliances

Regular maintenance is just as crucial as inspecting your plumbing.

Keep your appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, in good working order. And replace any old appliances which you can’t repair. Although you have an initial outlay, it could be cheaper than a leak which goes undetected!

5. Keep Your Drains Clean

Blocked and clogged drains eventually damage your pipework. Damaged water lines may result in leaks over time.

Don’t put anything such as food or other solids down the drains.
Clear clogs quickly.
Regularly check your drains for buildup.

6. Inspect Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are sometimes inevitable. But a sudden flow of hot water through a frozen pipe can result in leaks or bursting.

You can avoid many frozen pipes by insulating your pipework. Or, slowly run a tap (no more than a drip) during a cold spell. This helps to keep water moving through the plumbing system.

Suspect a frozen pipe? Gently thaw it with, for example, a hairdryer. Turn off your water supply and inspect the supply line. Contact us if you’re concerned about the health of your pipework after a hard frost!

What if I Find a Water Leak?

First, don’t panic. Now you have identified the leak, you can take steps to resolve it. Once you detect a water leak, here’s what to do.

Turn off your water supply. Typically, the shut-off valve is near your water meter. Or it may be close to the leaking appliance, faucet, or toilet.
Inspect for signs of property damage. Look for damp or mold patches, or a musty smell. These signs, as mentioned, indicate a larger water damage problem. They may also suggest a long-standing leak.
Call Fox Valley Plumbing. Our team is ready 24/7 to assist with any water leak in Elgin, IL. And the quicker you contact us, the sooner we can fix the problem. And the lower the risk of significant damage to your property.

Water Leak Repair Services in Elgin, IL

Some leaks occur without warning and there’s nothing you can do to prevent them. However, regular maintenance and inspections can reduce the risk of water leaks. At Fox Valley Plumbing, we provide a range of services for homes and businesses. We can service your plumbing outlets and appliances and identify problems before they become full-blown leaks.

In some cases, leaks can mean wasting up to 90 gallons of water per day. The sooner you act, the less water you’ll waste – and the more money you can save. Whether it’s an emergency or a regular inspection, call us now to schedule a visit!