Fixing Pipe Leaks in Perth
Leaking pipes can be costly and destructive especially if it is a slow leak that is undetected. The slow, unseen leak can rot carpet, floor boards and structural posts. The sudden stream of water from a burst pipe can instantly flood an area causing immediate damage to the surrounding area and obviously needs emergency service.
There are different things you can do to detect a potential water problem and make strides to remedy that problem before it turns into a costly expense. It is important to solve any leak or pipe burst issue before it causes damage to other parts of the home, especially if you are renovating.
Simple Detection of Pipe Leaks
The very nature of a pipe makes locating a leak very difficult, especially if the leak is a slow, small leak. Water may actually be leaking from one area, run along the pipe and appear someone else very different.
One way to find a hidden leak is to look for mouldy areas. Another way is to look for areas that look or smell damp. If you are sure there is a leak somewhere, it might be necessary to remove carpet, linoleum, etc. or wall boards to locate the source of the leak.
When checking for leaks, it is equally important to check the surrounding structure of the area. Floorboards and walls that have been subjected to dampness for a period of time can be damaged and in need of repair. They may even be seriously rotted and need replacing.
If you cannot find the leak it will be necessary to call a professional Perth Plumber to Repair Leaks as they have the skill, experience and specialised equipment to detect leaks at the source. A professional plumber can save both time and money in the long run as they can effectively minimise damage to your home and property.
The Simple Method For Determining If Pipes Are Leaking
If you suspect there might be a leak somewhere but you can’t find it, there is a simple way to determine if there indeed is a leak. The quickest way is to check the water meter and take note of the reading. Then turn off all water usage in the house for an hour. At the end of the hour, check the meter again to see if it shows any water usage during that time. If there was water usage then you most likely have a leak somewhere. If it is a very small leak, it might show up in an hour so you might have to not use the water for a couple more hours. The longer you stop water usage the more effective the test is in identifying a problem.
A lot of leaks originate with the toilet. Check all the toilet’s internal and external seals and fixtures to make sure they are not leaking.
How To Fix Leaking Pipes
Easily accessible leaks can quite simply be repaired by the homeowner. However, the effectiveness of the repair should be checked before the area is resealed. Some of the steps you can follow to make sure the leak is properly fixed is as follows:
- Identify the leak.
- Clear the area around the pipe.
- Clean the pipe thoroughly.
- Turn off the water mains to the home.
- If the leak is a join leak, undo the join.
- Clean it thoroughly
- Repair the area with plumber’s tape around the seal before rejoining.
- Check that parts are the correct size.
- Check that corrosion or cracks have not compromised the join.
- For cracks or holes, use the correct putty (for metal or plastic pipes/joins), sealant and tape.
- Carefully reseal the damage.
If you have any questions or are unsure of your workmanship, the wiser course may be to call a professional Perth Plumber to Repair Leaks who will save you money in the long run from potential future problems. Making sure that all your plumbing repairs, installations and renovations are undertaken by a qualified, licenced plumber is a good preventative measure. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and a little cost now can prevent a lot of cost later.