10 Most Likely Places to Find Water Leaks
Finding water damage can be one of the most annoying problems to find for property owners; it’s one more task to add to the never ending to-do list and it can be costly to fix, depending on where it has spread. But it is highly recommended by water damage restoration professionals to have it restored as soon as possible to prevent the problem from becoming worse over time. Mold can also develop from any untreated areas containing high amounts of moisture.
But if you can restore the water damage yourself, know that the first step is to locate and remove the source of the damage; it wouldn’t help to repair the damage if the water keeps flowing. If you can’t find it right away, here are the most likely places to find water leaks:
Common Places to Find Water Leaks:
- Hot Water Heaters. About 70% of all water heater failures have been caused by a water leak or sudden burst. This can occur after 10 – 15 years of having the water heater, depending on the quality and size of the tank. To check if this is the source of the water leak, remove the drain pipe and listen for a hissing sound. You may also notice a puddle underneath the tank.
- Toilets. These clog all of the time and can become messy if they overflow. But they can also seep water around the seal in the floor. If you find a small puddle around the toilet, turn the water off and inspect the tank. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may have to call a plumber.
- Water Pipes. Especially in the winter time, pipe bursts are extremely common as the water expands and adds more pressure to stressed pipes. Be sure to inspect each one thoroughly for any drips or small holes.
- Refrigerator and Freezer. Because it is constantly pouring water, ice maker leaks are very common. To see if there is a leak, unplug the appliance and inspect the back of the freezer or freezer to find any water damage on the wall. There could also be a small hole or two in the pipes if they are plastic. If you see any dripping, consider replacing the tubes with copper pipes.
- Air Conditioner. While moisture around this appliance is common and won’t hurt anything as long as there is not any moisture on the drywall, excessive dripping can cause significant damage. To see if there is a problem, check the condensate pump, refrigerant, and drain line for any leaks.
- Washing Machine. During each cycle, there are about 15 to 30 gallons of water running through the washing machine. Any small hole within the appliance, drain, or tubes can result in major water damage.
- Gutters. Not all water damage sources are located within the home. Any gutters containing significant amounts of leaves, dirt, and other debris can cause water to flow over the side and seep into the foundation; this is a very common source of basement flooding.
- Showers and Sinks. Next to washing machines, sinks and showers are among the most common sources of water damage. Any holes in the water supply lines or worn-out caulking can spring major damage at any time.
- Sump Pump. Especially after a big storm, sump pumps can fail and create the risk for basement flooding, if it hasn’t happened already. After repairing the pump, it would be best to schedule annual maintenance and inspect its condition to prevent future failures.
- Air Ducts. Because they are connected to the air conditioning unit, it is common for moisture to accumulate within the ductwork and spring a leak. If you notice any condensation on the air registers or ducts themselves, you may find a leak in another area. Professional air duct cleaning can also prevent this problem in the future.
Restoring Water Damage from Leaks
While you will need a plumber to fix any pipes or leaks, fixing the water damage is crucial to prevent additional destruction. Once an area has been affected, the water will spread and damage additional areas. But as soon as the source has been removed, don’t hesitate to call a water damage repair professional.
Widely known as the nation’s top restoration company, RestorationMaster specializes in water damage mitigation. Their professionals are available 24/7 and will arrive within 2 hours of your initial call to prevent the damage from spreading, dry out the affected areas, and restore the property structure. You can count on them to return building materials of all types to their original condition. They will even work with your insurance provider to allow you to focus on other matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
If your air conditioner is leaking water, it could be for a few reasons. One common issue is a clogged drain line, which can stop water from draining properly. Another possibility is a dirty air filter, which can cause excess condensation and lead to leaks. Low refrigerant levels or a damaged drain pan might also be to blame. To prevent leaks, it’s a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning.
How to test a water line for leaks?
If you suspect a leak but aren’t sure, follow these simple steps to check your water line effectively. This quick guide will help you identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
- Turn Off Water Supply: Shut off the water supply to the line you want to check.
- Check Water Meter: Note the water meter reading and wait for a few hours without using any water.
- Recheck Meter: Check the water meter again. If the reading has changed, there may be a leak.
- Inspect Visible Pipes: Look for any visible signs of leaks, such as water stains or dripping.
- Use Food Coloring: For toilet leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
