Climate change is not just scary, but potentially expensive. Some experts predict that the cost of water damage to homes from future floods may increase by 61% in the next 30 years.
Of course, not all water damage is caused by flooding. Water leaks are common, and they can cause issues that cost more later on. The best way to prevent water damage is to know the signs of a water leak and address any signs as soon as possible.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that American households waste around 1 trillion gallons of water every year. To save water and learn a few, easy DIY water leak fixes, check out the list below.
1. Repairing a Plastic Pipe
This is a common water leak repair underneath sinks in a house. Before preparing any materials, isolate the location of the leak to ensure it is coming from the pipe. If the pipe is the culprit, turn off the water completely before repairing it.
Plastic water pipes are easily, temporarily repaired with epoxy or silicone repair tape.
2. Repairing a Plastic Pipe Joint
A water leak in this location is treated similarly to repairing a plastic water pipe. Again, isolate the leak and shut off water to the location. However, before repairing it, check to see if tightening the connection is enough to address the leak.
Repairing pipe and joints are not usually a do-it-yourself job. It often requires measuring and cutting PVC, a task best left to the professionals.
3. Replacing a Washer
A damaged washer is often the cause of leaky faucets and showerheads. To replace it, first shut off all water to the area. You will need some simple tools, like a wrench, to open up the faucet or showerhead.
Before replacing the washer, clean the faucet or showerhead of any debris. You can let it soak in vinegar for up to an hour. After replacing the washer, make sure to apply thread seal tape to the thread before screwing the faucet or showerhead back in.
4. Replacing Plumbing Tape
Common leaky areas like faucets and showerheads should have plumber's tape on the thread that connects them to the system. Over time, this tape can degrade and replacing it may help address any leaking. Make sure to peel off the tape slowly and take care not to damage the thread itself.
5. Replacing a Toilet Flapper
For toilets that won't stop running, replacing the toilet flapper is an easy fix. There is usually an easily accessible shut off valve nearby to shut off water to the toilet.
You should be able to disconnect the flapper chain from the lever and remove the ears of the flapper from the flapper valve tube easily. Then, simply connect the new flapper chain and either snap or slide on the new ears.
Professional Help for Water Leaks
Not all water leaks are as simple as tightening connections or replacing a faucet cartridge. It's often the case that remedying a water leak requires a professional's expertise. Plumbers and other contracting professionals have to tools and experience to find the true source of the leak, even if it's hidden beneath your home or within your walls.
If you're looking for talented contractors to assist with building, renovating, or repairing your home, take a moment to browse our excellent client reviews.