Each week in the UK, insurers pay out millions of pounds due to water damage caused by leaks. Coming home to find water covering the floor is a situation no one wants to find themselves in.
Some leaks are relatively minor, while others can cause serious, devastating, even structural damage to your home.
At some point, most of us will be faced with a water leak at home. So, we’ve put together this blog to explain what to do when you find one.
Sprung a leak? Call Sani Solutions for a 24/7 emergency plumber in Bournemouth and Southampton. Contact us on 03300 882 552 now.
Typical Leaks Found at Home
There are several different sources of leaks, ranging in severity. For example, a dripping tap is extremely common and most people will have experienced this at some point or another. Other common leaks found at home include leaky toilet pipes, shower trays, boilers and water heaters and under the sink leaks.
Common Causes of Leaks
Leaks can occur from a variety of reasons. More minor leaks might be due to a broken or worn seal on an appliance, a loose water connector or worn pipe joints. Whereas more serious leaks could be due to a burst pipe caused by corrosion, cold temperature or a blockage. In winter, pipes can often freeze, leading the water to expand and resulting in cracks in the pipe. While a blockage can increase water pressure, which in turn leads to a burst pipe. All of these are common causes of water leaks.
Signs of a Water Leak
Sometimes, leaks are easy to spot. A dripping tap, for example, is fairly obvious. Others, on the other hand, you might not see until you’re standing ankle-deep in water. Here are a few things you can be on the look out for if you suspect there’s a leak in your home…
- A spreading patch of damp on the wall or ceiling
- Dripping noises
- Low water pressure or flow from taps
- Noisy pipes
- Wet or waterlogged areas in the garden
Another sign to look out for is a change in your water usage. Keep an eye on your water meter and regularly check to see if there are any unexplained usage increases. This may be as a result of a leak.
What to Do if You Have a Leak
When it comes to household plumbing emergencies, it’s vital to know where your stopcock is. This controls your water supply. If you find a leak, turning off the stopcock water valve can help reduce the chances of further water damage occurring. Sometimes, people will notice a leak and go to turn off their stopcock valve, only to find it has grown stiff from not being used. We recommend occasionally turning it off and on to check it’s working okay. Also, if you go away on holiday, we’d advise turning off your water at the stopcock, as this will minimise any potential leak damage.
Knowing where your stopcock is in advance could save you money and prevent more damage in the long run.
So, the first step to take if you think you’ve got a leak is to turn off the water.
Next, you’ll want to locate the source of the leak. This can save time if the plumber knows exactly where the leak is.
In the meantime, call a plumber. Search around for an emergency plumber that is available 24/7, as you don’t want to have to wait while the problem could get worse. Check reviews online to ensure the plumber you choose is reliable and reputable.
If you have to request an emergency call out, your home insurance company may cover the cost. However, they may specify a particular plumber, so it’s worth checking.
In the unfortunate event that your property is damaged due to a water leak, you may be able to claim on your home insurance to cover the cost of the damage. Check your policy first to make sure.
If you find a leak in your home, always call a plumber. Don’t try to handle it yourself without the right skills, tools and knowledge. Call Sani Solutions for an emergency plumber in Bournemouth today.