Water can be found safely flowing through most parts of your home. And as long as it stays confined to pipes, appliances, and sinks, all is well. But water can fast become a problem when it shows up where it shouldn’t be due to a leak.
Unfortunately, plumbing leaks are a fairly common occurrence, even in newer homes. Because all water leaks aren’t obvious, every homeowner should regularly perform leak detection around the house so they can nip the plumbing problem in the bud before it causes structural water damage.
Where to Look for Leaks in Your Central Florida Home
Want to stop drips, leaks, and water damage before it happens? We’ve put together this list of the five key areas to look for a leak in your home.
1. The Roof
Roof leaks often go undetected the longest, typically because most people don’t use the attic regularly. Since even the smallest roof leaf can cause extensive damage, including mold infestation, it’s a good idea to occasionally check for signs of water seepage, such as:
- The sound of dripping water overhead or in the walls
- Ceiling water stains
- Damp or wet spots on exterior walls
- Bulging patches on interior walls
You’ll also want to inspect the attic floor and the bottom of the rafters for moisture, stains, and deterioration.
2. Showers
A shower pan leak can cause quite a bit of water damage before it’s discovered, and not just in the bathroom. The most common causes of shower pan leaks are normal wear and tear, movement, and poor drainage. Signs to look for include:
- Loose floor tiles next to the shower
- Water-stained baseboards near the shower
- Soggy carpeting by a shared wall
- Stains on the ceiling below the shower
Water damage issues from shower pan leaks range from soaked sheetrock to rotted wood. Mold is also a risk and, left undetected, can be challenging to contain and eliminate.
3. Water Heater
The sound of rushing water, rising water bills, and visual water damage are key signs of a water heater leak. The exact spot where a water heater is leaking can be difficult to determine, especially when it’s a slow leak. Two vulnerable places on a water heater are on top, where water enters and leaves the tank, and at the bottom, where the drain valve is located.
- Inspect the upper tubes and pipes to make sure they’re sufficiently sealed, and check to see if the pressure relief valve is leaking
- The lower drain valve is the most common source of water tank leaks and fortunately, replacing the valve is relatively simple and inexpensive
If you notice water pooling beneath the tank, an interior leak due to sediment buildup could be the culprit. Draining and cleaning the heater can help, but if the equipment is aging out, installing a new water heater is usually the best solution.
4. HVAC System
One of the most common causes of an HVAC water leak is a clogged condensate drain. If you notice water leaking from your HVAC system, turn off the unit and contact a trained professional immediately. Operating an HVAC unit with a leak can lead to compressor failure or a system breakdown due to water accumulation.
Other issues that might cause an HVAC water leak include a damaged or rusted drain pan, a disconnected drain line, a broken condensate pump, or frozen evaporator coils.
5. Under Sinks
If you open up the cabinet under your kitchen or bathroom sink and find drops of water or damaged flooring, it could be the pipes underneath the sink are leaking. Pipe leaks due to clogged or damaged pipes are a frequent cause of under-sink leaks. Other leaks include drain leaks, water supply leaks, and faucet leaks.
Regardless of the leak’s origin, a pipe leak can cause significant damage. The pipe leak experts at Central Florida Restoration Solutions will perform leak detection services that help you:
- Identify the source of the leak.
- Connect you with a trusted local contractor to fix it.
And if there’s water damage present, our remediation services will get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
Schedule Services Now With Central Florida’s Most Trusted Water Damage Pros
Leaks never stop or disappear on their own. To prevent leaks causing water damage in your Central Florida home, make it a habit to periodically check these common areas for signs of water infiltration. We also suggest having your pipes and other systems occasionally inspected by a professional, particularly if you suspect a leak.
Water damage and remediation services from CFRS minimize the harm a leak can do to your home and your wallet. If you suspect a leak in your home is causing water damage, our team can quickly locate its source and assess any damage. We also offer mold damage remediation services to keep your home safe and your family healthy.
Contact CFRS online to learn more about all our home restoration services.
