A functioning central heating system and boiler is something we most definitely take for granted. If our showers do not function perfectly in the morning, or our taps fail to run, we quickly realise how important water is in our home. Our homes’ water systems cannot operate without fault, the myriad of pipes and systems below our homes will degrade over time, causing a loss of pressure, heat and the dreaded leak. Leaks are a pesky problem most homeowners will have to deal with at some point. It is best to spot and solve any leak as soon as possible, ignoring them will only make the problem grow worse and increase your water bill. To save money and protect your home from water damage, here are some common household leaks you should keep an eye out for.
Dripping Tap
Dripping taps are one of the more common, minor leaks that may be present in your household. Tap leaks can be caused by a few different factors, like general wear and tear, failing sealant, or a loose fitting. Taps can also leak if they have been secured too tight, as the valve is under too much pressure and can fracture, causing a leak. If you have noticed a leaking tap, switch off your water supply, open up the tap and evaluate the condition of the washer. If the washer looks damaged or degraded, you have more than likely found the reason behind the leak. Replace it, or enlist a professional to help. If this is not the issue behind your leak, you may have a more complex issue at hand which will require a plumbing expert.
Leaking Radiator
A radiator leak can sometimes be quite hard to spot, particularly if your radiator is surrounded by carpeted floors. A leaking radiator can cause a lot of damage to your floor, without anyone noticing until it’s too late, so it is best to keep an eye on your radiator valves to spot this in the prevention stage. Radiator leaks can also wreak havoc around electric wiring, so they must be attended to right away. Most radiator leaks can be fixed by replacing a damaged valve or simply draining the radiator and refilling it. When dealing with a more complex radiator fault, the components can be quite small, fiddly and hard to understand. It is best to turn off your water supply to halt the leak, and leave anything involving replacement parts to be handled by a professional.
Leaking Toilet
If a leak appears at the base of your toilet, there could be an easy fix for this leak or a more complicated one. If the leak appears after flushing, this could suggest an issue with your sealant or perhaps a loose bolt at the base of your toilet. If resealing does not work, the toilet will need to be taken apart and fixed accordingly. If you don’t have the tools necessary to hand, it may be best leaving this to a plumber.
When To Ask For Help
These common household leaks can be fixed with ease by leak detection experts from Aspect. Using non-invasive methods involving the latest technology, leaks can be quickly located with no damage to your home. Experts will most likely search for the problem area using thermal imaging equipment or microscopic cameras, which give technicians a unique insight into the inner condition of your home’s central heating and water systems. Tracer gas, a harmless gas put into pipes with a probe which can detect where the gas leak comes from, may also be used to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. After leak detection, experts can swiftly begin the repair process, so you can get back to enjoying hot water throughout your home.
