Over time, your home plumbing pipes can experience a variety of issues that lead to leaks. Rattling noises, hissing sounds and water running when all faucets are turned off are all indicators of a household leak that should be addressed as soon as possible. 

Taking a proactive approach to plumbing leak detection can save you from costly repairs and water damage in the future. Here are some of the most common plumbing leaks that you may experience. 

1. Leaky Pipe Joints 

Pipe leaks are caused by damaged or loose joints. They can also occur due to external factors such as ground movement, water and soil chemistry, or improper installation. 

If you notice a small drip or puddle, don’t ignore it! This is a sign that your pipes are eroding and could soon burst, flooding your home. Instead, turn off the water supply and get your plumbing fixed ASAP. 

The most common way to stop a leak is to use plumber’s tape, which forms an impermeable seal over the leak. You can also try using a rubber hose piece, cut to just a little longer than the leak, and wrapped around it to hold it in place. If these options aren’t working, you may need to replace the damaged section of the pipe. An experienced plumber can help you with this. They will assess your piping system, find the source of the leak, and provide an appropriate fix. 

2. Loose Fittings 

As time passes, pipes and fixtures wear down, causing loosening of fittings. This can lead to leaks that wreak havoc on your home. Unrecognized leaks of waste water, contribute to mold growth and increase your utility bills. Fortunately, most leaks are easily fixed. 

Many plumbers recommend that you only tighten pipe and fixture connections as far as you can comfortably hand-tighten them. Over tightening may damage the rubber washers inside of pipes. 

Leaks from loose fittings can go undetected for months, resulting in costly structural damage. One of the quickest ways to spot this type of problem is to check your water meter regularly. If the dial is spinning, this could indicate a leak in your plumbing. The best way to stop the flow of water and prevent further damage is to shut off your water main. Then, call a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing and repair the leak. 

3. Damaged Faucets 

Dripping faucets waste water, but they also present health and structural issues for your home. The constant drip creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive in, which can lead to allergic reactions and other complications for your household members. Additionally, the puddles or dampness caused by a leaky faucet can also damage the floors and walls of your home. 

If you find a puddle or dampness under your sink, you need to turn off the water supply immediately and call in a plumber to check for damaged pipes or connections. Additionally, rattling or whistling noises coming from your sink may indicate problems with the valve seat or stem and need immediate attention. The problem can also be a result of mineral buildup in the valves and stems, which can restrict their movement and make them difficult to turn. In this case, you can use a mineral remover to clean the components. If they are still stiff or stuck, you may need to replace them altogether. 

4. Clogged Drains 

If you notice that water in your sinks or tub is draining slower than usual, or if it smells foul, you have a clog. These clogs often form from grease, hair, soap scum and other debris that sticks to the walls of your pipes. Clogged drains cause a variety of problems and should be addressed as soon as possible. 

If left untreated, a clogged drain can lead to water backing up into your home and flooding. Additionally, clogged drains provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. These pathogens can then spread to household members, causing serious diseases. Moreover, standing water in a clogged drain can attract pests such as snails and flies. These pests may carry and transmit diseases such as schistosomiasis, cholera, and typhoid. Additionally, the excessive moisture in a clogged drain encourages mold growth which can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. The best way to avoid clogs is to reduce the amount of food and other debris that you throw down your drains. For more information on plumbing leaks, sites such as https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/ will give you more information on plumbing services.