Signs That Your Sink Is Leaking
There are many reasons why your sink might leak, so it’s important to know what to look for. This way, you can get the problem fixed before it causes damage to your home or property. Some common signs that your sink is leaking include water spots, puddles, or a dank smell in the cabinet under the sink.
If you see the shower head hanging from the wall or dripping, it could be caused by an area of connection that has come loose. Luckily, you can fix it quickly and easily. First, shut off your water supply and remove the faceplate or shower head from the fixture. Depending on the make and model of your showerhead, you may have to undo several screws. Next, clean any residue off the threads of the shower pipe. This will help the shower head screw on and off easily in the future. Using a wire brush, clean the showerhead pipe to get rid of any calcium buildups or rust. You can also use vinegar to eliminate these deposits. If you’re not able to loosen the shower head by hand, wrap plumber’s tape around the teeth of your wrench or pliers. This will prevent the sharp dents from biting into or scratching your showerhead. It will also reduce any rust, mineral or metal shavings that may be left behind.
Dripping water is a classic indicator of a leaky faucet, but many leaks aren’t as obvious. Instead, they hide a much more serious plumbing problem underneath your sink. Leaking at the base of your faucet can be particularly damaging since water has nowhere to go but onto the floor or your vanity, and it can cause extensive damage. To spot this type of leak, look for puddling water around the base of your faucet when it’s turned on, and see if you can feel or even see water underneath it. Another sign that you have a leak is a sudden increase in your water bill, which should be an alert to call a plumber immediately. This is because a leaky faucet wastes thousands of gallons of water every year, and it can also cause damage to your home’s pipes.
If you suspect there’s a leak, start your investigations by checking your water meter. You can find your meter near the street or where the supply pipe connects to your house. Next, shut off all the faucets in your home and leave them off for an hour. After that, check the meter again. If the dials on your meter move, you have a leak somewhere in your home. However, if they stay the same, you may have a problem outside the home – such as below-grade issues like broken sprinkler pipes or french drains.
Categorised in: Plumber, Plumbing Repair