Investigating plumbing leaks

Dear Hector,

I recently needed to call a plumber to find out where water in my Kitchen ceiling was coming from. There isn’t a roof above so it was difficult for me to figure where it was coming from.

The plumbing contractor checked everywhere only to find that the toilet bowl wax ring was faulty and that the bowl wasn’t sitting right. It leaked water every time someone flushed which was one of the reasons we couldn’t find the leak. Our contractor indicated that this must have been going on for some time; do to the extent of the damage to the floor.

This problem cost us dearly and was something we could have definitely done without. Have you previously written any articles with suggestions or hints for preventing this or similar problems from happening that we may be able to get?

Sincerely,

R. M.

Dear R. M.,

I’ll look into getting you some past articles on the subject, but in the interim here are some precautions and preventative maintenance tips that may help you disarm any potential tsunamis in your home.

After the holiday hoopla is over and the cold weather stops you from wanting to venture outside, it is much easier to redirect your focus to the inside of your home for a little preventative maintenance. A leak in your bathroom or kitchen could cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage if not taken care of immediately.

Always be on alert for warnings signs of a possible leak. Follow these guidelines and check for signals that will keep your kitchen and bathroom in check and free of any leaks.

1. 1. Fix and Change Worn Parts

Damaged parts are a major cause of leaks and wasted water in a bathroom or kitchen. Look over the following parts regularly, and repair or replace them if they are worn.

• Inspect the washers in the shower head- Check for water dripping or spraying out from the threaded area of the head.
• Tub diverters can waste a lot of water. If it is leaking into the tub, it may be time to replace it with a new one.
• Toilet tanks – Check for leaks between the tank and bowl. If there’s water leaking, tighten the bolts that hold the two together, being careful not to tighten them too much. Also, make sure there is no water leaking between the bowl and floor. You can usually tell this by a wet spot on the floor around the bowl and/or a dark mildew on the floor around the bottom of the bowl usually in the grouted tile joints.
• Toilet flapper valve – A faulty flapper can waste hundreds of gallons of water. Flappers are simple to replace and can be purchased at your local home improvement store or plumbing supply. Make sure to turn the water supply off and remove the flapper. Put it in a plastic bag and take it with you to match up its’ shape with a new one.
• Rotted washers and bolts around toilet tanks and an insufficient wax seal can result in a rotted floor. This can go unnoticed for a longtime until one day the floor begins to look a little crooked or uneven. Don’t let this go without further inspection. It’s time to call a professional.
• Faucet washers – can result in a high water bill and can also ruin and de-laminate mica counter and vanity tops if they go unnoticed. Replacing countertops can run well into a few thousand dollars.
• Check for leaks at supply lines to toilet bowls, sinks, dishwashers, hot water dispensers and refrigerators. Supply line valves may not be used for some time and once there’re turned, a seal can be broken and a leak begins.
• Check for sediment build-up in faucets and showerheads. These can stifle water pressure. Periodically remove the strainers on you faucets and remove any sediment that may be collecting. In most cases this will drastically improve your water pressure. In areas with hard-water it may be necessary to do this more frequently.

1. 2. Inspect the Caulking and Grouting

Caulking is very important in preventing a leak and keeping water from infiltrating vulnerable places. Caulking should be somewhat flexible, and not be cracked or blackened with mildew—if it is, don’t just use any caulk, replace it with a tub and tile type silicone based waterproof caulking.

Check the following areas for cracked or missed caulking in need of repair.

• Around the bottom of the toilet
• Along wall at the edge of the tub or shower
• At the inside corners of the tub or shower
• Between the countertop and backsplash
• Where the tub meets the shower
• At the base of the tub or shower along the floor
• Where the shower door meets the wall and tub or shower base.

1. 3. Knowing When to Call in the Professionals

There are some things that need to be fixed by professionals in order to avoid future or even more damage. Call a plumber if you find the following problems and feel as though you are in over your head,

• Leaky or stuck water supply lines and valves
• Leaking shower heads, or other leaks that you can’t fix
• Leaks present in the shower pan
• Trouble with mold or mildew on the walls.

Once you can get into a routine of doing these things on a regular or seasonal basis it becomes a lot easier to handle and will allow you time for other home fixes.

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