Five Common Causes of Water Leaks in Your Home

Water is typically left off the guestlist and it’s especially unwelcome when it shows up, announced, dripping from your ceiling, pooling under your sink, or running down the walls. Leaks are one of the most common household plumbing issues. However, many homeowners assume they are sudden disasters. More commonly, they appear quietly and slowly, leaving plenty of destruction behind.  

So today let’s discuss five common culprits behind water leaks in your home: 

1. Worn-Out Faucet Washers or Gasket  

If your faucet has a stubborn drip that refuses to quit, you’re likely dealing with a worn-out washer or gasket. These small internal parts handle pressure and friction every time you turn the faucet on and off. Over time, they start to wear down. While the leak may seem minor, a consistent dripping faucet can waste gallons of water a year. 

“A leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.” -Home Depot 

2. Toilet Flapper and Fill Valve Problems 

Toilets seem to have exactly two modes: working perfectly or running endlessly. A failing flapper or a misbehaving fill valve often causes phantom flushing and water loss you may not notice right away. The good news is that toilet flappers are generally inexpensive to fix and should last approximately five years. 

3. Cracked or Corroded Pipes 

No plumbing system lasts forever. Pipes made from galvanized steel, older copper, or even certain plastics can crack, corrode, or weaken over time. Temperature fluctuations, hard water, and age are the usual suspects. Often, the first sign you’ll notice is a stain on a ceiling or wall. In this case, the leak has likely been dripping for a while, and it’s time to call in a professional. 

4. Clogged Drains 

Clogs cause more than slow drains. They can create pressure buildup that forces water into places it doesn’t belong. Hair, grease, soap scum, and other unknown substances are usually to blame. To help avoid pesky clogs, never flush food down the toilet, and avoid putting grease, oils, coffee grounds, or eggshells (to name a few!) down the drain.  

“The average home may lose almost 10,000 gallons of water every year, and 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. That’s enough water to wash 300 loads of laundry.” -Home Depot 

5. Appliance Hose Leaks 

Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators use flexible hoses that age and crack over time. Even a small leak can turn into a puddle or, worse, a warped floor if not caught early. If you notice water around any of your appliances, be sure to investigate and fix the issue immediately. 

A little routine maintenance and awareness go a long way in preventing leaks. If you’re ever unsure whether a leak is minor or a symptom of something bigger, it’s always best to call a professional, like Action Plumbing, before a little drip becomes a big disaster.