Plumbing Leak Prevention

SAN JOSE — A minor plumbing leak may be easy to ignore, but over time it can constitute a substantial waste of water. Additionally, leaky plumbing connections beneath sinks and near floors often go unnoticed, which can lead to problems like water damage and increased utility bills. To avoid this, make it a habit to routinely inspect your plumbing fixtures and pipes for leaks. Here are some areas to check:

Faucets
Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, leaky faucets are a common source of water waste. In many cases, leaks originate from the faucet’s inner cartridges, which can be difficult to replace if ignored for long periods of time, especially if corrosion has occurred. If the faucet is leaking at the base, it can cause water damage to the wood cabinetry beneath the sink. In addition to the faucet fixture itself, leaks can spring from connections beneath the sink such as water supply lines, the p-trap and (in the case of a kitchen sink) the garbage disposal.

To preventatively detect leaks, inspect your faucet and connections every three to six months. Don’t forget to check additional water fixtures like your water purification or instant hot water units. When checking for leaks beneath the sink, use your hands to feel for moisture around plumbing connections, as touch is a much more reliable indicator than visual detection. Of course, if you see any puddles forming under the sink, that’s a dead giveaway of an ongoing leak.

Toilets
When checking for toilet leaks, there are a few key areas to address. Check the water supply line that connects the tank fill valve to the wall shutoff valve. If this isn’t secure, water can leak out each time the toilet is flushed, which can damage the flooring, baseboards and sheetrock. To rule out any leaks, feel around the fill valve connection and then run your hand all the way down the water line to the wall valve.

Other areas to check for moisture are around the tank bolts and at the base of the toilet. If left unchecked, a leak around the base (usually caused by a wax seal failure) can cause major damage to the subfloor that may potentially require replacement.

Shower
There are a few different areas where leaks can occur in a shower, starting with the showerhead itself. Besides being a significant waste of water, a constantly dripping showerhead can gradually damage your shower’s tile and grout. Another place where leaks can be problematic is behind the shower handle, which can result in hidden water damage behind the wall.

Hose bibs
Most homes have two to four exterior hose bibs around the property. Since they’re located outside, it’s easy for leaks to go unnoticed, which not only wastes water but can also damage your home’s foundation over time. Hose bibs are easy to replace, so if you find any leaks, don’t delay in addressing them. 

Water main shutoff valve
In the event of a catastrophic water leak, your home’s water main shutoff valve can be a lifesaver. That’s why it’s crucial to a) know where your water main is located so you can get to it quickly and b) periodically test it for proper functionality. A shutoff valve can freeze up if it’s not touched for several years, which can be a rude awakening in a dire situation. To avoid this, test your shutoff valve every three to six months by turning it off and on again.