Fewer things are more annoying and potentially damaging than a plumbing leak.
Whether it’s a dripping faucet, a leaky pipe under the sink, or a mysterious puddle of water on your bathroom floor, plumbing leaks can cause havoc if not addressed promptly. This comprehensive guide aims to cover everything you need to know about fixing plumbing leaks, from identifying the problem to implementing a lasting solution.
Please note that if you’re not comfortable doing plumbing repairs, or if the problem seems to be beyond your skill level, you should schedule a service request with a trusted professional plumbing company.
Valentine Plumbing has been in the business since 1973! Our reviews testify to our commitment to quality. Please take a look at our main leak fixing and plumbing services pages, or give us a call directly at (920) 788-5369.
1. Identifying the Leak
To start, you should identify where your plumbing leak is coming from. You should look for signs such as:
- Puddles of water
- Moisture around plumbing fixtures
- Sounds of dripping water
- Mold or mildew smell
Types of Leaks:
- Faucet Leaks: Usually evident as dripping water from the spout or handle.
- Pipe Leaks: Found in pipes under the sink, in the basement, or in hidden areas. Often indicated by water stains or puddles.
- Toilet Leaks: Often result in constant running water sounds or periodic ‘phantom’ flushes.
- Shower Leaks: Usually seen as a constant drip when the shower is off.
Related: What to Do When You Have a Plumbing Leak
2. Tools and Materials Needed
Here are some common tools and materials you’ll need for fixing various types of leaks:
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s/Teflon tape
- Screwdriver set
- Pipe sealant
- Plunger
- Pipe clamps
- Bucket
- Replacement parts (O-rings, washers, valves)
3. Types of Plumbing Leaks and How to Fix Them
Faucet Leaks
Fixing a leaky faucet involves a series of organized steps. The first task is to identify whether the leak is emanating from the handle or the faucet itself. Once you’ve located the source, turn off the water supply, which can generally be done via a knob located under the bathroom or kitchen sink. Using a screwdriver, disassemble the faucet to expose the internal components.
Quite often, the culprit behind the leak is a worn-out O-ring, washer, or valve. Replace the faulty part with a new one, which you can typically find at a local hardware store. Finally, reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on to test if the leak has been fixed.
Think you need help with your sink repair? Contact us for plumbing services today!
Pipe Leaks
Pipe leaks in your home can range from minor to quite severe, requiring varying levels of intervention. Begin by identifying the source of the leak. Water stains, puddles, or even dripping water will be a tell-tale clue of where to look.
Once you’ve pinpointed the leak, turn off the main water supply to halt the water flow. You’ll also want to drain the affected pipe by opening the faucet connected to it. For small leaks, applying a pipe clamp or sealant can serve as a temporary fix.
However, for more significant leaks, it’s often necessary to replace an entire section of the piping. Once you’ve performed the necessary repairs, you can turn the water supply back on to test your fix. If nothing seems to be working, contact your local pipe repair experts.
Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks can be particularly annoying, often resulting in constant running water sounds or periodic ‘phantom’ flushes. To address a toilet leak, first, identify the source. It could be either a running toilet or water pooling around the base.
Turn off the water supply to the toilet, usually by turning a knob near the toilet base. For a running toilet, the flapper or fill valve inside the tank often needs to be replaced. If water is leaking from the base, you may need to replace the wax ring between the toilet and the floor.
After completing the repairs, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet multiple times to ensure the issue has been resolved. Find out more here about our toilet installation and repair services.
Shower Leaks
A leaking showerhead is often easy to spot, typically displaying as a consistent drip when the shower is turned off. To fix this, first remove the showerhead by unscrewing it from the connecting pipe.
Apply plumber’s tape around the threads of the pipe, ensuring a tighter, more water-resistant connection. Then reattach the showerhead and turn the water supply back on. Check to see if the leak has been resolved by turning the shower on and off several times.
By converting these steps into comprehensive paragraphs, it’s easier to understand the sequential process involved in addressing each kind of plumbing leak. Each type of leak has its own nuances and requires specific solutions, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, most minor leaks can be fixed without professional help.
Find out more on our shower installation and repair page for how Valentine can help you.
4. Preventive Measures
Here are some preventive measures to keep in mind to help minimize plumbing leaks:
- Regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures
- Don’t overtighten connections
- Replace old pipes and fixtures
- Consider installing water leak detectors
5. When to Get Valentine Plumbing Involved
If the plumbing leak seems complex and beyond a DIY plumbing repair it may be that you need to contact your local plumbing professionals. Some signs to watch out for include if:
- The leak is large or you can’t locate it
- Multiple leaks are occurring
- Damage has occurred in your home
- You’re not comfortable performing the repair yourself
We know firsthand that plumbing leaks can be frustrating and costly if left unattended. Knowing how to identify and fix them can save you both time and money.
Read More: 7 Signs You Should Call a Plumber
Always remember to turn off the water supply before you begin any repair work, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help for complicated or large-scale issues. With the right tools, materials, and knowledge, you can tackle most common plumbing leaks head-on.
Our Services
Beyond plumbing leaks, our plumbing services consist of brand new kitchen and bathroom constructions, drain installations, drain cleaning, drain venting, flush valves, garbage disposal services, sink, toilet, and shower repair and installations; kitchen sinks, pipe repair services, frozen or burst pipe services, high water pressure, septic services, sump pump repair services, water heater services, RO systems, laundry hookups, and water softeners.
Contact Us
Valentine Plumbing is based in Freedom, WI and we serve the surrounding cities in the Fox Valley. In fact, our team serves the communities of Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh, and Green Bay, and beyond.
When it’s a faucet or a toilet leak, please contact Valentine today for plumbing repair services and we’ll assess the issue for the type of repair or replacement that’s needed.