Water Leak Detection & Repair
Richmond, VA

A water leak may catch you by surprise, but they originate in very logical fashions. These are some of the instigators of water leaks:

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can eventually burst. As the temperatures drop, the water inside them freezes. This is too much for the pipes to handle, causing them to break. But you don't want to turn off your water. Instead, you want to keep it running at a steady trickle. You should also open your cabinets to help circulate warm air to your pipes.

You can also prepare for the winter by insulating your pipes. You can avoid frozen pipes with foam insulation. Ask 1-800-Plumber +Air of Richmond for recommendations about the best insulation options for your pipes.

Age

Even healthy people have to go to the doctor more when they get older. Sometimes, it's a minor issue. But a pattern can be a cause for concern. If your pipes have been leaking more than usual, it could be that they're too old.

Consider repiping if your pipes are constantly needing calls. You should definitely get repiping if your home or business has lead pipes, which are dangerous. Treat your pipes well, and you'll be rewarded with a longer lifespan.

Tree Roots

If you already have a leaky pipe, and that pipe is near any trees, you need to act fast. Otherwise, your leak could get bigger and harder to resolve. Roots love water, and they can soon settle in your pipes. It's definitely unpleasant to have your pipes simultaneously leaking and clogged.

You can try some short-term methods to get rid of the root, such as flushing rock salt. However, you need to focus on long-term solutions. Hire a professional plumbing service like 1-800-Plumber +Air of Richmond to remove a tree root for your pipe. We'll get rid of the root and repair or replace any affected pipes.

High Water Pressure

High water pressure is too much of a good thing. It can do intense damage to your pipes, including causing water leaks. But how does high water pressure happen, and what can you do to prevent it?

Usually, local water companies are responsible for high water pressure. Multiple people and systems need water, which can cause the companies to overcompensate and go too heavy on the water. It can also come from living at the base of a hill or needing a new expansion pack for your water heater. To help keep your water pressure in check, ask 1-800-Plumber +Air of Richmond about installing a pressure regulator.

What to Do If You Have a Water Leak

You might not be able to solve the water leak all by yourself, but you can take measures to reduce the damage.

Turn Off Water

You need to stop the flow of water completely. While you might only discover one leaking fixture initially, it could spread to other parts of your home. The safest option is to find your home's water shut-off valve.

If you don't know where the shut-off valve is, locate it now so that you can quickly keep water leaks from worsening. Once it's fully off, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Richmond for help in fixing your leak. We can also shut off the water for you.

Inspect Fixtures

Water leaks can make you realize how many things in your house use water, and how worn-out they can get with age and extended usage. See what's going on with your water-using fixtures. This means your toilets, sinks, showers, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and anything else relevant.

Even if not all of these fixtures are leaking, it's still good to look for any signs of decay or weak spots. If you want a more thorough examination, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Richmond. We'll look over all of your plumbing fixtures to seek if any are or could experience water leaks.

Clean Up Water Immediately

Once the water is off, you need to focus on cleaning it up as much as possible. Use whatever you need to dry things up, such as a wet/dry vac or a dehumidifier. Act immediately, because you don't want to wait for mold to start forming. Should you see any signs of mold, you need to get out of the area and call a professional mold remediation service.

You might be able to get the water cleaned up yourself, but you'll still need professional assistance to prevent further issues. Call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Richmond to determine the cause of the leak and what subsequent measures need to be taken.