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Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about repairing a water leak. From setting expectations to geting the job done, we've got you covered.
When you have a water leak, it can be scary. You’re worried how this might uproot your life or you’re worried about what kind of repair costs you will incur.
The good news is that repairing a water leak is something an experienced plumber can handle with little difficulty. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during this process.
There are many signs that indicate that your water line has been damaged. A damaged water line will result in leakages of various quantities. Water may come out in drips, streams, and/or complete breakages.
It’s important to notify a plumber of any water leaks you notice so that they can be repaired immediately.
Depending on how far the damage extends, a new water line may either need to be installed or an existing one may need to be repaired.
Before a water line is replaced it must be inspected. The inspector will use a putty knife to check the inner wall of your house to see where the water line is. Next, the inspector will use a water level to see how much water is coming out of the hole. The inspector will then alert the homeowner so that repairs can be made.
The first step in repairing a water leak is to locate the leak. The easiest way to do this is to turn off all the water valves in your home then locate the leak. Plumbers will often do what is called a pressure test to measure the PSI in your water system. Once you have located the leak you will need to locate the source. If the leak is coming from the outside of your house, it’s likely it’s coming from your water meter or the connection from the street to the home. Your water meter is located on the outside of your home beneath the street.
Next, you will want to locate the broken pipe. To do this you will want to turn off the water valve to your house. Then you will slowly want to turn on all of the valves in your home one by one until you have found the one that is leaking.
You should hire a professional handyman to repair a water leak. While you don’t need a lot of equipment to repair a water leak, a few things are highly recommended.
Once you’ve located the water, the repair process is usually different on a case by case basis. You may need to replace an existing pipe or section of pipe. Always make sure that the valve running the water to the area you’re working on is turned off before you begin doing any work.
In some cases, pipework may not be necessary and a leak can be solved by simply tightening with a wrench. If that’s the case, be sure not to overtighten and break any seals or valves.
If you’re lucky, you haven’t experienced a water line break in your home before. If you’re not so lucky, you could be in a bit of shock as you discover how much damage has occurred. Whatever your experience is, you will be glad that you are able to fix a water leak.
Repairs can be quite effective at preventing expensive damage. The best part is that you can do it yourself and save a lot of money in the process, but if you're not comfortable -- we always recommend working with a vetted professional.
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