water Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Choosing the Right Type of Water Heater for You

Three Options for Water Heater Installation

Most water heaters last about 10 years and are expensive enough that most people can’t swap them out without financially planning ahead. Homeowners will have to live awhile with whatever they decide. When a water heater finally fails, it can force homeowners to make big decisions more quickly than they would like.

For these reasons, it's a good idea to understand the options for water heaters before an emergency occurs. Here are three decisions that homeowners must make when considering water heater installation, along with the pros and cons of each.

Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters are a common choice for heating water in the home. In fact, they are the most-installed type of storage water heater across the US. A gas water heater has a large tank that holds water.

A powerful burner heats the water in the tank to a certain setpoint to be ready for use. Because these burners produce so much heat, a gas water heater can recover its temperature more quickly when the demand for hot water increases. More hot water is available, and people in the family will have to wait less time for the tank to heat up when hot water is depleted.

One of the main drawbacks of gas water heaters is the danger. Natural gas can be hazardous, and some homeowners don’t want to take the risk. Gas water heaters are also generally more short-lived than other options. While they are cheaper to operate month to month, savvy homeowners may look to save money long-term with a longer-lasting option.

Electric Water Heater

The second most popular choice for water heaters is electric storage water heaters. These are often found in homes that are only powered by electricity, so the builders don’t have to install natural gas or propane infrastructure. This can save money on the construction cost of the home, but it also increases the cost of monthly electricity bills because the heating elements in the water tank of an electric water heater consume so much power.

Because the heating elements heat the water more slowly, the water heater's total capacity will be less. However, this reduces the tank's expansion and contraction cycles, reducing overall wear and tear and improving longevity.

Tankless Water Heater

The latest development in hot water technology is the tankless water heater. This type of heater doesn’t have a tank to store heated water. Instead, it relies on powerful burners or heating elements to produce hot water as needed.

Flow sensors within the unit can detect when hot water is needed and cycle the burners on immediately. The burners will continue to operate until demand ceases, meaning they can produce endless hot water.

While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, they can lower the cost of producing hot water by up to 30%. This saves money while giving homes more access to hot water exactly when needed. Additionally, tankless water heaters have longer lifespans than storage water heaters.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company can help homeowners choose the perfect water heater for their needs. Whether it’s for water heater replacement or a new construction, they help homeowners carefully consider their options. Call today for water heater services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Warning Signs It May Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Knowing When It’s Time for New Water Heater Installation

Nearly every home relies on a water heater to provide warm or hot water for everyday needs. Whether a tank water heater or a tankless water heater, these appliances are important for household comfort, operational needs, and daily tasks. A water heater may be able to be cleaned or repaired to continue water heating for the home’s needs. However, there comes a time when a new water heater installation is going to be necessary and unavoidable. It’s much better to be proactive and replace the water heater before a major issue occurs or the unit fails inconveniently. These signs will help homeowners know when to call for water heater replacement.

Corrosion

Some corrosion is going to happen over time. After all, water heaters are subjected to heavy amounts of water and minerals paired with heat. It’s a natural by-product of what the water heater does. While some units are made with materials that are less likely to corrode, it can still happen over time. However, corrosion can cause many issues with the water heater, including leaks, contamination, or even affecting various parts of the water heater.

These are some signs that corrosion is an issue besides visually seeing it:

Metallic odors of heated water
Rusty-looking hot water
Sediment or rust debris in water
Leaks from the water heater tank

When any of these things are noted, it’s best to contact a professional. With extensive corrosion, a unit will need to be replaced. This is why it's crucial to schedule routine water heater maintenance, as it will help prevent corrosion and extend the unit's lifespan.

Hot Water Supply Declines

When there isn’t as much hot water as there should be or none at all, there is a problem. Water heaters have a specific capacity or output. With a tank water heater or storage water heater, the water will be heated, and the tank will be filled and stored for use. A tankless water heater will immediately heat and release water for a specified output.

If there is a decline in this supply or a lack of hot water, that’s a sign that the water heater is not working as intended. A professional can help troubleshoot why the water heater is not heating appropriately and provide the necessary repairs or water heater replacement as needed.

Consider the Age and Frequency of Repairs

Finally, an aging water heater simply won’t last forever. There comes a time when frequent repairs are simply not a solid investment. When this happens, it is better to go ahead and pay for water heater replacement than to continue paying for repairs on an aging unit.

Tankless water heaters are typically designed to last around 20 years, while traditional tank water heaters last about 8-12 years. Understand the unit's lifespan in the home and be prepared to act accordingly should issues occur.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides five-star service to every customer. They stand by the principle of treating every home as their own. With more than ten years of dedicated service in the plumbing industry, the locally owned company can provide for various needs. Contact them today for water heater replacement or repair in Apple Valley, MN!

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Three Ways To Save Money on Monthly Water Bills

Avoid Rising Water Bills

The average water bill in Apple Valley, MN, is approximately $60 per month. Saving money on water costs is not difficult, but it does take planning. A few household tips can help reduce water intake while providing enough water for appliances, showering, cooking, and more.

Reduce Outdoor Water

There’s no controlling the weather, but the household largely influences outdoor water usage. Installing an irrigation control system and reducing daytime sprinklers will save water. By spraying the lawn at night, homeowners can save money every month.

Direct sunlight evaporates moisture and can impact hydration on a long-term basis. Even plants requiring partial shade do better when the sprinkler system is used during the dark. Sprinkler systems with automatic timers are always recommended so that excess water does not become an issue.

Turning off the tap is also important for indoor water usage. Although it may seem like a small amount of water is wasted while brushing teeth, this hidden cost quickly adds up. Using less water for washing dishes, cooking, and shaving will all reduce daily water expenditure without jeopardizing healthy sanitation practices.

Water-Friendly Water Fixtures

An environmentally friendly washing machine is one way to conserve water, but there are a few less expensive devices that can help. Showerheads and faucet filters are two fixtures that do not require an electrician.

Faucet aerators are called faucet filters because they work similarly to a screen cover. Using a screen to restrict part of the water flow reduces water usage automatically whenever the tap is turned on. Depending on the brand, most water aerators are adjustable, so homeowners can choose how much water they want for each faucet.

Showerheads can be just as inexpensive as faucet aerators at just a few dollars per cover. Water-conserving showerheads are available in most hardware stores or online and do not require professional installation services.

For decades, low-flow toilets have been used in Europe to conserve water. Two buttons on top of the toilet control the amount of water needed for each flush. They provide enough water to empty the bowl while cutting excess water in half. A low-flow toilet will require professional installation but can quickly pay for itself, depending on the household size.

Leak Repair Is Crucial

Many homeowners make the mistake of delaying plumbing repairs. While this does save money upfront, leaks are much more expensive in the long run. Some of the most common leaks can be easily identified before too much water is wasted.

The drain that transfers water from the tub or shower is a frequent problem spot. The leak can be spotted aboveground, but the problem is often located below the drain. If the floor around the tub is discolored, it is a sign of long-term leakage.

Traditional water heaters also leak. Water is commonly found below the tank when the temperature dramatically shifts over a short period. A damaged water tank will need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Dishwashers can leak for multiple reasons. Leak detection is especially difficult for homeowners since the problem could stem from the hose, seal, or the structure itself. In some cases, the leak is caused by drain issues and can be fixed relatively easily. Dishwasher leaks quickly become increasingly problematic and need professional repairs within the week they’re noticed.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a non-commission-based plumbing business. Their licensed and insured plumbers offer detailed advice and upfront pricing and never leave until homeowners are 100% satisfied with the job. For more information on their same-day plumbing services in Apple Valley, MN, call Apple Valley Plumbing Company today.

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Discover Tankless Water Heater Basics

A Quick Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming popular due to their benefits over storage tank water heaters. Tankless systems spring into action whenever hot water arises, providing a continuous supply of heated water. Since tankless water heaters don’t require a large storage tank, they provide space-saving capabilities, making them ideal for smaller homes. But are they right for every household? Read on to find out all about tankless water heaters.

What Sets Tankless Water Heaters Apart?

The principal difference between tankless water heaters and their traditional counterparts is the absence of a large holding tank. Instead, they use burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger, delivering it around the house without storing it in a tank. This on-demand heating mechanism ensures a constant hot water supply, eliminating the need to wait for a storage tank to fill up.

Another distinctive trait of tankless water heaters is their compact size, as they do not require space for water storage. This can benefit homeowners seeking to save space, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

The Process Behind Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters function based on a straightforward yet effective process. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the heater. A flow sensor activates the burner, which heats either a gas burner or an electric element, heating the water. The hot water then travels along the piping system to the desired location. Once the hot water tap is closed, the unit shuts down, thus conserving energy.

Gas-heated tankless water heaters tend to heat water faster than their electric counterparts, which could be ideal for larger households. That said, most instant water heaters can provide between 2 and 5 gallons of hot water per minute. And while these water heaters still need regular care (like storage water heaters), tankless water heater maintenance is generally quicker and easier than traditional water heaters.

The Amazing Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters offer a myriad of benefits. They are known for their energy efficiency, as they heat water only when needed, significantly reducing the energy loss associated with traditional water heaters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than tank-style heaters for households that use 40 gallons of water or less daily.

These heaters also provide a continuous hot water supply, ensuring no shortage during peak use times. They have a longer lifespan, with many units lasting over 20 years—almost double that of traditional models. The compact size of these heaters is great for space-limited homes. Additionally, they reduce the risk of water damage due to tank leaks or ruptures, a concern with traditional water heaters.

Homeowners considering water heater replacement should consult a professional plumber to see if an on-demand water heater is right for their needs.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The friendly professionals at Apple Valley Plumbing Company have served Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They provide personalized service from start to finish. They also offer free estimates and back all their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact them today for water heater services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Kiss Low Water Pressure in the Shower Goodbye

Causes of Poor Water Pressure in the Shower

One of the best things to do after a long hard day is to hop in the shower to relax. In the best of circumstances, warm, high-pressure water is the easiest way to wash away the grime and stress. The shower can be an irritating reminder of necessary repairs for those dealing with water pressure issues.

Get rid of low water pressure in the shower for good. Take this advice from local plumbing experts and determine the root cause of water pressure issues. Here are the three most common culprits regarding low shower water pressure.

Water Heater Issues

To start figuring out the cause of low water pressure, start by testing the pressure of the hot and cold water separately. Turn the cold water on and observe the flow, then cut off the cold and observe the hot water at full pressure. In most homes, the hot water will have slightly less pressure due to how hot water flows through pipes, but the difference should be barely noticeable. If a dramatic pressure drop is observed, look for root causes like:

Neglected water heater maintenance that allows the scale to build up in the water tank
Partially closed valves, especially gate valves
Dirty gas burner
Problems with the expansion tank
Leaks

The homeowner can easily diagnose these problems, but it is always recommended that professionals be called to make repairs and spot any problems that owners can overlook.

Plumbing Leaks

The plumbing in a home is a closed-loop system. That means the pressure throughout the system should be consistent, and water should only be able to leave the system through a designated plumbing fixture. When water is allowed to escape through leaks, the pressure in the whole system will drop. If the shower is at the end of a long run of pipes with numerous leaks, the root cause of low water pressure is probably attributed to a loss of pressure from the leaks.

If leaks are causing a drop in water pressure, the problem has likely worsened slowly. In most cases, leaks start small and then get bigger. In rare cases, a leak can quickly occur that causes a drop in water pressure. Either way, yearly plumbing inspections can quickly locate leaks causing water pressure issues.

Restricted Flow in the Shower Head

Every home has to deal with dissolved minerals in the water. In some cases, these minerals are in such a large proportion of the water that they coalesce on plumbing fixtures. If the unsightly white crust is evident on faucets and shower heads, then the cause of low water pressure is certainly mineral scale.

Dealing with mineral scales is easy and cheap with a water softener. Water softeners remove unwanted minerals so they can’t foul up pipes and plumbing fixtures. Installing water softeners can restore water pressure throughout the home within months of installing one. If hard water is a problem, deal with it soon by choosing a water softener.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company protects water quality and pressure in local homes. With same-day service, they can rapidly respond to emergencies. Call today for upfront pricing on plumbing repairs and installations in Apple Valley, MN.

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Indicators of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

Is It Time for a New Water Heater?

Water heaters are best when they are neither seen nor heard. They are one of those appliances that silently do their job and largely go unnoticed. It is often taken for granted. The problem is that this can lead to years without the homeowner realizing that the water heater is breaking down. If a water heater is more than ten years old, it is a ticking time bomb for replacement. Likewise, a plumbing professional may recommend an upgrade if a water heater is not doing its job and constantly needs repair. If these most obvious signs are not present, a few other ways a home’s water heater may be communicating that it may be reaching the end of its functionality.

Clangs, Rumbles, and Creaks, Oh My!

As previously mentioned, water heaters tend to do their work quietly. When noises begin issuing from that back corner of the linen closet, there may be a problem. Banging and rumbling noises can indicate that there is sediment or calcium buildup in the tank. Several different things can cause this:

Corroded pipes
Faulty anode rod
Corrosion within the hot water tank
Hard water buildup

What’s In the Water? Foul Smells and Discoloration

The above problems can lead to rusty, musty, and smelly water. Whether or not it is coming from a faulty water heater or the pipes needs to be determined by an experienced professional. At the very least, a home will need water heater maintenance if this problem occurs. A tankless water heater may need to be flushed to remove sediment or hard water crystallization from the internal parts. Here are a few maintenance steps a plumbing professional would take to make sure a home’s water is running clear and without icky smells:

Flush the Tank: This is emptying the water heater’s tank and cleaning it with solvents that help remove sediment and calcium deposits from hard water.
Replace the Anode Rod: The anode rod attracts corroded particles and keeps them out of the water. If the anode rod is not working properly, this will lead to higher particle buildup, so replacing it can correct the problem.
Check and Resurface the Tank: A protective coating on the inside of hot water tanks prevents rusting and other types of corrosion. If this coating is damaged, it can cause rusty colored and rusty-smelling water. One can resurface the interior in some cases, but if the problem is extensive, it may require water heater replacement.

Leaks: A Sure Sign that a Water Heater Needs Immediate Attention

If a puddle or puddles of water are evident from a home’s water heater, it is time to place a call to the pros. While it may be difficult for the average homeowner to determine where a leak is coming from or how to fix it, this is something that the licensed plumber does practically every day. It will be quick work either to repair the leak or advise the homeowner on what steps to take. If a water heater does leak, a person should not ignore it. It can be extremely damaging to a home’s structure.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Serving Apple Valley, MN and the surrounding areas, this company is known for its fast response time, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed workmanship. Call Apple Valley Plumbing Company for water heater services!

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Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Hidden Water Leaks

3 Common Signs of Hidden Broken Water Lines

Water leaks are certainly the most wasteful of all plumbing problems. Even compared to other plumbing problems like overflowing toilets, water leaks can be expensive due to water waste and damage from the excess, uncontrolled moisture. In many cases, water leaks are visible. They manifest in leaky faucets and running toilets. However, most of the plumbing in a home is hidden behind walls and underneath slabs. It’s not uncommon for hidden plumbing to spring leaks.

Hidden leaks can cause a lot of damage, including wood rot and mold infestation. Knowing what to look for can save homeowners lots of money, aside from the savings of not wasting the water from a leak. Here is a quick guide from local plumbers to help homeowners spot hidden water leaks.

Listen for the Sound of Running Water

All pipes make noise when water flows through them. Even if it is faint, the sound of running water is a common sound around the house. Hidden leaks are often first found by the sound that they make. As water pours out of a leak, it allows water to flow into the pipes upstream of the leak. The water flowing through the pipe can be audible once the leak is bad enough.

In addition to the sound of flowing water, the steady drip of water can be a dead giveaway with a hidden leak present. Most leaks start as dripping, so often, the first sound a leak will make is a steady drip. Using the sound of the drips, homeowners can trace the source back to the leak and give the plumbers an exact location for them to make repairs on the broken water line.

Look for Wet Spots Outside

One can easily find water line breaks in the home because of their damage and the sloppy mess they can make. However, hidden leaks are common in outdoor plumbing. The environment that outdoor piping is in can be harsh. With temperature changes and shifting soils, leaks are common.

Swampy spots in the lawn most often find outdoor leaks. If they persist long enough, dense vegetation in the area or dead spots are giveaways that a leak is present. Doing a sweep around the yard for leaks is a great opportunity to get outside and mosey.

Low Water Pressure

Whether the leaks are inside or outdoors, they will have one feature in common: low water pressure. Water leaks allow pressure to escape from the home’s plumbing system, and the loss of pressure will be apparent at sinks and in the shower. The loss of pressure will be similar to the experience one has when two plumbing fixtures are being used simultaneously.

Along with the loss of water pressure, an accompanying spike in water bills will be the final piece of the puzzle. Even small leaks can drip out hundreds of gallons of water per month. This will be obvious on monthly bills. Getting leaks fixed quickly can stem the flow of wasted water and prevent small hidden leaks from doing any more damage.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a local plumbing contractor specializing in water line leak repair. They offer same-day service that is guaranteed and highly reviewed. Call today for personalized plumbing solutions in Apple Valley, MN.

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Don't Forget To Schedule Service for the Water Heater

Schedule Now! Don’t Wait Until There’s No Hot Water!

The water heater is the backbone of the home plumbing system. It helps all the appliances connected to the plumbing do their jobs. Cleaning clothing, cleaning and sterilizing dishes, and hot showers and baths could not happen without the water heater. People are no longer required to heat huge amounts of water over a fire to complete daily tasks as they did less that 200 years ago. Just as one must monitor a fire to keep it burning, so a water heater must have scheduled maintenance to keep it working as it should.

Why Should Regular Maintenance Be a Priority?

Though they know they may need replacement someday, every homeowner wants their fixtures and appliances to function for as long as they possibly can. This is at the very heart of scheduled maintenance. This should be done once a year at a minimum. Some of the benefits of regular maintenance are:

Efficiency: Maintenance provides a water heater with the highest possible efficiency, which lowers energy costs.
Lasting function: A regularly checked water will have a longer life because one can prevent problems instead of fixing them.
Savings: Lower energy costs mean more money in a customer’s wallet.
Helps other parts of the home: If the water heater is working well, it better serves the other appliances in the home that depend on it.

Checks and Parts Replacement: What Happens During Maintenance?

So what will a plumbing professional do for a water heater during a check-up? Several things are standard when it comes to water heater maintenance. The primary steps of a scheduled maintenance visit will include most of the following:

Flushing the tank: This involves emptying the tank and making sure the interior is in good shape and free of corrosion.
Descaling the tank: This process uses a descaler/cleaner to remove the build-up of mineral deposits due to hard water.
Checking/Replacing the PRV: The PRV or Pressure Release Valve is an important safety device on a water heater that prevents pressure buildup within the tank. There can be dire consequences (leaks being the best case scenario) if it is not working properly, so this is one of the main maintenance checks.
Checking pipe connections: Making sure the pipes that bring water to and from the water heater are attached properly, are not leaking, and do not need any insulation.

Symptoms of a Troubled Water Heater

Despite even the best efforts, sometimes water heaters do break down and need repair or replacement. There are many ways that a water heater can malfunction. If a homeowner observes any of the following signs, they should contact a reliable plumbing company for an inspection or consultation.

Rust-colored water
Hot water not lasting as long as usual
Water is not as hot as normally expected
Hot water temps are intermittent
Leaks

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers free phone consultations so customers can be educated and know what to expect. They strive for 100% satisfied customers and work to be on time and provide individual solutions that fit their customer’s needs. Call them today for water heater maintenance and repair in the Apple Valley, MN area.

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How Your Local Plumber Can Help You Conserve More Water This Earth Day

Professional Plumbing Services To Help Reduce Water Waste

In honor of Earth Day, many homeowners are looking for new ways to conserve water and do their part for the environment. Most people already know about the everyday good water habits like taking shorter showers, turning off faucets while brushing teeth or washing dishes, and consolidating their laundry into fewer loads. But many homeowners aren’t aware that their plumbing system itself may be costing them hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water every year.

Things like slow leaks, faulty valves, outdated fixtures, and excessive water pressure can waste several gallons a day for months on end without being noticed. Fortunately, homeowners are not alone. A trusted local plumber can identify hidden sources of water waste and solve the problem, as well as recommend additional eco-friendly solutions and practices.

Plumbing System Inspections

A thorough plumbing inspection is generally considered a prerequisite when purchasing a home. But after this initial appraisal, most homeowners tend to think they’re in the clear for years. The truth is, a plumbing inspection should be performed every two years in newer homes and once a year in older homes.

With routine inspections, plumbers can catch minor issues before they escalate into large-scale emergencies. Pipe corrosion, dripping faucets, pinhole leaks, worn couplings, and mineral scale buildup can seem relatively harmless but end up causing massive damage or water waste. A pro can also measure the home’s main water supply pressure, which can cause severe damage or needless water loss if it’s too high.

Leak Detection, Repair & Prevention

Minor plumbing leaks are perhaps the most insidious form of water waste to be found in a home. Even a slowly dripping faucet or a tiny trickle from a loose pipe fitting can send hundreds of gallons down the drain every year. It’s even estimated that 10% of homes have undetected or unresolved leaks that waste 90 gallons per day!

Professional leak detection typically involves:

Testing the water meter for phantom usage.
Pressure-testing the supply system for irregularities.
Using special acoustic listening devices.
Feeding fiber-optic cables into the walls to pinpoint elusive leaks.

The technician will then repair the leak, usually with a simple slip coupling or by repiping the entire section if it’s likely to spring another leak in the future.

Repairing or Replacing Old Toilets

Another primary source of residential water waste is old or malfunctioning toilets. Any toilet that runs frequently is definitely leaking water. Homeowners can usually solve this by replacing the valve seal or “flapper” inside the tank, as it’s likely become worn. But not all toilet leaks are so simple. Older toilets may begin leaking from the base due when the connection to the floor drain becomes loose, the wax sealant ring has deteriorated, or the porcelain itself has cracked.

With most older toilets, repairs are hardly worth the cost, and homeowners would be better off replacing the toilet altogether. It’s a perfect opportunity to upgrade to a water-saving low-flush toilet. Many new toilet models use as little as 1.1 to 1.28 gallons per flush, much less than the standard 1.6. Some very old toilets use as much as 5 gallons, so an eco-friendly upgrade can’t come too soon!

A water-saving toilet can cut down water waste significantly, but it’s not the only fixture designed to do so. After the plumber replaces that old toilet, they can install eco-friendly faucets and showerheads to make the home even greener!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The award-winning Apple Valley Plumbing Company has proudly served the Apple Valley, MN community since 2013. Their professional, courteous technicians are punctual, prepared, and treat every home like their own. They provide free estimates, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for plumbing services!

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Urgent Information About Water Leaks

Save Yourself From Water Leaks!

The whole principle behind good plumbing is that water stays inside your plumbing system until it is ready for use. Any deviation from that principle is a leak and any leak is too big of a leak. Leaks are expensive. While you may think that leaks are expensive to repair, they are much more expensive if they are allowed to continue. Leaking water isn’t free. Utility bills will continue to accrue until the leak is repaired. Additionally, depending on the location of the leak, it could cause damage to your cabinets, walls, and floors by promoting mold growth and rotting wooden members.

In this article, you will learn where to look for common leaks and what causes them. Prevention of leaks will also be covered so that you know how to protect yourself and your property from complications caused by leaks.

Where Are Common Water Leaks?

A leak occurs any time water is allowed outside of your plumbing system unintentionally. Leaks can happen in freshwater lines, drains, appliances, fixtures, and sewers. Some common examples of leaks are:

A dripping faucet.
Water coming from hose connections under a sink.
Bathtub drains leaking water onto floors under the tub.
Seeping flapper valve in a toilet.
Water seeping up through a concrete slab from a broken pipe.
Leaking hot water tank.

Depending on the leak, there are many ways that plumbers go about fixing the problem. Leaks that occur in sinks or fixtures may require repair in the form of new washers or valve stems or maybe even total replacement. Toilet tank kits may need to be installed to make sure it isn’t constantly running. Leaky sections of pipe may need to be replaced or updated to newer systems.

Causes Of Water Leaks

Water leaks can happen for many reasons and it’s up to your plumber to try and figure out the root cause. Fixtures and toilets begin to leak over time because parts wear out and need to be replaced. Heavy spring rains can cause strain on pipes that may cause them to burst. Corrosion may degrade metal pipes and tanks and require replacement with modern plastic-based alternatives. Warm summer air may cause condensation to form on pipes and commode tanks making them appear to leak.

Preventing Leakage

Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your plumbing and home. The first step is vigilance. Paying attention to areas under cabinets and around water heaters can keep you alert about slow leaks happening.

Secondly, have your home’s pressure regulator tested by a plumber. Home’s are equipped with pressure regulating devices that prevent spikes in water pressure. Occasionally, they go bad and allow a surge of pressure to damage your plumbing. A plumber can verify yours is working and replace it if need be.

Third, updating old fixtures, piping, and water tanks can help prevent problems before they occur. If you are planning a remodel, this is a great time to consider new fixtures and replacing sections of outdated piping.

Finally, look into whole-home leak detectors. Leak detectors can tell when leaks are occurring and shut off water accordingly.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company was established in 2013 to provide excellent plumbing services to the people of Apple Valley, MN. When you call Apple Valley Plumbing Company, one of their award-winning plumbers will greet you and in many cases can meet you same-day for service. Whether you need a new hot water tank or are dealing with clogged toilets, they are ready to help.