Plumbing Leaks - TKO Plumbing Services

Water damage is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. That’s because even a small leak can quickly turn into a costly disaster, resulting in terribly high utility bills and potentially impacting your home’s structure. While the leak may, on occasion, be front and center, many times, they escape your notice. In fact, hidden leaks wreak the most havoc since they can go undetected for so long.

Fortunately, we’re here to break down the steps you need to take to catch water leaks as soon as possible and avoid a domino effect of destruction. We’re also the ones to trust for long-lasting solutions that address the immediate problem and prevent future ones from popping up any time soon. If you’re in the Metro Atlanta Area and you suspect a water leak in your home, reach out to our team right away for assistance.

Why Timely Leak Detection Is Important

Water has a way of creeping into the most unexpected places, infiltrating walls, floors, and unseen corners of your home. While a hidden leak may seem harmless at first, the slow drip of water can turn into a serious problem over time. For example, the water will seep into drywall, slowly causing it to warp, bubble, or deteriorate. Your home’s wooden beams and floorboards will also absorb the moisture, leading to swelling, buckling, and eventually rot.

Of course, structural damage isn’t the only thing you need to be concerned about. Leaks create humid environments that become the perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Once it takes hold, mold spreads quickly until it becomes a much larger issue. Because it can impact your family’s health, it’s important to have the areas behind your walls, under the floors, and in poorly ventilated spaces thoroughly inspected after a water leak affects your home.

Finally, we need to make a note about the costs associated with hidden water leaks. You will not only need to pay for plumbing repairs, but you may also face the costs of replacing drywall, flooring, and other materials damaged by water intrusion. Add on mold remediation, and you have a major hit to your finances coming your way.

Top Places Where Water Leaks Occur

When you know where plumbing leaks are most likely to pop up, you can stay vigilant and take prompt action if something goes wrong. Here are the top areas you should regularly check for potential water leaks:

Under Your Home’s Foundation: Slab leaks are a highly problematic type of leak that occurs in the water pipes running underneath a home’s concrete foundation. Over time, pipes can corrode or develop small cracks due to soil movement, changes in water pressure, or temperature fluctuations. Detecting a slab leak can be tricky, as the signs — such as unexplained wet spots on floors, unusually high water bills, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use — are often subtle. However, you need to be vigilant about detecting these problems.
Toilets: Leaks often happen when the flapper inside the tank becomes worn out, allowing water to continuously seep into the bowl. These leaks can be difficult to detect but can result in significantly higher water bills over time.
Faucets and Sinks: Whether it’s due to a worn-out washer or damaged O-rings, even a small drip can waste gallons of water each day. Checking for moisture under the sink can help prevent long-term damage to cabinetry and floors.
Bathtubs and Showers: Leaks can occur around the seals of bathtubs and showers, especially if the caulking or grout has deteriorated. Water can seep into the walls or floors, leading to mold growth or structural damage over time.
Water Heaters: Water heaters are a common source of leaks, especially as they age. You need to be aware that leaks can develop around water connections, the pressure relief valve, or from cracks in the tank itself.
Washing Machines: The hoses that connect washing machines to the water supply can become brittle over time. It’s important to check these hoses for any signs of wear or cracks and to replace them as needed to prevent flooding in your laundry room.
Outdoor Spigots: In colder climates, pipes that aren’t properly insulated can freeze and burst, leading to significant leaks once the weather warms up.

Signs of a Water Leak in Your Home

Catching a hidden water leak early is the key to avoiding larger problems, and several subtle indicators can help you detect trouble before it snowballs. Here are some telltale clues that a water leak may be brewing in your plumbing system:

Unexplained spikes in water bills
Musty odors or visible mold
Water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors
Warped or buckled flooring
Peeling paint or wallpaper
Dripping sounds when water isn’t in use
Damp spots in carpets or rugs
Standing water around appliances or fixtures

Simple Checks Homeowners Can Perform

Before calling for professional leak detection services, there are several steps you can take to assess the situation. These quick inspections can help you confirm if there’s a problem and allow you to provide our experts with vital information before we get to your property.

Visual Inspection of Exposed Pipes

Take a moment to check your home’s exposed pipes, particularly those under sinks and in basements. Look for moisture or condensation on the pipes, as this can point to a plumbing leak or other complication.

Checking the Water Meter for Unexpected Movement

One of the most effective ways to catch a hidden leak is through your water meter. First, turn off all water-using appliances and faucets in your home. Then, check your water meter. If the meter is still moving, that’s a strong indication of a leak somewhere in your system.

Using Food Coloring to Detect Toilet Tank Leaks

Did you know food coloring can be a valuable tool in water leak detection? That’s right — it’s not just for decorating yummy desserts. You can add a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait about 30 minutes without flushing. If the colored water appears in the toilet bowl, you’ve got a leak in the tank. This method quickly identifies toilet leaks, which are among the most common sources of water waste in homes.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Despite your best efforts with these checks, a leak can remain elusive. When this happens, scheduling professional leak detection services can save your home from further damage. At TKO Plumbing Services, we use advanced technology like infrared cameras and acoustic sensors to pinpoint hidden leaks quickly and accurately.

Preventing Future Leaks With Proper Care & Routine Maintenance

A little maintenance can go a long way in protecting your home from costly water damage. Regular inspections of visible pipes and fixtures, prompt repairs of small leaks and drips, and insulating pipes in cold areas are key preventative measures. It’s also essential to know the location of your main water shut-off valve and consider installing water leak detection devices for added security.

Scheduling annual plumbing check-ups will further help keep your home dry and safeguard it from unexpected issues. By taking these proactive steps, you can avoid the headache of major water-related problems down the road.

TKO Plumbing’s Water Leak Solutions

When leaks disrupt your day, TKO Plumbing Services steps in to save your home and your sanity. Our comprehensive plumbing repair services cover everything from pinhole leaks and water line fixes to faucet repairs, ensuring seamless operation throughout your system. Our water heater installation and repair services also address a common source of leaks, helping to prevent costly water damage in utility rooms and other vulnerable areas. For sewage-related issues, our sewer line repair and replacement solutions are perfect for fixing leaks before they escalate.

With every service, homeowners can trust that even the smallest leak will be resolved with professionalism and attention to detail.

Suspect a Leak in Your Home? Act Fast to Avoid Water Damage

Don’t let water leaks dampen your spirits or destroy your property. If you notice any signs of a leak, don’t wait. Contact TKO Plumbing Services immediately. Our rapid response team is ready to locate, assess, and repair leaks before they cause a mountain of frustration.

Do you know what a pinhole leak is? Pinhole leaks are tiny, almost imperceptible holes that develop in copper pipes over time, typically due to corrosion. Despite their small size, these leaks cause substantial water damage over time. The slow drip weakens your walls, ceilings, and even your foundation. It can also lead to mold growth and exponentially high water bills.

The longer a pinhole plumbing leak goes undetected, the more damage it can cause. Quick detection and repair are essential to safeguarding your home and maintaining the integrity of your plumbing system. If you suspect that you might have a pinhole leak, understanding what it is and how to fix it can save you a lot of hassle and expense in the long run.

What Causes Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes?

Corrosion

Pinhole leaks in copper pipes are primarily caused by corrosion. But what exactly triggers this corrosion? One of the main culprits is a chemical reaction between the copper pipe and the water inside it. This reaction, known as pitting corrosion, leads to the formation of tiny holes over time. Pitting corrosion is often influenced by factors such as the acidity of the water, the presence of chlorine, and the overall water quality. If your water supply has high acidity levels, it can accelerate the corrosion process, making your pipes more susceptible to leaks.

In addition to pitting corrosion, galvanic corrosion is another common issue that contributes to pinhole leaks. This type of corrosion occurs when copper pipes come into contact with other metals, such as steel or iron, in the presence of water. This reaction between dissimilar metals can cause the copper to corrode faster, leading to the formation of leaks.

Water Pressure

Another factor that contributes to pinhole leaks is water pressure. High water pressure can cause your pipes to deteriorate faster, leading to the formation of these tiny leaks. In some cases, poor installation practices, such as using substandard materials or improper joint connections, can also lead to pinhole leaks. It’s essential to understand these causes to prevent pinhole leaks from occurring in the first place and to protect your plumbing system’s longevity.

Natural Aging

As pipes age, they naturally become more susceptible to pinhole leaks. Over time, copper pipes weaken due to prolonged exposure to water and environmental factors, which gradually breaks down the material.

Identifying Pinhole Leaks

Identifying pinhole leaks can be tricky because they often start small and go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. However, there are a few telltale signs that can indicate the presence of a pinhole leak in your copper pipes. Make sure you keep an eye out for the following issues:

A Sudden Increase in Your Water Bill: If you notice your water usage has spiked without any apparent reason, it could be due to a hidden leak in your plumbing system.
A Decrease in Water Pressure: If your faucets or showerheads aren’t delivering water with the same force as usual, it could be due to a pinhole leak somewhere in your pipes.
Water Stains on Walls, Ceilings, or Floors: These yellowish/brown stains might start small but can grow over time as more water escapes from the leak.
Bad Smells & Mold: You might also notice a musty smell or see mold growth in areas where there shouldn’t be moisture.
Wet or Warm Spots on the Floor: Are some spots on your carpet unusually wet or warm? This may mean there is a pinhole leak under the slab floor.

How Plumbers Find Pinhole Leaks

If you’ve noticed any of the issues outlined above, it’s time to call a qualified plumbing company like TKO Plumbing Services. Professional plumbers have a range of tools and techniques at their disposal to locate pinhole leaks with precision. One common method is using acoustic leak detection equipment. These sensitive devices can pick up the sound of water escaping from broken pipes, even if they are hidden behind walls or under floors.

Another effective tool is the thermal imaging camera. This device can detect temperature differences caused by water leaks, allowing plumbers to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. For more stubborn leaks, plumbers might use pressure testing equipment to isolate sections of the plumbing system and identify where pressure is being lost. In some cases, they might even use specialized video inspection cameras to visually examine the inside of pipes for signs of damage or leaks. These advanced detection methods allow plumbers to find and fix water and sewer lines with minimal disruption to your home.

How to Fix a Pinhole Leak

When it comes to fixing a pinhole leak, there are both temporary and permanent solutions. For a quick, temporary fix, you can use a pipe repair clamp, epoxy putty, or an emergency patch. These solutions can stop the leak immediately and buy you some time before a more permanent repair can be made. However, it’s important to note that these are not long-term solutions and should only be used in emergencies or while waiting for professional help.

For a permanent solution, the damaged section of the pipe needs to be replaced. This involves cutting out the section of pipe with the leak and soldering in a new piece of copper pipe. While this might sound simple, it requires skill and specialized tools to ensure a proper, leak-free repair. That’s why it’s often best to leave this job to professional plumbers who can guarantee a lasting fix. They can also assess the overall condition of your pipes and advise if more extensive plumbing repairs or replacements are necessary to prevent future leaks.

How to Prevent Pinhole Leaks

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several steps you can take to prevent pinhole leaks from occurring in the first place. One of the most effective ways is to ensure that your water pressure is at an optimal level. High water pressure can cause stress on your pipes, leading to faster deterioration and pinhole leaks. Installing a pressure-reducing valve can help maintain safe pressure.

Another preventive measure is to use water filtration systems that can reduce the corrosive elements in your water supply. By lowering the chlorine levels and balancing the pH, you can minimize the risk of corrosion in your copper pipes. Regular plumbing inspections and maintenance can also help catch early signs of corrosion before they develop into pinhole leaks. A professional plumber can provide valuable advice and services to keep your plumbing system in top condition.

Protect Your Home From Pinhole Leaks With Prompt Repairs

Pinhole leaks might be small, but they can lead to big problems if left unchecked. By understanding what causes these leaks, how to identify them, and how to fix them, you can protect your home from water damage and avoid costly repairs. If you suspect you have a pinhole leak or want to take preventive measures, contact TKO Plumbing Services. Our team of skilled plumbers is equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle all your pinhole leak repair needs.