Water Leak Repair
The sound of a dripping pipe isn’t just annoying for many homeowners — it may also precede significant leaks and water damage. At TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing, our licensed plumbers offer water leak detection and repair for residents in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.
Many homes have water leaks that go undetected, but knowing these signs helps recognize leaks and minimize damage and repairs:
- High water bills: A high water bill without a corresponding increase in usage is a red flag for hidden leaks. Keeping track of your water meter helps highlight irregular water consumption.
- Damp or stained walls: Discolored walls, peeling paint, sagging ceilings, and bulging drywall suggest leaks hidden in your home’s structures.
- Mold or mildew: Damp and humid areas encourage mold and mildew growth, which may be accompanied by musty smells and respiratory issues from inhaling mold spores.
- Low water pressure: A sudden and inexplicable drop in water pressure can stem from leaks in your plumbing lines.
What Causes Water Leaks in a Home?
Water leaks can arise from various sources in your home, and each requires prompt attention.
Pipe corrosion
As plumbing systems age, they develop rust and corrosion that eventually deteriorate vulnerable piping materials. Brass pipes may last up to 100 years, but copper and galvanized steel have shorter lifespans, sometimes deteriorating after about 20 years and developing leaks. Water pH levels, water hardness, commercial drain cleaning products, and other factors may accelerate corrosion.
Cracked pipes
Shifting soil, invasive tree roots, and other below-ground factors sink or shift the position of your pipes. As the ground around the pipes shifts, the pipes may bend, twist, fracture, or separate, resulting in underground leaks. Tree roots often seek out pipes because of their high moisture content, which damages them, and minor leaks may exacerbate this problem.
High water pressure
Overly high water pressure stresses pipes, resulting in faster wear. Water pressure exceeding 80 psi may even cause cracks around piping joints and other connective areas.
Clogged drains
n addition to large obstructions, kitchen grease, food debris, and other matter can clog drains as they solidify and line the pipes. These drains become more likely to backup, overflow, and leak from one or more fixtures throughout your home.
Damaged appliances or fixtures
Dishwashers, laundry machines, water heaters, and other appliances or fixtures can leak due to damage, misuse, or poor installation. For example, under-sink leaks may stem from faulty seals, laundry machines can have bad hose connections, and water heater corrosion and failure may lead to leaks and pooling around the unit. Across various fixtures, check for loose connections, broken seals, or damage to the fixture itself.
Can Water Leaks Cause Structural Damage?
Water leaks can damage and significantly impact your home’s structural integrity. A leaky pipe may seem minor, but water damage can extend far beyond peeling paint — in some cases, visible stains, hairline cracks in ceilings or walls, or other signs suggest more problematic but hidden water damage.
See these examples of structural damage from water leaks:
- Wood framing and flooring can rot from heavy or prolonged water exposure
- Eroded foundations may shift and crack
- Humidity and moisture encourage mold growth, which weakens building materials
- Roof and ceiling water leaks cause saggy ceilings, missing shingles, and rusted flashings
How Quickly Should I Address a Water Leak?
Water leaks don’t resolve themselves, and they’ll likely worsen and compound water damage if left unaddressed. Timely intervention is essential — arrange for inspection and repair as soon as you notice signs of water leaks, even if it only looks minor.
Early detection limits the extent of damage, but allowing leaks to persist increases the risk of emergency water leak repair and higher costs. These repairs are necessary since water damage leaves your household exposed to mold growth, structural hazards, electrical dangers, and other safety concerns, so addressing them quickly is more cost-effective than leaving them to fester.
Can You Repair Leaks in Pipes, Walls, or Under Floors?
At TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing, we repair leaks in areas throughout your home and use efficient and non-invasive diagnostic methods. Our technicians use specialized leak detection knowledge and technology to locate the source and cause of pipe leaks. For detecting and repairing water leaks in pipes within walls and under floors, our technicians use:
- Snake cameras
- Thermal imaging
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Heat scanners
- Acoustic leak detectors
What Should I Do If I Notice a Water Leak at Home?
If you discover a water leak at home, call a licensed plumber for immediate water leak troubleshooting and support and to arrange for inspection and repair. They may recommend the following actions to minimize damage until they arrive:
- Shut off the main water supply
- Clean up pooling water to reduce immediate impact
- Collect leaking water in buckets
- Run a dehumidifier in compromised areas.
Can You Provide Tips on Preventing Future Water Leaks?
While not all leaks are preventable, these strategies may help minimize risk:
- Regular inspections: Arrange periodic inspections with a professional plumber to identify and anticipate problems before they escalate,
- Visual checks: Regularly inspect appliances, fixtures, and visible plumbing for signs of leaks or damage.
- Avoid harsh cleaners: Don’t use harsh drain cleaners or flush other cleaning products that contribute to corrosion and deterioration.
- Proper disposal: Practice good disposal habits — don’t flush or drain kitchen grease, food waste, garbage, paper towels, or other clog-causing items.
- Pipe insulation: Upgrading piping insulation minimizes pipe expansion and wear from freezing or hot temperatures.
Call TRIO for General Plumbing Services in San Francisco
