What To Do When A Leak Springs In Your Home

It’s one of the most common home emergencies, and yet also one that a lot of people don’t know how to properly handle. If you don’t jump on top of it, you can end up paying thousands to repair the water damage it causes. As such, let’s lay out the clear steps to what you should do if you spot a leak, wherever it might be.

Turn The Water Supply Off First

Unless you’re 100% certain that the leak isn’t coming from your plumbing system, you should shut the water supply off so it doesn’t escalate. For one, it can stop any dripping or running water, which not only stops your water bills from going up unnecessarily but also prevents excess moisture from spreading through the home. Beyond that, it limits any flooding that might be happening out in the open or behind walls, as well as stopping the wear and tear of constant running water on your pipes.

Find The Source As Quickly As You Can

Once you’ve done what you can to stop the water from running, finding the source of that leak is vital. Sometimes it’s as easy as following a trail of water, but if you see dripping through ceilings or staining walls, any nearby plumbing fixtures, exposed pipes, or appliances. If it gets worse in the rain, the source is likely the roof, flashing, or gutters. For plumbing leaks, touch along the pipes to see where you can feel moisture. Pinpointing the source can help ensure that you get the right help on hand.

Get A Professional In

In some cases, you might be able to fix a leak by, for instance, replacing a worn rubber washer inside a faucet. For anything more complex than that, it’s important to let the pros handle it. A plumbing professional can ensure that you don’t do more damage by trying to fix things yourself, and can bring the tools and expertise to find the source of leaks you might have trouble identifying. For external leaks, roofers tend to be your best bet, able to safely climb up and assess the damage before recommending any fixes or tile replacements you might need. 

Catch, Divert, And Dry

While you’re waiting for repairs to arrive, do what you can to contain and dry the water so that it can’t keep doing damage throughout your home. For any drips and drops, placing buckets and pans to catch them should do the trick, while towels can help you absorb standing water. Redirecting water from walls and furniture is important, too, especially if there are any electrical outlets or appliances in the area. Fans and dehumidifiers can also play a valuable role in drying affected areas as quickly as possible so that moisture can’t sink in more deeply.

Leaks aren’t always super expensive to fix, but they are always worth fixing as soon as possible. Even when they don’t cause water damage or mold, the cost of having that water consistently running can send your bills skyrocketing, so don’t let a leak linger in your home.