Why All Water Leaks Require Action | Network Know How

The Risk Of Leaving Leaking Taps & Broken Pipes

Water is a powerful and destructive medium. Water can warp, stain and destroy. From walls, floors to concrete footings. Common areas like your kitchen, bathroom and laundry taps should all be noted and identified.

A leaking tap is a visible and known leak. You can see, feel or hear it. It may be as simple as engaging plumbers for repairs or replacements of the leaking taps in question.

Here's the thing... A leaking tap will not stop leaking. Only when intervention takes place will the waste of water stop and the potential risk of water damage to the building decrease.

Signs of an unchecked leaking tap may result in the following...

1. Long term water staining around the tap and basin.
2. Increased water bills.
3. Increased risk of mould or mildew.
4. Leaving a larger fault at play, high water pressure or water hammer issues.

Leaving a leaking tap may not seem like a big deal but just say it's as a result of a high water pressure supply to your home. One leaking tap may result in multiple leaking taps, water hammer issues and burst flexi hoses.

Your plumbing system should function in a mindless way, working without you even noticing it's happening at all. If you know you might need to tighten that tap just a little more, wipe away the pooling water or hear the sounds of the tap working... you need intervention. Contact our licensed plumber today on 9023 3232.

7 Areas Home Owners Should Pay Close Attention To

Taps and fixtures inside the home

Carrying out regular inspections of your taps and fixtures will help you to stay on top of leaks before they become a problem. Being aware is always better than not and reducing waste is even better. If an O-ring needs to be replaced or a washer has seen better days, a simple repair might just offset wastage.

Flexi hoses under your sinks

One of the biggest risks to your home are flexi hoses. A burst flexi hose could cost up to an average of $14,145 per claim. Staggering. Please ensure all flexi hose work is carried out by a trained plumber. It's imperative that the appropriate work is completed, especially if things go wrong and your insurance company questions who carried out the plumbing repair work.

Flexi hoses connecting water to your plumbing appliances

A flexi hose as mentioned above is a high-risk item in your home... if it's not maintained correctly, poses a threat of bursting and uncontrolled water leaks invading your home. You are responsible for safeguarding your home, but Network Plumbing is here to help carry the burden. Contact our local plumber today to schedule a flexi hose check-up.

A Constant Running Toilet Bowl

It's estimated that 20% of toilets have leaks, from the bowls to the cistern. If your toilet is on a constant flushing cycle, you are using more water than you need to. If you notice pooling water around the base of your toilet or are experiencing that constant flush cycle... like your toilet has its own water reservoir, calling a professional plumber to assess your concerns is a wise move.

Hot Water Systems

Hot water systems are also susceptible to leaks. From a major burst pipe to a slow flow of water escaping from the storage tank. If you notice pooling present and around the bottom of your system you may need a repair or replacement of your hot water system.

It is crucially important to maintain your system. Water can rust and corrode your storage tank. With regular maintenance scheduled to replace your sacrificial anodes, you'll be minimising the chance of corrosion and in turn extending the lifespan of your system. By calling Network Plumbing we can assist with the responsibility of a well maintained hot water system... we'll help reduce risks and extend your hot water units lifespan.

All outside taps and hoses

Water use outside is also important. Being aware of your garden tap and hose, noting if there is any pooling or dripping will help to conserve water use.

Your stormwater system

Blocked or damaged stormwater systems can lead to water escaping in your yard potentially creating sinkholes or constant wet patches.

You can perform a simple water leak test at home with just your water meter. If you are unsure if your water supply network is leaking... follow these steps

• Stop the use of all plumbing fixtures, taps, washing machines and so on.
• Take a reading of your meter that's connected to the water main.
• Wait at least an hour or more if you can.
• Go back to your water meter, compare your previous reading to your current one... any changes with your meter?

If there has been a change in your water meter reading while no one has used your plumbing system, you have a leak.

Your next step should be to reach out and call Network Plumbing 9023 3232.

Our local plumbers are ready to detect all leaks, from those obvious ones to those sneaky hidden leaks. Our plumbers are highly trained and have perfected the art of leak detection and repair.

Steps To Take If You Do Have A Water Leak

Water Meter Supplied

Burst water pipes in or around the home or building can be isolated from the property's water meters. Water meters are typically located in front yards, approximately 0.5 meter to 3 meters inside the front property boundary away from the street. Meters can be installed above ground or below.

Below ground water meters may require a screwdriver to assist in opening the lid to gain clear access to the water meter. Most water meters have a tap on the inlet side and more recent styles have a ball valve isolation.

Tap style

Turn tap clockwise to isolate the incoming water to the property.

Ball valve

Turn clockwise until the handle locks off, typically it is a ¼ turn. Isolating the water meter will stop any water leaks or burst pipes on your property.

Running Taps & Leaking Fixtures

Continually running or gushing water from taps or fixtures generally need to be isolated from the water meter however there are some circumstances where the individual tap or fixtures can be isolated independently.

Certain types of fixtures and mixer taps have isolation valves connected to them which allows for individual isolation of that fixture. If you can isolate the isolation valves for the tap, turn the handle clockwise or for ¼ turn taps, set the handle to 90 degrees. Individual isolation of fixtures allows the use of water throughout the rest of the property.

Emergency Faults & Water Leaks

Please be mindful of other emergency faults. If your water leak makes contact with say any electrical equipment or an electrical fixture... a light fitting or a switchboard. Safety must be your first concern.

Call Network Plumbing immediately on 9023 3232, your safety is our top priority.