Dealing with Household Water Leaks in London

[A HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE]

Is your water meter reading high?
Water leaks are one of the most common yet disruptive issues homeowners in London face. Whether it's a dripping kitchen tap or a more serious leak from your boiler, promptly identifying and addressing these problems can save you time, money, and hassle.

We'll guide you through the steps to detect, act on, and prevent water leaks in your home.

Common Areas for Water Leaks

1. Kitchen Tap

A dripping kitchen tap is a common household issue, often caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring. These components are crucial for creating a watertight seal within the tap.

Here's why these parts wear out:

• Friction
  The washer and O-ring are subjected to friction every time the tap is turned on and off. This repeated motion gradually wears down the material, making it less effective at sealing the tap.
• Water Quality
  Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can increase the wear and tear on washers and O-rings and build up on the components, causing them to degrade more quickly.
• Pressure
  High water pressure can put additional strain on the washer and O-ring, causing them to wear out faster. Conversely, frequent fluctuations in water pressure can also contribute to the deterioration of these components.
• Age
  Over time, the materials used in washers and O-rings naturally degraded. Rubber components, in particular, can become brittle and less flexible, leading to cracks and leaks.

How to Detect a Dripping Kitchen Tap?

Identifying a water leak in your kitchen tap is relatively straightforward.

Here's how you can detect it:

• Listen for Drips: The sound of dripping water is often the first sign of a leaking tap, even when the tap is turned off. This is a clear indication that the washer or O-ring may need to be replaced.
• Visual Inspection: Look for water puddles around the base of the tap or on the countertop. Additionally, you should check for any signs of water damage or staining, which can indicate a persistent leak.
• Touch Test: Feel around the base of the tap for moisture. Sometimes, the leak may not be immediately visible but can be detected by touch.

Actions to Fix a Dripping Kitchen Tap

Once you've identified the leak, follow these steps to fix it:

• Tighten the Tap: Sometimes, a simple tightening of the tap handle can stop the leak. Use a wrench to gently tighten the tap, but be careful not to over-tighten, as it may cause damage.
• Turn Off the Water Supply: If tightening the tap doesn't solve the problem, the next step is to shut off the water supply. To do this, find the shut-off valves under the sink. Then, turn them clockwise to stop the water flow.
• Disassemble the Tap: Remove the tap handle with a screwdriver. This will give you access to the washer and O-ring. Take note of how the parts are assembled to make reassembly easier.
• Replace the Washer or O-Ring: Inspect the washer and O-ring for signs of wear, such as cracks or brittleness. Replace the worn-out components with new ones of the same size and type. It's a good idea to take the old parts with you to the hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacements.
• Reassemble the Tap: Once you've replaced the washer and O-ring, reassemble the tap in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure all parts are securely in place.
• Turn On the Water Supply: Turn the shut-off valves back on and test the tap. Turn it on and off a few times to ensure there are no more leaks.
• Check for Leaks: After reassembling, inspect the tap for any signs of leaking. If the tap is still leaking, it may be necessary to get help from a professional plumber.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Kitchen Tap

• Regular Maintenance: Check for wear and tear periodically. Replace washers and O-rings as needed.
• Water Softeners: Install a water softener in hard water areas to reduce mineral buildup.
• Pressure Regulation: Maintain your home's water pressure within the recommended range.

If replacing parts doesn't stop the leak or if you're unsure about repairs, call a plumber for a thorough fix or professional kitchen tap replacement.

2. Shower Leaks

Shower leaks can be a persistent problem for homeowners, often leading to significant water damage if not addressed promptly.

Common Causes for a Leaking Shower

Shower leaks can originate from several sources, including:

• Damaged Seals
  The sealant or caulking around the edges of the shower, where the shower tray meets the walls, can deteriorate over time. This wear and tear allows water to seep through, causing leaks.
• Loose Connections
  The plumbing connections behind the shower wall or under the shower tray can become loose due to age, poor installation, or frequent use. This can cause water to escape and leak into surrounding areas.
• Cracked Tiles or Grout The tiles and grout in your shower can crack over time due to temperature changes, heavy use, or the natural settling of your home. These cracks provide a pathway for water to penetrate behind the tiles, causing leaks.
• Faulty Showerhead or Valve
  Water can leak from the showerhead or valve if they are damaged or improperly installed.
• Shower Tray Issues
  Over time, the shower tray can develop cracks, or the drain connection can loosen, leading to water leakage.

How to Detect a Leaking Shower?

Detecting shower leaks early can prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Water Pooling Around the Shower Base:
  Check for any water pooling around the base after using the shower. This is a clear indication that water is escaping from the shower area.
• Mould Growth on Walls: Persistent moisture from a leaking shower can lead to mould growth on the walls, especially in corners or areas where the wall meets the floor. Mould can appear as black, green, or brown patches and is a sign of excessive moisture.
• Damp or Soft Flooring:
  If the floor around your shower feels damp or soft, it may be due to water leaking from the shower and seeping into the floorboards or tiles.
• Water Stains on Ceiling Below:
  In multi-story homes, water leaking from an upstairs shower can cause water stains on the ceiling of the room below. These stains are usually brown or yellow and indicate a leak from above.
• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper:
  Excess moisture from a shower leak can cause paint or wallpaper to peel or bubble.

Actions to Fix a Leaking Shower

Once you've detected a shower leak, taking immediate action for a professional shower repair is essential to prevent further damage:

Tighten Loose Connections:

• Showerhead and Valve: Use a wrench to tighten any loose connections at the showerhead or valve. Ensure that all fittings are secure.
• Plumbing Connections: If you suspect the leak is from the plumbing behind the wall, you need to remove a section of the wall to access and tighten these connections. It's often best to call a professional plumber for this task.

Replace Damaged Seals:

• Remove Old Sealant: Carefully remove any old, damaged sealant or caulking using a utility knife or scraper.
• Apply New Sealant: Cover the edges with a high-quality, waterproof silicone sealant when the shower tray touches the walls. Apply the sealant smoothly and evenly to form a watertight barrier.
• Let It Cure: Let the sealant cure as per the manufacturer's instructions before using the shower again.

Use a Waterproof Sealant for Minor Cracks:

• Identify Cracks: Look for any minor cracks in the tiles or grout. To get rid of any dirt or debris, carefully clean the area.
• Apply Sealant: Fill in the cracks with waterproof grout or tile sealant. Apply it carefully and ensure it penetrates the cracks fully.
• Smooth and Let It Cure: Smooth the sealant with a damp cloth or finger and let it cure according to the instructions.

Replace Cracked Tiles or Grout:

• Remove Damaged Tiles: Carefully remove any cracked tiles or grout using appropriate tools.
• Install New Tiles: Replace with new tiles and grout, ensuring they are properly sealed to prevent future leaks.

Shower Tray Repair

• Inspect the Tray: Check the shower tray for any visible cracks or damage.
• Shower Repair or Replace: Use a repair kit to fix minor cracks, or consider replacing the tray if the damage is extensive.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Shower

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the seals, tiles, and plumbing connections in your shower. Look for any signs of wear or damage.
• Proper Ventilation: Keep your bathroom well-ventilated to lower moisture levels and prevent mould growth.
• Use Quality Materials: When installing or repairing your shower, use high-quality materials that are designed to withstand moisture and frequent use.
• Professional Installation: For major installations or repairs, hire a professional engineer to ensure the job is done correctly and to industry standards.

Check out this blog to learn how to choose the right shower replacement in London.

3. Bathroom Tap

Bathroom taps, like their counterparts in the kitchen, can develop leaks due to worn-out components such as washers, O-rings, and seals. These leaks, though seemingly minor, can lead to significant water wastage and damage over time if not addressed promptly.

How Do Bathroom Tap Leaks Happen?

Bathroom tap leaks are often the result of everyday wear and tear.

Here are the common reasons:

• Worn-Out Washers
  The washer inside the tap is subjected to constant pressure and friction, which may result in it deteriorating or becoming destroyed.
• Damaged O-rings
  O-rings are rubber components that help seal the tap. Over time, these can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks.
• Loose or Corroded Connections
  The connections between the tap and the water supply can loosen or corrode, causing leaks at the joints.
• Faulty Cartridge
  In modern mixer taps, a faulty cartridge can cause leaks. Cartridges regulate water flow and temperature, and a damaged one can lead to dripping taps. If the cartridge is faulty, you'll need to replace it by doing a ‘tap cartridge replacement’.'

How to Detect Bathroom Tap Leaks?

Detecting a bathroom tap leak is relatively straightforward:

• Visual Inspection: Look for visible drips or water pooling around the base of the tap. Even a small drip can indicate a leak.
• Moisture Buildup: Feel around the tap and under the sink for any moisture. Persistent dampness can signal a leak.
• Water Stains: Check for water stains or discolouration on the sink or countertop around the tap.
• Listen for Drips: Sometimes, you can hear a dripping sound even when the tap is turned off, indicating a leak.

How to Fix a Bathroom Tap Leak?

Once you've detected a leak, follow these steps to fix it:

• Turn off the Water Supply
  Before start doing any repair, turn off the water supply to the tap. This can usually be done by shutting off the valve under the sink.
  If there isn't an individual valve, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the house.
• Disassemble the Tap
  Use the appropriate tools to carefully disassemble the tap. Start by removing the handle, which usually involves loosening a screw. Once the handle is off, you can access the cartridge, washer, or O-ring.
• Inspect and Replace Components
  Check the washer, O-ring, and cartridge for signs of wear or damage. Replace any faulty parts with new ones.
  Ensure that you get the right size and type of replacement parts, which you can typically find at a hardware store.
• Washers: These are generally located at the base of the tap. Replace worn or damaged washers with new ones of the same size.
• O-rings: Located around the base of the spout, replace any cracked or brittle O-rings.
• Cartridges: If your tap uses a cartridge system, replace the entire cartridge if it's faulty.
• Reassemble the Tap
  Once you've replaced the necessary components, reassemble the tap by reversing the disassembly steps. Make sure all parts are securely in place.
• Turn On the Water Supply
  After resuming the water supply, look for leaks. Ensure the tap operates smoothly without any drips or moisture buildup.

4. Toilet

Common home issues like leaky toilets may cause major water waste and damage if they are not fixed right away. Contact a professional for your toilet repair needs.

How Toilet Leaks Can Happen?

Toilet leaks can occur in two main areas: at the base and from internal components within the tank.

Leaks at the Base

• Cause: Leaks at the toilet base are usually caused by a broken or worn-out wax ring seal. This seal sits between the toilet and the floor, preventing water from escaping when the toilet is flushed.
• You may notice water pooling around the base of the toilet or a persistent damp spot on the floor. There might also be a musty odor or the presence of mold.

Internal Leaks

• Cause: Internal leaks often stem from faulty components inside the toilet tank, such as the flapper valve, fill valve, or overflow tube.
• Flapper Valve: A worn or improperly seated flapper valve can cause water to continuously run from the tank into the bowl.
• Fill Valve: A malfunctioning fill valve can cause the tank to overfill, leading to water spilling into the overflow tube.
• Overflow Tube: If the overflow tube is set too high, water can constantly drain into it, leading to a running toilet.

Detection of Toilet Leaks

Visual Inspection

• Base Leaks: Check for water around the base of the toilet. Use a dry cloth to wipe the area and see if it becomes wet again.
• Internal Leaks: Remove the toilet tank lid and observe the water level. If the water is running continuously or the tank is refilling often, there may be an internal leak.

Sound Check

• Running Water: Listen for the sound of running water or hissing noise, which indicates water is flowing when it shouldn't be.

Dye Test

• Tank Leaks: Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank and wait about 30 minutes without flushing. If the colour appears in the bowl, there's a leak between the tank and the bowl, typically caused by a faulty flapper valve.

Actions to Take for Toilet Leaks

Fixing Base Leaks

• Tighten Bolts: Check the bolts securing the toilet to the floor. If they are loose, tighten them carefully to avoid cracking the porcelain.
• Replace Wax Ring: If tightening the bolts couldn't stop the leak, you might need to replace the wax ring seal. Removing the toilet from the floor, swapping out the old wax ring for a new one, and then reseating the toilet are parts of this process.

Fixing Internal Leaks

• Replace Flapper Valve: If the flapper valve is worn or not sealing properly, replace it. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, drain the tank, and install a new flapper.
• Adjust or Replace Fill Valve: If the fill valve is malfunctioning, adjust the float to ensure the correct water level or replace the valve entirely.
• Adjust Overflow Tube: Ensure the overflow tube is at the proper height. If it's too high or too low, adjust it according to the manufacturer's instructions.