Water leaks can be deceptive because they can range from just an annoying mess – to a major flooding crisis with very little warning. Knowing how to detect and fix these leaks is important.
- Faucet, under-the-sink or garden hose leaks are often just annoyances but they can escalate into a crisis depending on where that water is going.
- Listening to a constant, running-water sound or random flushing of a toilet is more than annoying… but not quite an emergency.
- Walking into the kitchen and stepping into a puddle of water from a refrigerator or dishwasher leak is exasperating and has to be handled immediately.
- Leaks from pipes that are inside a wall or under the foundation are often unknown until very expensive repairs are needed. You can find them before a crisis occurs.
Table of Contents
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What are your choices? Pros and Cons
Click on the green buttons below for detailed descriptions of ways to handle different types of leaks along with Pros & Cons for each method.
Pros: Easy to do. A plumber will be able to repair that leaky faucet in the kitchen, a toilet that keeps flushing itself every 5 minutes. a dripping hose bib in the garden and most water line leaks in one visit.
Cons: The initial call may cost $45 to $150 or more just to get the plumber out to your house (the average hourly rate for plumbers).
And will you have to take off work to meet them!
If it’s an emergency due to a pressurized-line leak, which is creating a growing puddle of water – there will almost certainly be a surcharge.
Not a good choice if you are on a tight budget.
Fix it yourself solutions
Pros: DIY repairs can range from easy to very hard, depending on their type – but you can save a lot of money.
As a bonus, you can avoid missing work by fixing it at your own convenience.
Cons: In the worst case, a pressurized-line leak, you may have to turn off the water to the entire house while you get the needed supplies to make repairs.
Some leaks, especially leaks inside walls or under the foundation, may require contractor-level skills to first get to the leak and then make the needed repairs.