Water leaks are an inconvenience that nobody wants to deal with. From severe weather events to failed plumbing fittings, water leaks can occur at any time.

You may think your house is waterproof, but even one severe weather event can cause havoc.

It’s easy to miss a small bathroom leak or dismiss a dripping gutter. Both of these minor issues can cause major damage if left unattended.

A small leak in the gutter could be innocuous until there is a significant downpour. This small leak may lead to internal flooding, roof leaks and water damage. In extreme cases, you may face an insurance claim and a significant cleanup.

Below is a list of common issues that could lead to flooding and how to prevent them.

Leaking bathroom tiles

It’s very easy to miss a leak in your shower as this is an area that is often wet. If you suspect there is a leak, dry the area off and leave it for 24 hours.

Take photos of, or record any observations, at regular intervals. A wet tile could be the tip of the iceberg. Beneath that wet tile could be a leak into your wall resulting in salt damp.

If you identify a leak in your bathroom, contact Chiswick Plumbing straight away. Our team can come out and inspect your bathroom to find the source of the leak and arrange to have it fixed. It’s much more cost-effective to deal with a small leak than to wait too long and have to replace a leaking pipe.

A dripping tap can add hundreds of dollars to your water bill and waste a significant amount of water. It is also very easy to delay fixing it until your next trip to the hardware store. The cause of your leaking tap could be far more than an old washer. That small, annoying dripping tap could be the symptom of something more serious, like a corroded fixture.

In severe cases, dripping taps can cause mould and damp build-up in the foundations of the home. Mould and damp spores can be a health risk for people who are hypersensitive or have allergies.

An unattended dripping tap has the potential to pool water under your cabinetry, which is expensive to fix. Take action to fix your dripping tap as soon as possible to avoid this situation. Remember, you can call Chiswick Plumbing if you need professional advice.

By the time you notice a leaking roof, it has likely already done some damage to your house. Signs of a leaking roof can include:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to get a professional to inspect the cause. Often there are wires and air conditioning vents in the roof space. Water and electricity is never a safe mix, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. A small roof leak might be something to ignore, but when the next heavy rains arrive, this could become a serious, major leak.

Leaking gutters might be uneven, or have blockages caused by leaves and tree debris getting stuck. This can lead to water pooling on the roof, seeping into your structure and damaging your walls and fixtures.

Signs of a leaking gutter include:

In the case of a leaking gutter, check for any blockages or obstructions. If they are present and you are unable to clear it yourself, manually, it’s best to call a professional. Where there is a more sinister cause of your leaking gutter, we recommend having it attended to, before the next severe rain event.

Severe weather can cause small leaks to become significant flooding issues. Try to deal with minor plumbing issues before heavy rainfall creates bigger problems. Heavy rain can affect your plumbing by:

To prepare for heavy rain, make sure you have your plumbing health checked by a professional. This will ensure drains are cleared and ready to handle the increased volume of water. Repair any minor leaks before heavy rain starts. This will help to prevent small leaks from bursting due to the increased pressure.

In the event of a burst pipe, the best thing to do is immediately shut-off the water supply from the source. This can be simple if you can identify the source and it has a shut-off valve. If water is spraying everywhere, turn off your water meter from the mains supply.

Chiswick Plumbing is available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. So once your water is off, give us a call and we will attend to your emergency.