Your Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing Water Leaks

Throughout University City, and the surrounding communities, your home’s plumbing is the unsung hero of daily life. It powers your morning shower, keeps dishes clean, and ensures your laundry gets done.

But what happens when this unseen system begins to fail?

Leaking pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare, often leading to costly water damage and frustrating repairs. The good news is, with a little know-how, you can spot the signs of a water leak before it becomes a major problem.

At Tony LaMartina Plumbing, we believe that an educated homeowner is a prepared homeowner. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand your plumbing, identify potential leaks, and know when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Looking for a nearby plumber in University City? For a free consultation, give Tony LaMartina Plumbing a call at 314-686-7758.

Understanding Your Home’s Plumbing

A typical home plumbing system has two parts: the water supply system, which brings fresh water into your home under pressure, and the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, which carries wastewater away. This network of pipes, fittings, and valves is crucial for your daily comfort and sanitation.

While they’re often out of sight, these pipes don’t last forever. The materials they’re made of, the age of your home, and even the natural movement of the ground can all contribute to their eventual decline.

Knowing how this system works is the first step toward keeping it healthy and leak-free.

Common Causes of Leaking Pipes

Pipes can leak for many reasons, and the type of pipes you have often plays a role. In many older homes, you might find galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, both of which are known to have a shorter lifespan.

• Galvanized Pipes: Common in homes built before the 1970s, galvanized pipes are made of steel with a protective zinc coating. Over time, this coating deteriorates, and the pipes begin to rust from the inside out. This internal corrosion not only restricts water flow, causing low water pressure, but also weakens the pipe walls until they eventually crack and leak.
• Polybutylene Pipes: Used extensively from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, these pipes are known to be prone to failure. The plastic material reacts with disinfectants in the public water supply, becoming brittle and likely to break. If one polybutylene pipe fails, it’s often a sign that others will follow.
• Drain Pipes: Leaks in drain pipes are often more subtle and only occur when water is in use. These pipes are typically made of cast iron, copper, ABS, or PVC. Older cast iron and copper pipes can corrode, while plastic pipes can be damaged. Because drain pipes carry wastewater, it’s a priority to get these leaks fixed quickly to prevent health hazards and extensive damage.

Even modern pipes can eventually fail due to constant water friction, chemical reactions, or minor shifts in your home’s foundation. No matter the reason, Tony LaMartina Plumbing is here to help.

Signs You May Need to Replace Your Pipes

While some water leaks are obvious, many hide behind walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces. Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection is the best way to get a clear picture of your pipes and their condition, but between those checkups, keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:

• Low Water Pressure: If the pressure in your sinks or shower has been steadily decreasing, it could be a sign of a mineral buildup or corrosion inside your pipes, which restricts water flow.
• Changes to Your Water Bill: A sudden, unexplained increase in your monthly water bill could signal a hidden leak, even a small one. The EPA’s Fix a Leak Week Campaign highlights how even minor leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water per year.
• Water Stains or Musty Smell: Look for discolored spots or new damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors. A persistent, musty odor in certain areas can also indicate a hidden leak, as moisture fosters the growth of mold and mildew.
• Rusty or Discolored Water: If your water looks brownish or has a reddish tint, especially when you first turn on the tap, it’s often a sign that the interior of your galvanized pipes is rusting.

One leak might not mean your entire plumbing system needs to be replaced, but frequent, recurring leaks are a strong indication that your pipes have reached the end of their lifespan.

How We Fix Leaks

When you suspect a leak, it’s important to act fast. At Tony LaMartina Plumbing, our approach to pipe repairs is both thorough and efficient. For minor leaks, we can often perform a targeted repair on the affected section of the pipe.

However, if our inspection reveals that your pipes are old, corroded, or made of polybutylene, we will likely recommend a full replacement, also known as repiping. We can discuss the two primary materials for modern repiping:

• Copper: The traditional gold standard in plumbing, copper is durable, corrosion-resistant, and has a long service life.
• PEX (Polyethylene Cross-Linked) Tubing: A popular and cost-effective alternative, PEX is flexible, easy to install, and highly resistant to freezing and bursting.

Our licensed plumbers will perform a complete inspection to determine the best solution, whether that’s a simple repair or a full repiping project for your home. We understand that a full repiping job can sound overwhelming, but our team takes every precaution to minimize disruption to your home.

Your Trusted Partner for Plumbing Leaks

When it comes to something as important as your home’s plumbing, you need a team you can trust. With several years in business, we’ve seen it all, so we know a thing or two about leaking pipes. Check out our reviews to see what our customers say about our work.

No job is too large or small for the professionals at Tony LaMartina Plumbing. Whether you have a small drip or a major emergency, our experienced team is ready to provide fast, reliable, and expert service to get your home’s plumbing back on track.

Don’t let a small leak turn into a disaster. Tony LaMartina Plumbing is your go-to plumbing company in University City, MO, and all the neighboring areas. For a free consultation, give us a call today at 314-686-7758 or request service online.