Penelope Graham
29 Sept 20265 min read
Not all plumbing emergencies come in the form of a large flood. In fact, most plumbing damage builds slowly, starting as a small drip that rots cabinet wood or feeds mould growth – and it may be months before the issue grows large enough for you to notice it.
Catching creeping water damage is key to heading off a small plumbing problem, before it turns into a major – and costly – headache. Here are some fast and easy checks you can do to ensure your home is watertight, and what could signal it’s time to call a plumber.
Testing your faucets and toilets takes less than 10 minutes, and can pinpoint issues with water pressure and the general condition of your fixtures. These are also handy things to look for when viewing a home for sale.
Test kitchen and bathroom faucets: Turn on all faucets in sinks and bathtubs; look for strong, steady water pressure, responsive temperature, and overall smooth use. Test the drainage by filling the sink completely with the stopper closed, then release it – pushing the water through all at once helps test draining speed.
Look under sinks: This is where small leaks often start and drip undetected. Using a paper towel to check for dampness, wipe around all water valves, supply lines, and your P-trap – that’s the U-shaped curved pipe located under your sink. Its purpose is to stop sewer gases from travelling up your pipes and through your sink, so it’s important this is leak-free.
Flush the toilets: Give every toilet in the home a flush; watch the strength of the water flow and note how quickly the bowl drains and refills. A weak flush and lagging refill (longer than two minutes) can indicate worn-out or blocked valves or sediment buildup.
Toilets can also run silently, quietly wasting water and running up your utility bill. To check for a silent leak, add a few drops of food colouring to the tank (not the bowl), then wait 15 minutes without flushing. If colour shows up in the bowl, water is leaking through. The cause is usually a worn flapper, which is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. These are inexpensive and can often be replaced yourself.
Fill the tub, then pull the plug: Run a few inches of water in the bathtub with the stopper closed to make sure it holds. Unplug it to test your tub’s drainage speed. Also take a look at surrounding caulking for signs of wear or mould build-up.
Look at the plumbing pipes under sinks and in your basement for signs of dripping, moisture, and corrosion. Active leaks will present as dripping or pooling water on the floor. Also look for signs of leakage around pipe fittings and joints.
Corrosion and rust can take different forms depending on the type of metal. Steel rust will appear as flaking red buildup, while copper will develop a greenish film or crusty white mineral powder.
Any signs of external frost or bulging pipes are a red flag for high internal pressure and freezing; these should be urgently addressed by a Pro. Shut off your main water valve and call a plumber before it bursts.
The main water shutoff valve can save you in the case of a plumbing or flood emergency. It may also need to be turned off while conducting major home repairs or renovations, or if the home will be standing empty for a prolonged period, such as during a vacation. Insurance companies also often require the valve to be shut off if the house will be vacant, usually between three to four days.
The first step is knowing where your water valve is located. Most are typically found on a front-facing interior foundation wall where the main water supply line connects from the street. Look near your water heater, furnace, or water meter in your basement; if your home doesn’t have a basement, the valve may be found in the garage or utility closet instead.
Most valves can be turned off by hand and don’t require additional tools. If the valve has a lever handle, turning it by 90 degrees will close off the water pipe. Valves with wheel handles should be turned clockwise until they come to a complete stop.
It’s smart to test your valve once or twice a year to ensure it’s not stuck or seizing. If it won’t turn, don’t force it yourself; bring in a Pro to make the fix.
Water damage comes in many forms; if you spot any of the below in your home, it can signal there’s a hidden leak.
Stains: They usually look like spreading yellow or brown discolouration on walls and ceilings. This could indicate there’s a roof leak or broken pipe above the ceiling.
Uneven paint finish: When water and moisture gets trapped in walls, the humidity can affect the paint, making it bubble or peel.
Warped flooring: Water can disfigure wood and laminate; if your floors are showing signs of warping, or feel squishy underfoot, it may be a sign there’s trapped moisture.
Sagging ceilings: Any bulging or soft spots in your drywall or ceiling plaster can signal a large buildup of water that may be close to bursting through. If this is happening, reach out to a Pro right away, before it potentially becomes a serious leak.
Mineral buildup: A white, powdery residue forming on bricks or concrete either indoors or out can be a sign of trapped moisture.
Mould and mildew: Blooming dark or fuzzy spots are a clear sign of chronic wet and humid conditions indoors, or evidence of a previous flood.
Let’s say you’ve run these checks and see signs of water damage. If you need to bring in a plumber, Quartermaster can help. Find a trusted Pro in your area that’s already used and referred by your neighbours.
Check out our other DIY Guides:
Penelope Graham
Penelope is the Editor at Quartermaster. She has years of experience writing about Toronto’s unique housing and mortgage market, and is always chatting with Pros about their top tips for homeowner
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