Household leaks are so mysterious. They are the sort of surprise event that you cannot really plan for. One minute you are safely ensconced in your home and the next, a leak has you up to your ankles in water, wondering why you weren't informed ahead of time, as with any good surprise. And they seem so undomesticated, uninviting even, the way they so rudely drop in without an invitation.
Leaks will happen when pipes exist, even strong pipes that have been well-installed and are working as intended. We can basically sort leaks into two categories: the ones that show up right next to us, such as the lower kitchen cabinet, and the ones that seem to surf all the way to the other end of the house (you surely know many stories of the latter sort).
Likewise, we can think of the tales told by the leaks. Some are straightforward and unembellished, the way a good plot should be. Others are dressy diversions that promise flimsy entertainment.
But let's slice through the chaos and talk turkey. Some leaks are minor annoyances, like that tiny drip-drip sound from your outdoor spigot which seems to have been around since forever. You might even think it's your house’s unique way of having a conversation with you. But those are informal frontier conversations, and we're Vicente Foxing those drips. Right now, we're getting to the more serious business leaks. They're also the leaks that can turn your favorite parts of the house into soggy, moldy temp zones — think busted pipes behind walls or under floors.
Before you go looking for an umbrella suitable for every occasion, listen to this solid piece of advice. When you have leaks that need repairing, the first thing to consider is where the leak is and how it's affecting your routine. Is it the drip in your basement that's turned it into a minor flood zone every time it rains? Or is it the near-constant puddle that's formed right by your water heater? Each of these demands a different strategy. And if you've never tackled a leak before, don't hesitate to call in the cavalry. A friendly neighborhood expert can save you a lot of time and trouble—and can probably see something that's just not apparent to you and me. After all, we owe it to ourselves and our homes to get this done with a smile (and maybe a laugh) instead of with the scowls and grim determination that often accompany all-too-frequent conversations about money.