Water leaks in the home can lead to mold, rotted wood, and even fire if they reach electric components, so it’s vital to fix leaks as soon as you spot them. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your home is simply to know what to look for and where the most common leaks occur. The plumbing professionals at Cincinnati’s Osterwisch Company have been helping area residents with a wide variety of superior-quality services since 1946.

Here, they'll explain the four most common causes of water leaks in the home:

• Faucets: Faucets are perhaps the most heavily used plumbing fixture in the home, and this amount of use will eventually wear down even the best faucet. If it starts to leak, it has to be fixed or replaced quickly to avoid serious damage to your residence.
• Toilets: Second to faucets are toilets. Everyone uses them every day, and they have several moving parts and pipes going in and out. With the amount of water going through the toilet and even just being held in the tank, a leak here can quickly ruin the floor and even structural wood.
• Dishwashers: The chemicals used in dishwashers can destroy the waterproof seals over time and cause water to leak from the door. If this happens, you cannot fix it yourself. A dishwasher repair professional will be needed, or you’ll have to replace the dishwasher. 
• Pipes: If the pipes used in your plumbing are made of galvanized steel, they may rust and corrode. Any pipe, whether PVC, copper, or steel, can break when water freezes, and can be damaged by using harsh chemicals like drain cleaners. Avoid using drain cleaners at all times, and instead use snakes (long, flexible wires) to unclog drains.

Now that you’re armed with knowledge of the most common leaks and water system problems, take charge of your home’s health by giving the fixtures and accessible water systems a good, hard look. Whatever you need repaired, from a leaky faucet to a malfunctioning water heater or boiler, the experienced plumbing professionals at Osterwisch Company can help. Contact them online or by calling (513) 791-3282 to schedule a home visit and diagnosis today.