How to Fix Overflow Pipe Leaking in Your Woodstock Home

Overflow pipes are necessary plumbing features that limit the risk of flooding. Overflow pipe leaking is evidence that the overflow pipe mechanism within the system is working, but finding the underlying cause of the leak can be tricky. Woodstock’s leak detection experts at Quick-Pro Plumbing explain how to locate the leak source and fix it.

What Is an Overflow Pipe?

The overflow pipe connects an external water tank or cistern to the interior of your home. It monitors the flow of water by releasing excess water from the storage tank so that it does not flood the interior. 

Many plumbing appliances and fixtures in Woodstock homes, such as baths, basins, central heating water tanks, copper cylinders, coldwater tanks, toilet cisterns, and combi boilers, have overflow pipes.

What Causes Overflow Pipe Leaks?

Understanding the cause of an overflow pipe leak is necessary to ensure you resolve the problem. If the leak continues, it may cause water damage in your home and affect appliances and fixtures. Some of the most common causes of an overflow pipe leaking include: 

• Worn-out washers
• A defective or lodged float valve 
• Excess water pressure that loosened the overflow pipe valve
• A hot water coil is punctured and filled with water, causing hot water to mix with the separate cold water system

Usually, damaged float valves cause overflow pipe leaks. This mechanism keeps the tank full and prevents overflowing. A damaged valve may not shut off the flow of water into the tank, resulting in an overflow leak. Similarly, combi boilers overflow if too much pressure accumulates.

If you’re not sure where your overflow pipe leak started, a plumber can inspect your system and identify the root cause.

How to Fix an Overflow Pipe Leak

To fix an overflow pipe leak, the first step is identifying the leak’s location: The source of the leak determines how to fix it. 

If the leak is near the ground, the leak is in the toilet cistern. If the leak is coming from the ceiling or roof, it originates in the central heating or cold water tanks. To double-check the leak location, see if the water level is above the standard waterline or nearing the overflow point.

Next, shut off the water line and drain the water in the toilet cistern or water tank. If the cold water overflow pipe is leaking, it is possibly because the float valve is stuck or defective. If the float valve is fine, the problem is possibly water coming up the outlet pipes. In both cases, a professional plumber can help assess the situation and fix the issue. 

Top Plumbing Solutions in Woodstock, GA

Whether you need a professional plumber for an underground leak repair, overflow pipe leaking, or routine maintenance, the Quick-Pro Plumbing team can help keep your plumbing in excellent shape. This Georgia plumbing company offers reliable services, including emergency plumbing, commercial plumbing, drain cleaning, and water heater maintenance.

For all your plumbing needs in Woodstock, GA, contact Quick-Pro Plumbing to schedule an appointment.