5 Possible Causes Of Pipe Leaks At Home
Pipe leaks are a major problem. They can cause significant damage to your home, destroying ceilings, floors, walls, carpets, furniture, and other items. Mold and mildew can thrive in moist environments. All of these issues can then lead to some hefty repair bills. Not just that, but leaky pipes waste water, which means you’re overpaying on your water bill for the water you’re not even using.
One of the most serious problems with leaks is that you can’t see the pipes in your home, so you might not even realize you have one. As a homeowner, you should be aware of the potential consequences of a leak.
If left unaddressed, it can lead to wastewater, which promotes unwanted growth and odors in your home. However, preventing this type of damage isn’t always easy (especially for homeowners with minimal or no plumbing experience).
One major reason for this is that most of the pipework in your household is hidden, making it difficult to detect leaks. Understanding and looking for common situations that cause leaks is one of the most efficient ways to protect your home from future leaks.
Here are some was factors that cause pipe leaks at home:
Clogging
While a clog may not appear to be an immediate threat, it can cause overflowing or even burst pipes. Pressure builds up behind the blockage, possibly causing structural damage. Furthermore, if a clog contains corrosive substances such as household chemicals, it can hasten the deterioration of your pipes.
Placing hair traps and inspecting what you let flow down the rain can help prevent clogs from forming in your pipes. Clogs can also be caused by obstructions in air handler drain pans and gutters. Keep your gutters and HVAC system free of debris to avoid this.
Incorrect Pipe Installation
Plumbing systems must always be managed by a professional, especially in new homes. Many leaks that cause emergencies are caused by improper pipe laying. Because plumbing systems require water to flow against gravity, it is critical that pipes and connectors are properly installed and that backflow device are used as needed.
If you observe that your plumbing was installed incorrectly, we recommend that you contact a reputable plumber to inspect your system.
Corrosion
Corrosion, such as rust, can form on pipes over time. Corrosion is a chemical reaction that occurs between the metal and the environment. In the case of your pipes, corrosion can be caused by what is found in your water. Corrosion eats away at your metal pipes, weakening them.
Corrosion can also lead to the formation of holes, which allow water to escape. Pipes that were installed several years ago may be more prone to corrosion than newer pipes. Corrosion can also occur when the pH or mineral content of the water is incorrect.
Strong Water Pressure
Strong water pressure may feel nice in the shower, but too much water pressure can be harmful to your pipes. The greater the force with which water flows through your pipes, the greater the risk of damage. In extreme cases, extremely high water pressure can strain and cause a pipe to burst. In cases where the water pressure is slightly off, you may only notice things like the occasional leak at the fixture right before the water is turned off.
Broken Pipe Joints
Pipe joints are used to attach pipes from one end of your home to the other. Pipe joints are the most vulnerable components of your piping systems. Your joints, like your copper pipes, will rust and corrode over time. It happens much faster because the joints have a much smaller surface area.
When investigating what causes pipes to leak, it’s always a good idea to examine your pipe joints. Using your ears is the key to determining possible broken pipe joints. When you turn on the hot water, you may hear a lot of clinking and clanging. This could be due to broken pipe fittings.
Key Takeaway
You may have a leaking pipe if you’ve noticed low water pressure, poor water quality, or water damage in your home. There are numerous potential causes for leaking pipes, and any leaking pipe in your home should be resolved by a trained plumbing professional. Understanding the source of the problem is critical to finding a long-term solution for leaking pipes.