Leaks can damage your home, encourage unwanted organic growth, and can waste water too. You might not be aware that a leak has formed, as you cannot see most of the plumbing in your home. Understanding and looking for situations that cause leaks to develop, is the best way to protect leaks from forming in the future.
Here are eight common causes of plumbing leaks
1. Broken Seals
The contractor put seals around all water connections while installing your appliances. As your appliances age, seals may break or wear out. Your dishwasher door contains seals too. Keep an eye out for condensation or puddles near appliances, as they indicate broken seals.
2. Clogged lines
Clogged drains often cause inconvenience. Other clogs, such as obstructions in your gutters or air handler drain pans, apart from cause serious water damage and can lead to burst or overflowing pipes too. Prevent clogs by keeping your HVAC system and gutters clean.
3. Corrosion
Rust and other types of corrosions, may eat away your pipes, as your plumbing system ages. If you notice any warping or discoloration on your pipes, contact a plumber immediately. Consider replacing pipes if you have an older plumbing system.
4. Damaged pipe joints
Pipe joints are the weakest point in a line, as they deteriorate over time, causing leaks. Unfortunately, most of them are not easily visible. Pipes that make a banging or ticking noise when you turn on the hot water means they are under extreme pressure. Have a plumber check your pipes once annually.
5. Excess water pressure
As most pipes and faucets can withstand a limited amount of pressure, uneven or excessive pressure can put excessive strain on them, causing leaks. Get a professional to measure the water pressure.
6. Intruding tree roots
Tree roots can intrude on water lines leading moisture to seep out into your yard. If you notice a sudden drop in the water pressure, or sink holes or new wet patches in your yard, get a plumber check for intrusion.
7. Loose water connectors
Leaks are also caused when pipes and hoses supplying water to your appliances become loose. Shifting often causes water connectors to become loose. Vibration during the spin cycle on your washing machine shakes its hose, leading to a leak. Water running directly from the supply or formation of puddles round the appliance indicates water connection leak.
8. Rapid temperature changes
Unexpected and extreme fluctuations in temperature, particularly when caused due to freezing temperatures, cause pipes to crack because of contraction or expansion.
You should keep a close eye on the way your plumbing performs. Be wary if you notice any of the circumstances mentioned above as it signifies a high risk of leaks. You should also keep an eye on your water bill. If it is more than normal, it signifies wastage of water due to a leak.
Contact us immediately if you observe a change in water flow, musty smell around a drain, or any other warning signs that indicate a leak. We can detect and fix leaks anywhere in your home, which includes leaks in pipes hidden in your floors or walls.
