Knowing the risks of having an unrepaired leaking pipe is essential for every homeowner. Preventing the likely water damage from this situation is not always simple, particularly for homeowners with zero plumbing experience.
Most cases of leaks occur due to any of the following causes. Knowing these causes will guide you on the right time to reach a plumber and guard against future leaks.
Common causes of leaking pipes
Advanced corrosion
All pipe materials fail eventually. After a long time, corrosion (like rust) can set in and degrade the pipe to the point where a hole is created for water to escape. If your plumbing is over 30 years old, you stand at a higher risk of leaking pipes because the old materials are not as resistant to corrosion as modern materials.
Your plumbing system can also form corrosion if there are abnormalities in the water’s chemicals, like pH levels and mineral composition.
Degraded seals
Not all plumbing systems use metal pipes — the joints where the pipes connect usually have an industrial rubber seal to ensure the connection is watertight. As with pipes, the plumbing seals can deteriorate with time. Once the seal breaks or crumbles, it may leak water. Unusually dry and old seals are typically more prone to deterioration.
High water pressure
High water pressure gives a great feeling in the shower, but as the water hits the interior of the pipe at high pressure, the risk of eventual leakage is higher. In serious situations, high water pressure can cause pipe breakage.
In less severe situations, excess water pressure can cause leaking at fixtures, especially after stopping the water flow. If you realize this change, call a plumber to test the pressure and perform the necessary adjustments.
Fixture cracks
If the faucet or the pipes linked with it have cracks, the leak should be immediately noticeable. This crack is usually caused by an external force like someone tripping and getting balance with the faucet or a child hitting the fixture with a toy.
Sometimes the crack may not be immediately visible, such as under the sink, with the repeated pressure of items being deposited in the cupboard space. You should book a replacement immediately you discover damage to the fixture or connecting pipes.
Wrong pipe laying
You should always assign your plumbing works to a licensed professional. Several cases of serious leakages resulting in plumbing emergencies happen because of wrong pipe laying. Minor mistakes that are not immediately apparent may cause a high level of water damage afterward.
Since the plumbing system relies on water flow against gravity in many points, pipes and connectors have to be laid and connected, and backflow devices have to be used as necessary. If you think your pipes were laid wrongly, contact a professional plumber to check the system.
Pipe joint damage
The joint, or the bends that redirect water to different parts of the house, is very susceptible to damages. These joints are usually composed of separate curved materials that are linked to straight pipes on both sides. Extreme temperatures and high water pressure may be detrimental to pipe joints. Initial signs of pipe joint issues include abnormal noises (like banging and clanging), especially when running hot water.
Final note
To prevent leaking pipes, ensure you call a reputable plumber to inspect your plumbing system on a yearly basis.
Request an appointment here: https://www.bevillstexas.com or call Bevills Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (325) 225-4115 for an appointment in our Abilene office.