We are all aware that leaks in the home occur, and they do so very often. What we do not really seem to understand is why they occur. Why should your pipe suddenly start leaking if you have not damaged it? Are your pipes clogged? Is the leak an indication that something has gone terribly wrong?
Fortunately, “probably not” is the answer to both questions. Most common household leaks are simply the product of time and wear and tear. Knowing where these leaks come from and what to do before they happen again is key to finding, repairing, and stopping them. All of this is something we will assist you with. Here is what you should be aware of:
What are the most common causes of water leaks throughout the house?
Almost all pipes leak at some point, but a variety of factors may speed up or slow down the process, as well as cause the leak to occur in the first place.
The following are the most common causes of plumbing leaks:
Broken seals: At the point where water flows through most of your appliances, seals are built. These seals, like any other part of a fixture, will crack or wear out over time. When this happens, some of the water that should be flowing into the appliance leaks out instead.
Clogs: Clogs cause water to back up, putting excessive pressure on the insides of pipes. Friction wears down seals and the sides of pipe walls over time. When the pressure builds up to a point that the damaged pipe walls or seals can no longer withstand it, they may crack and cause a leak.
Corrosion: Over time, the inside of pipe walls can corrode or rust. If you have rough water or particularly high-water pressure, this happens more quickly. Corroded pipes can no longer withstand the weight or force of water flowing through them. The pressure and force could eventually cause a leak in an especially corroded section.
How can you prevent leaks from happening?
Taking good care of your pipes is the most effective way to avoid plumbing leaks. Fortunately, properly treating plumbing pipes is relatively easy. Only make certain that you:
Stay away from chemical drain cleaners:
Chemical drain cleaners may appear to be a fast and easy way to clear clogs, but they are not. Chemical drain cleaners have no way of distinguishing between a clog and the pipes that surround it. Drain cleaners can eat away at the inside of your pipes if you use them too much. They can eventually chew through your pipes completely, causing a leak.
Do not use your drains as a garbage can:
Most pipe leaks occur for one of the following reasons: The first is ill-fitting clothing. Clogs that put too much pressure on your pip walls are the second issue. You are much more likely to cause clogs that need drain cleaning if you use your drains as a garbage can by flushing items you should not. The greater your chances of causing a clog, the greater your chances of causing a leak.
What can you do when you find a plumbing leak?
If your leak is caused by a loose fitting, you might be able to repair it on your own. To avoid a leak in its tracks, simply grip the loose fitting with a plumber’s wrench and tighten it. Hairline cracks, fractures, and burst line leaks, on the other hand, are more difficult to repair. If your pipe is actually broken open, we suggest taping it up and hiring a professional to support you.
Any existing leaks in your home’s plumbing system can be found and repaired by professional plumbers. We will also use this time to search for any signs of potential danger and help ensure that they do not turn into new leaks after we have left. A simple plumbing repair and inspection now will save you a lot of time, aggravation, and money in the long run.
Leaks in the plumbing system occur. They are fairly common. If you have one in your house, the only thing you can do is deal with it right away. The longer you leave a connection open, the more likely it is to cause more damage. You will be able to quickly locate and repair your plumbing leaks if you obey these guidelines.
Note, if you ever need assistance with plumbing leaks or any other plumbing problems, give the Plumbing & Electrical team a call.
We will get it back to normal in no time.
