Plumbing pipe leaks are the most common residential plumbing problem homeowners face. Leaks don’t just waste water, but they can also do significant damage to your ceilings, walls, floors, furniture, and other belongings. Even worse, when leaks go undetected, they can result in mold growth. While there are several steps you can take to avoid these problems, dealing with these issues at some point is inevitable.
While the cost of some repairs can be relatively high, most repairs are affordable. The best way to avoid costly repairs is to know the common causes of plumbing leaks so you can quickly identify an issue and contact a plumber immediately for help. Let’s discuss the common causes of plumbing leaks.
6 Common Causes of Plumbing Leaks
Here are some common causes of plumbing leaks:
1. Seal Damage
When your plumbing is installed, your plumber places waterproof seals on your pipes where they connect to a fixture, such as your sink. Naturally, these seals can wear out or break over time. If you notice puddles of water around your sinks and other plumbing appliances, it might indicate a problem with one of your seals. When this happens, water can seep from your pipes and leak into the surrounding areas. Call a local plumber immediately for repairs.
2. Corrosion
Rust and other types of corrosion can eat away at your plumbing pipes as your system ages. Moreover, if you have hard water or high water pressure, decay can occur more quickly. Corroded pipes cannot withstand the pressure or force of water flowing through them. That pressure and force may eventually cause a leak in heavily corroded areas. Older pipe materials aren’t as resistant to corrosion as modern pipe materials are, so you might want to replace older pipes to prevent corrosion.
3. Clogs
When water backs up from clogs, it can put undue strain on the insides of your pipes. All of that pressure eventually wears down your pipes and can cause a leak. When the strain on the weaker pipe walls or seals becomes too high, your pipes can even break. Clogged drains are one of the most common causes of plumbing clogs. If you don’t fix the problem, the clog may worsen, causing significant damage to your plumbing. Contact your local drain cleaning service immediately if you have a clog.
4. High Water Pressure
Although high water pressure might not seem like a significant problem, it can put a strain on your pipes and cause leaks over time. Most pipes and faucets can only tolerate water pressure up to a certain point, and leaks can occur if there is any additional pressure. Have an expert test your water pressure if you’re concerned about an issue.
5. Extreme Temperature Changes
Rapid temperature swings from cold to hot, or vice versa, might indicate that your pipes are expanding or contracting more quickly and forcefully than they should be. Pipes can easily break and leak when the water inside them freezes and expands. It’s critical to fix this problem as soon as you detect a sudden shift in temperatures.
6. Loose Connectors
Water supply hoses and pipe connectors can become loose over time, resulting in a leak. Natural shifting frequently results in loose water connections. Look for signs of pooling water around your appliances to determine if you have a water connection leak.
Contact Plumbing Specialists for a Reliable and Affordable Riverside Plumber
If you need an affordable and reliable Riverside plumber, we’re here to help! Contact Plumbing Specialists for all your local plumbing needs.
