When it comes to leaks, you need to be aware of the possible ramifications. Sewage buildup in your home may encourage mold development and foul smells if left neglected. However, preventing such harm isn’t always easy (especially for homeowners with little to no plumbing experience).
Because your pipe is hidden beneath your house, inside walls, or beneath cabinetry, it’s more challenging to spot a problem. An unnoticed leak might cause extensive property damage due to the excess water.
Plumbing leaks come in many shapes and sizes. Some can cause flooding in your house, while others aren’t as bad.
The type of leak determines the method you use to halt a leak. Your home’s pipes may be leaking if you don’t know the most typical causes.
Common Causes of Leaky Pipes
You may not detect a leak in your home’s pipes since so much of it is buried. You can contact a professional early and avoid possible tragedy if you understand and recognize the most typical leak reasons.
1. Broken Seals
Not all plumbing systems are made of metal pipes. A contractor applies rubber sealant around any connections or locations like your dishwasher door to keep everything waterproof when appliances are installed.
As your appliances age, their sealing may deteriorate and possibly fail. If you’ve seen condensation on or around your appliances, you may have a cracked seal. In case of water damages, contact a restoration company like PuroClean.
2. Clogged Lines
While a blockage may not appear to be an immediate danger, some might result in overflowing or broken pipes. This results in pressure building up behind the obstruction, resulting in structural damage. Additionally, if the blockage contains corrosive compounds such as home chemicals, it might accelerate the deterioration of your pipes.
Installing hair traps and controlling what you allow to trickle down the rain will help avoid blockages from building in your pipes. Clogs can also occur due to obstructions in air handler drain pans and gutters. To prevent this, keep your gutters and HVAC system clear from debris.
3. Corrosion
Rust may eat away at the pipes in your house over time, ultimately creating a hole for water to escape. A renovation may be in order if your home is older and begins to leak.
While brass pipes may survive up to 70 years, galvanized steel pipes deteriorate after around 20 years. Corrosion can also occur in your pipes if your water’s pH and mineral content are out of equilibrium. For disaster restoration information, visit a restoration company’s website.
4. Loose Water Connectors
Hoses and pipelines that provide water to your appliances might become dislodged from time to time. This is frequently caused by shifting or movement and may result in a leak.
For instance, your washing machine’s hose may spring a leak due to the shaking caused by the spin cycle. If water begins to flow directly from the supply line or puddles form around the appliances, you most likely have a loose or faulty water connection. Click here to learn more about restoration companies.
5. High Water Pressure
While high water pressure feels fantastic in the shower, the more forcefully the water strikes the interior of your pipes, the greater the chance of leakage. In severe circumstances, improper pressure might result in pipe bursts. The majority of pipelines and faucets can only withstand a water pressure of 60 psi. If you’re concerned about your pressure or have seen leaks, have a certified plumber check and adjust the tension.
