Common Causes of Leaky Pipes

A leaky pipe can wreak havoc in your home. Understanding the most common causes of leaky pipes can help you be better prepared when a water leak happens. 

Corrosion

Different piping materials will wear out at different rates. Depending on the material used, piping can last from 20 years to indefinitely. 

Time and your home’s water and PH levels and rust can eat away at pipes, eventually wearing away to allow leaks to get through. The piping system will likely need to be replaced if this is the cause of the leak.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to consider replacing piping when you renovate your bathroom or kitchen. If your plumbing system is 30 years or older, you may want to consider upgrading to newer materials.

Clogged Pipes or Drains

When the pressure starts to build up behind a blockage, it can lead to overflowing or even a burst pipe. If a clog has harsh household chemicals, these corrosive substances can speed up the damage to your pipes. Clogged drains can become a bigger problem if left untreated or can be an indication that there is a bigger problem in your plumbing system. 

Keep pipes clear by using hair traps to keep debris out of the drain. Also, keep outside gutters clean of debris. 

Broken Seals and Loose Water Connectors

Rubber sealants are placed around appliances like dishwashers or connections to keep everything watertight. As appliances age, sealants can degrade and break down causing a leak. If you notice condensation or puddles around your appliances, you may have a broken seal. 

Puddles of water around appliances may also indicate a loose water connector. These are the pipes and hoses that supply water to the appliance. They may shake loose through normal use of the appliance. 

Damaged Pipe Joints

Joints are the curved pieces of piping that attach to straight piping allowing for water to be redirected when and where required. These are vulnerable areas of piping and will wear away over time. If you hear ticking or banging in the pipes when you’re running (hot) water, you may have an issue with the pipe joints. 

High Water Pressure

If you have a high force of water pressure in your pipes, they may be at risk of bursting. Leaky fixtures can be a sign of high water pressure. A certified plumber can address this by adjusting the water pressure. 

Incorrect Pipe Laying

Plumbing systems require a layout that works with gravity; where connectors and backflow devices are laid out to function optimally. If original plumbing was not handled by a reputable plumber it may cause problems. If you suspect this might be the case, contact us and we can come out to assess the plumbing layout. 

Movements Underground & Extreme Temperature Changes

Flooding, small earthquakes, and tree root growth can all cause movement in your pipes. If you have trees growing close to the home or notice sinkholes in your yard, this may be a concern. 

Extreme temperature changes can also affect your pipes. Drastic temperature changes can cause your pipes to expand and contract quickly leading to cracks, leaks, or bursts.

If you’re noticing any problems with your water supply, such as a dip in water pressure, our team can come out to have a look at what the problem might be. 

A leaky pipe can be a small drip or water gushing out. In either case, you’ll want to get it looked at by a professional plumber before it causes water damage. If it is the latter, we have emergency plumbing services available 24/7 so give us a call.

Having a licensed plumber evaluate your system once a year or so is also not a bad idea. Contact us to book an appointment. 

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