Water leaks leave more than unsightly spots on your ceiling: they can quickly lead to expensive issues inside your home. These costly repairs can often leave your house in disarray while plumbers work extensively to correct the source of your leaking pipes.
If your water pipes keep leaking, then you need to contact professionals for a complete inspection of your home. They can determine the best way to prevent future leaks from occurring, updating your plumbing in the process.
Here are some common reasons for leaking water pipes you need to know about.
This goes hand in hand with wear and tear. As pipes age, they corrode. They can also become weak, leading to cracks.
You may notice this in older homes, especially homes that are over 40 years old. Galvanized and iron pipes commonly rust and deteriorate with age. Consider the age of your home and its plumbing, as you may need an upgrade.
This plays another role when determining the causes of pipe leaks, as high water pressure strains a home’s plumbing system. Over time, connectors and joints tend to wear out and require replacement. You can ask your plumber to check your water pressure and if it’s too high, consider adjusting it.
The weather affects plumbing, causing pipes to expand and contract. During the winter, when pipes are prone to freezing, it’s common for them to crack. This means that you may be fixing a water leak when ice in your pipes thaws.
Certain areas of your home are more prone to pipes freezing. This includes:
During cold winter months, consider letting a trickle of water run through your pipes as this is ideal for preventing pipe leaks.
Are there tree roots invading your underground pipes? As they seek water, they can cause your plumbing to crack or even rupture. It’s also common for soil changes to place pressure on pipes.
Leaky pipe solutions include checking for rust and corrosion. Metal pipes are prone to rust, especially if they’re made from copper or iron.
This metal is susceptible to water damage, which causes leaks to occur. Always have plumbers check for hard water.
Weak joints, faulty seals, and damaged gaskets can all lead to issues with your plumbing. Check that these parts of your plumbing system are all up to code and that your pipe installation was done correctly.
Look for weak or brittle gaskets that are dried out and frayed, and replace them before they cause a leak.
Although you can’t prevent plumbing leaks altogether, you can take steps to prevent issues from occurring. Follow these tips and tricks:
These inspections should be conducted annually — or more often if you suspect you’re having issues with your plumbing and want a professional to monitor your home. Always look for:
If a plumber spots any potential issues, have them make repairs and upgrades as needed.
This might sound extreme, but if your plumbing is outdated and leaking, it may be time to install a new system. Consider copper piping or some other inert material. You’ll have fewer incidents of leaks and may also benefit from upgraded water quality.
As previously mentioned, when your pipes freeze, they’re more prone to breaking and leaking. Instead of having plumbing leak repair, take precautionary measures. Frozen pipes can also burst, so don’t skip this step.
This is a double-duty plumbing leak repair tip, as cleaning your gutters and downspouts can prevent roof leaks, but it can also prevent unnecessary strain on underground pipes. When water collects around your home’s foundation, it puts pressure on these pipes, which can lead to them cracking and leaking.
Before you plant trees, be mindful of where pipes are located. You don’t want a tree’s roots to interfere with your water lines.
If your water pipes keep leaking, it’s time to hire professional plumbers, as this prevents extensive damage from occurring to your home. Additionally, plumbers can look for signs of leaks or potential issues, correcting them before a small leak turns into a homeowner’s claim.
Contact Out The Door Plumbing for all your routine plumbing inspections, as we offer the most comprehensive services around — residential and commercial plumbing alike! We’re available for leak detection along with all your other plumbing needs.
When you need a professional and trustworthy plumber, give us a call.
Schedule a CallWe show up when we say we will. We have the necessary expertise, experience, and equipment to provide reliable Raleigh residential plumbing services.
For immediate assistance, call Out the Door Plumbing now at 919-777-4383