Top Reasons Why You Might Have A Leaking Pipe

A leaking pipe can be one of the most frustrating issues a homeowner can face. However, discovering the extensive water damage it has caused can be even worse. Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your home and create a breeding ground for mold. Ignoring a leaky pipe can ultimately cost you much more than addressing it promptly.
Top Causes Of A Leaking Pipe
1) Water Pressure
Extreme water pressure can strain your pipes, leading to breakages and leaks. Signs of high water pressure include limited hot water supply and loud vibrating noises from your walls. A plumber can accurately test and adjust your water pressure as needed.
2) Corrosion
Corrosion is inevitable in plumbing pipes that haven’t been regularly maintained. It can result from various factors such as temperature, pipe material, and water alkalinity or mineral levels. Over time, these factors can cause pipes to corrode and crack. External factors like acidic soil or tree roots can also affect your pipes’ lifespan.
3) Clogged Pipes
Substances like grease, food scraps, hair, and soap scum can build up inside pipes, leading to blockages. For example, too much toilet paper or non-flushable items can clog toilets, while mineral deposits from hard water can restrict flow. Avoid using commercial drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes.
4) Tree Roots
As lovely as it is to have large trees providing shade near your home they can cause significant plumbing issues if their roots expand too close to your pipes. Tree roots may burrow into pipes searching for water, leading to leaks. Unusual water patches or sinkholes in your yard are signs of underground leaks. Navigating tree root invasion is something the plumbing team at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric has experience in.
5) Damaged Adapters or Fittings
Your plumbing system relies on joints, fittings, and adapters to connect pipes. These components are vulnerable to damage from corrosion or general wear and tear, creating weak points where leaks can occur.
6) Deteriorating Seals
The rubber seals used to connect pipes help create a watertight seal, ensuring that water won’t escape from that specific fixture. However, constant exposure to varying water temperatures along with age will contribute to the deterioration of the plumbing and fixture seals. The deterioration will make the sealant used crumble or split creating a leak point at the fixture joint.
7) Damaged Connectors
Water connectors link large appliances, like dishwashers or laundry machines, to your plumbing pipes. These connectors can loosen or break due to the appliance’s movement during use.
8) Issues With Your Drainage
If your household drainage system is not functioning correctly, you could find puddles of water under your kitchen sink. This could be from loosening over time or incorrect installation.
9) Foundational Shifts
Daily life rarely impacts your plumbing, but severe weather, especially during hurricane season, can shift your home’s foundation. This can misalign, crack, or disconnect pipes, resulting in leaks. Monitoring and addressing any signs of damage after severe weather is crucial.
How Do I Fix My Leaking Pipes?
The best way to fix any plumbing problems, especially leaks, is to call a licensed and reputable plumber. DIY plumbing attempts can often cause more harm than good. A licensed plumber ensures everything is up to code and uses the right tools to identify and address problem areas.
At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, we offer a satisfaction guarantee so if for any reason you are not completely satisfied with our installation, service, or repairs, we will return to your home to correct the issue per the terms of the Service Agreement.
For more information or to schedule a service, contact us today at 1-800-475-1504!
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