What can cause Leaky Plumbing Pipes?
by Nevie Sessoms, Owner One Stop Plumbing
Leaky plumbing pipes are a fact of life. Why does it happen? And what can you do about it?
After all, a leaky pipe can waste valuable water and money. Many things can cause your pipes to leak, from stubborn clogs to tree roots. While leaky pipes are far from unusual, there are steps you can take to prevent them.
Here are some common causes of leaky plumbing pipes, and some tips to help you avoid them:
Stubborn Clogs:
You might think a clog is the opposite of a leak, but that’s not always true! Sometimes, an untreated or stubborn clog might contain dangerous chemicals or materials. These can corrode your pipes, resulting in leaks. In addition, a clog can cause pressure in the pipe, causing a crack as described below. To prevent this, be mindful of what you put down your drains. Wipes, hygiene products, and other objects can all clog a toilet. Sinks and showers, meanwhile, may clog due to hair, grease, or soap residue.
Pipe Corrosion can cause Leaky Plumbing Pipes:
Even if you take great care of your pipes, they will age and corrode with time. This aging and corrosion can often cause leaks. If you notice rust, discoloration, or any pipes bent out of shape, those could all be signs of corrosion. You can avoid premature corrosion by watching what you put down your drains. However, once they are corroded, it’s important to replace your pipes as soon as possible. If you haven’t replaced your pipes in a few decades, you might want to do that. The older a pipe is, the less likely it will be to withstand corrosion and leaks.
Cracked Seals or Cracked Pipes:
If the seal around the pipe or the pipe itself is cracked, that could also cause leaky plumbing pipes. Extreme weather, as well as time, can cause damage like this. If you live in a cold climate, you can prevent cracked pipes by insulating them. It also helps to allow water to trickle from your faucets, so they can’t freeze. This way, the pipes won’t expand, leak, and burst due to frozen water. Regardless of whether your pipes themselves are well-maintained, seals can crack with time or damage. Have you noticed a damaged seal at the base of your toilet or around your sink pipes? If so, you need to call a plumber and replace the seal to avoid further leakage.
Drastic Temperature Changes:
Do you live in a place with dramatic weather fluctuations? If so, be wary of what that could do to your pipes. When the temperature shifts from hot to cold and back again, your pipes might expand and contract. In the process, your pipes could crack, leak, or even burst. Take steps to insulate your pipes from extreme weather and drastic temperature changes. You should also seal any cracks and ensure consistent air circulation in your home.
Too much Water Pressure:
You might love a shower with decent water pressure. However, make sure your water pressure isn’t too high. Pipes can withstand some pressure, but higher pressure can damage them over time. The damage from excessive water pressure can cause pipes to leak and even burst. If your water pressure is rather high, you should adjust your pressure regulator.
Pipe Joint Damage:
As mentioned above, extreme weather can cause pipes to crack and leak. This is often true of pipe joints. These are the curved pieces that connect different pipes. Excessive water pressure can also cause pipe joint damage and deterioration. So how can you avoid this? Exercise the same caution that you would for pipes facing extreme weather or water pressure. But if your pipe joints still end up damaged, you have options. You can use repair sleeves, repair tape, or rubber pipe connectors as a quick fix before calling a plumber.
Incorrect Pipe Laying:
This is a cause of leaky plumbing pipes that you won’t be able to prevent yourself. That is unless you are the plumber or contractor in charge of laying pipes. To avoid leaks and other damage, pipes and connectors must be laid out in the correct manner. If pipes aren’t laid correctly, you may detect leaks around your pipes and joints from the get-go. In the event of incorrect pipe laying, reach out to an experienced plumber right away to fix the problem.
Leaky Plumbing Pipes from Tree roots:
Even with the most attentive care, pipes and sewer lines can still clog, corrode, and leak. One example of this is when tree roots grow into your pipes. If you’ve noticed a clog that won’t clear up, it could be the roots of a nearby tree. In some cases, you might need to replace the pipes because the roots have caused a crack or a hole. Now, it’s time to call a plumber.
Earthquakes and Hurricanes:
Believe it or not, these natural disasters can cause your house to move. As with tree roots, you may not be able to prevent leaky plumbing pipes caused by natural disasters. The force of an earthquake or hurricane can damage both sewer lines and indoor plumbing. You should generally maintain your pipes as well as you can. But if a natural disaster strikes, keep an eye out for pools of water, damp spots, or mildew. These often signify leaky pipes in the aftermath of a disaster.
Regular maintenance and upkeep can help you avoid many leaky pipes.
But when a plumbing problem does happen — and it will! — make sure to call a licensed plumber. Here at One Stop Plumbing, we want to help our neighbors and community when a problem arises. So, if you notice a leaky plumbing pipe or any other plumbing problems around your home, give One Stop Plumbing a call today! We can use pressure testing and leak detection equipment to locate and identify leaks and bad pipe joints.
One Stop Plumbing a locally owned and operated plumbing company, providing repair, maintenance, and replacement services. For over 15 years, One Stop Plumbing has provided drain cleaning services and repair and replacement of faucets, toilets, and sinks. We inspect, repair, and replace sewer lines.
We are your repair specialists!
We’ll solve your plumbing crisis so you can focus on the things that matter to you. Are you looking for a plumber in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region? Give us a call!
If you see or hear a Drip. Drip. Drop. Call One Stop! (757) 321-8874!
Nevie Sessons is the owner of One Stop Plumbing. As a locally owned and operated company, Nevie built the company from the ground up starting in 2005. He is a Master Plumber licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional Occupation and Regulation (DPOR) , and he is a Master Gas Fitter.
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