If your water bill seems higher than usual or you notice constant dampness in certain areas of your home, there might be a water leak that needs fixing.

From those tell-tale signs of a persistent leak (bucket under the washing machine) to the complete surprise of a pipe bursting in your kitchen, you never know how a water leak might strike. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the potential causes of water leaks in your home.

Water leaks are a major concern for many homeowners. They can be hard to spot early on, and it’s not uncommon for a water leak to cause extensive damage to your home before it’s detected. Turns out that there are many different causes of water leaks in a household.

 

Clogs

If a clog is left alone long enough, pressure may increase within the pipe and cause it to crack or burst. 

Taking care of a simple clog is much easier, and less expensive than what results if you don’t take care of the problem soon. Common sources of clogged pipes include: 

• Hair
• Mineral build-up
• Dirt
• Oil, grease, and fat
• Wipes and diapers
• Cat litter
• Offset pipes
• Flushed objects
• Food waste
• Too much toilet paper
• Soap
• Cotton swabs and feminine products

If you suspect your home may be suffering from leaks, or if you have already found several small leaks within your home, call a plumber immediately.

Weak Pipe Joints

The weakest link in your plumbing is where it connects to a fixture or appliance. Pipes depend on these joints for support, and they are common spots for leaks. In time, deterioration can lead to leaks, and you’ll want to have them repaired immediately.

While not all leaks are due to poor maintenance of weak pipe joints, there are many ways to increase the risk of developing such problems. 

Many times, pipe joints begin to degrade over time leading to the possibility of pipe leakage. Potentially causing a loss of hot water or having an adverse effect on the quality of your tap water – these are just a few issues that can result in pipes that begin to leak. This issue can be minimized by ensuring you have regular inspections of your pipes and making sure they are in good condition.

Extreme Temperature Fluctuations

Rapid temperature shifts, especially from cold to hot can cause serious damage to your pipes. 

Expansion and contraction of your pipes can cause them to crack. Rapid temperature changes precipitate the most sudden and potentially devastating consequences. 

Don’t delay if you notice these types of drastic temperature changes in your home. 

High Water Pressure

How much pressure is too much? That depends on where you live and how much you use your plumbing system.

Running too much water through your pipes or having high water pressure can put a lot of strain on them. And your pipes are designed to withstand only 80 psi.

High water pressure is bad for your plumbing. It can lead to inefficiently used water, unnecessary wear and tear on the pipes, and an increased monthly bill.

Corroded Pipes

Pipes begin to wear down over time, no matter how you treat them. When corrosion sets in and begins to eat away at the metal, pinholes can actually start forming in your pipes. These small holes can lead to big problems down the road.

Water pipe corrosion occurs when you do not maintain a neutral balance of water pH in your household. This problem can be fixed by installing water treatment tools to increase the pH levels and minimize the corrosion caused by the acidic or basic water levels. A great tool to use is pH test strips that you can purchase from any hardware store.

 

End Words

There are many possible causes for water leaks in your home. 

Some are very minor and easy to fix on your own, while others require the services of a professional plumber. The easiest way to find out what’s causing a water leak is to eliminate all possibilities until you’re left with the right one.

Don’t ignore water leaks or you might turn a small repair into a major financial disaster. If you do think that your water leak is caused by any of these reasons, don’t delay. Call Plumbing 911 as soon as you suspect a plumbing problem. We can help you solve the issue before it turns expensive.