Have Regular Leaky Pipes? Here's the Cause and What to Do
One of the most notorious plumbing issues you can face today, particularly if you live in an older house, is leaking pipes. Water leakage causes severe damage to your residence, ruining your belongings and the structural components like the ceiling, walls, foundation, and floors. Over time, the moisture promotes mold and mildew growth and increases the water bill due to water wastage.
Some leakage issues may be visible, but you may not see the pipes or know if you have a developing leak in other cases. Knowing the primary causes of this plumbing issue can help you call your plumber in time and avert costly problems. Read on to find some of these causes below.
Deteriorating Pipes
Generally, water pipes are designed to last for many years, but this doesn't mean they'll last a lifetime. Over time, the lines can become weak and start breaking down, leading to a leak. Other than consistent use, pipes can also deteriorate when your home's foundation shifts.
Contact your plumber if you aren't sure how old your structure is and have regular water leaks. They'll inspect the entire plumbing system and fix any leakage issues. If the pipes are beyond repair, you might need to invest in new lines. Opt for plastic or copper pipes as they are resistant to corrosion.
Degrading Seals
Even if your water pipes are metallic, the plumber will need to use other components like rubber sealants to secure the connections. This is particularly essential for appliances like washers as they ensure everything is watertight.
Unfortunately, the rubber seals can degrade, causing water leakage. If you have leaks around your appliances, the degrading seals could be responsible. Calling a plumber to replace the sealing will fix the plumbing issue.
Unfitting Pipe Installation
If you replace your old pipes or install a plumbing system in your new house, it's vital to assign the work to a professional plumber. This will help you avoid water leaks because of incorrect pipe laying. After all, most piping systems work on gravity, so all components need to be laid properly to promote water flow. If this isn't the case, get a competent plumber to lay the pipes correctly.
The plumber will look out for disjointed pipes if you hear some ticking or banging sounds every time you turn the heater on. This is a sign that the line joints are deteriorating or disjointed and need replacement or repair to prevent leakage.
Changing Climatic Conditions
Whenever it's extremely hot or cold, your plumbing components will expand or contract. However, when the weather conditions change drastically, the occurrence can affect the pipes. The changes will cause the pipes to contract or expand rapidly, leading to leaks or bursts that start as small cracks. Your plumber can help you fix these cracks.
Increasing Water Pressure
If you're like most homeowners, you like strong water pressure while taking a shower. While this may feel nice, you need to remember that excessive water pressure damages pipes.
As the water moves through the pipes forcefully, the risk of damage increases. In some cases, the water pressure causes piping bursts. It's better to immediately call a plumbing expert to fix your excessive water pressure problem to avoid damaging the pipes.
Disquieting Underground Movements
Natural occurrences like flooding, tremors, and root growth can quickly shift the water-piping placement. The pipes may curve, twist, detach or crack when the surface moves, leading to underground leakages. Whenever you notice issues like slow water supply, unexpected underground movements may be the cause. Don't hesitate to get a plumbing professional to inspect the concealed pipelines and fix the problem.
While dealing with a leaking pipe may not be exciting, it's crucial to seek expert help immediately when you notice signs of damage. This way, you'll avoid increased utility bills, mold growth, and other water damage problems. At Oak Creek Plumbing and Remodeling, we can be your only call for all your piping infrastructure issues, so contact us now!
