Most Common Causes of Water Leaks

Leaks are a common occurrence in homes and businesses and can be as in-your-face as a toilet leak or as silent as a slab leak. No matter the type or location of a leak, it can pay to know the common causes. Continue to learn about some of the common causes of water leaks and how you can reduce the risk and control damage. If you have not scheduled your annual leak detection, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh to connect with a courteous representative.

What Causes Leaks?

A leak is a symptom of damage. Asking what causes leaks is similar to asking what are things that can damage pipes. A leak is also a symptom of poor installation, loose connections, and more. You get the idea. Lets just get to the root sources of leaks already:

Extreme Temperatures: Radical fluctuations in temperature can cause pipes to expand and contract as they heat up and cool down. Eventually pipes loosen from the connections or straight-up crack apart.
Tree Roots: A trees root system is meant to seek water. If a tree is dehydrated, then you can expect its roots to set out on a mission. They will not shy from penetrating through pipes and drains for the water.
Rodents: What dont rodents feast on? They can certainly eat through plastic pipes.
Nature: Pipe materials are built to last a long time, but not forever. Eventually, time takes its toll. Pipes corrode and rust, breaking down and becoming more susceptible to leaks.
Loose Connections: Pipe joints and other points of connection can loosen and deteriorate over time. Tighten or change these regularly.
Damaged Hoses: Dont just investigate pipes for the leaks. Check hoses as well as these components can get cut or cracked.
Clogs: Blockages will restrict flow and increase internal pressure. This makes for a recipe for disaster as areas around the blockage become weaker and weaker.

What You Can Do

You do not always necessarily need a qualified plumber to deal with leaks. There is a lot you can do to prevent leaks, spot leaks, and temporarily repair them. For beginners, make sure your pipes and drains are insulated and protected. Other things you can do include:

Planting trees a safe distance from pipes and keeping heavy traffic off of your plumbing system in the yard.
Avoiding clogs by keeping foreign objects out of the drains. Only flush toilet paper, pee, and poo. Keep food scraps and used fats, oils, and greases out of kitchen sink.
Make sure the water pressure is between 45 and 80 PSI.
Make sure hoses and points of connection are firmly sealed.

Schedule Your Leak Detection Today

Its always good to be aware. Knowing your property is leak-free offers a peace of mind. Even finding the leak is relieving because now you can have it fixed before it spirals into something worse. Schedule your annual leak detection today to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to leaks.

Previous Next