Common Causes Of Costly Water Leaks
Most homeowners take for granted that when they turn on a faucet, there is an unlimited supply of water at their fingertips. And because getting fresh, clean water is so simple, and most people don’t think about their plumbing pipes or the possibility of those pipes developing a costly water leak. But whenever you are using plumbing pipes and fixtures, there is a possibility of water leaks and expensive water damage. However, knowing some of the most common causes of water leaks will help you avoid the costly issues in your home.
Poor Construction Or Installation
When you move into a new home, you never expect to have issues with leaking pipes or fixtures. But leaks can happen in a new home or a newly renovated home when the plumbing pipes are not correctly installed. The issue could be as simple as not compacting the soil correctly, which will lead to pipes shifting and cracking. Or the interior piping or fixtures were not installed using the proper process. These issues can easily be avoided by using only a professional plumber for all installations, renovations, and repairs.
Frozen Pipes
Living in a region with cold weather means that you need to protect all of your plumbing pipes from the freezing temperatures. All pipes need to be correctly insulated or buried safely below the frost line in your area. A licensed plumber will know the local building code regulations. And the industry best practice methods for installing your plumbing pipes in a manner that will avoid freeze damage and costly burst pipes and water damage.
Leaky Fixtures And Appliance Hoses
Even a small leak will cause expensive water damage if left unrepaired. Some of the common and easy to ignore leaks include a drip from a shower or faucet, a cracked or worn out dishwasher or clothes washer hose, or even the water line to your refrigerator. Over time, everything begins to show its age. O-rings in faucets and valves begin to break down and cause leaks. And hoses and water supply lines become old and brittle. Just moving an appliance for cleaning purposes, can crack a hose and result in massive water damage. Check your appliances and fixtures regularly for leaks and call a licensed plumber as soon as you discover any small leaks.
Pipe Corrosion
Hard water, scale, and minerals take their toll on your plumbing pipes over time. These particles build up inside the pipes and cause corrosion and rust that eventually eat through the wall of the pipe. When these small leaks appear, you need to call a plumber immediately. If left to continue leaking, the water will begin to increase the size of the hole in the pipe and result in significant water damage to your home. Looking for signs of corrosion and rust on the exterior of your pipes and fittings is the best way to avoid a costly surprise water leak.
Excessive Water Pressure
Most homeowners think that the only pressure related problem they could ever have would be low water pressure. But the truth is that high water pressure can be just as bad or maybe even worse. Excessive water pressure will place added strain on pipe fittings, joints, and plumbing fixtures. And in the worst cases, it will actually erode the inside of the pipe wall. If you have discovered that it has extremely high water pressure, the best solution is to contact your plumber. The most common answer to high water pressure is the installation of a pressure regulator. It will decrease the water pressure to a safe level and avoid damage to your plumbing and costly leaks.
It can be frustrating to think about calling a plumber for a small issue. But remember that a minor problem will also have a little price tag. Don’t wait until you are facing a significant plumbing repair and costly water damage repairs. Call (214) 388-8838 and schedule an appointment with a Flow Plumbing licensed plumber at the first indication of an issue.