What Causes Pipes to Leak?

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Leaky pipes is a common cause of flooding in homes, which can ultimately lead to water damage. By understanding what causes pipes to leak and learning how to identify warning signs, you can prevent water damage due to leaky pipes in your home.

Corrosion can eat away at pipes, rusting and consuming them until they begin to leak. Be sure to keep your eyes out for any discoloration of the water or warping of pipes, as these can be signs signifying corrosion, alongside any common visible signs of corrosion, such as rusting, on the pipe itself. Ways to avoid pipe corrosion include inspecting pipes before buying a home to make certain that they are in decent shape, having the pH of your water professionally tested, and stifling any leakage with sufficient clamps until professionals can repair the damage.

When pipes are installed, seals are secured in order to attach water connectors. These seals can break with age and/or wear, which can result in flooding. You can tell that seals are breaking or have broken if there is condensation present on the pipes or if there are any puddles of water gathering on the ground beneath the seal. In order to prevent the seals from cracking and breaking, watch for the aforementioned physical signs of broken seals and refrain from neglecting to run water for extended periods of time. Doing so can dry out the pipes and cause seals to crack. If you leave to town for several days, it might be wise to ask a neighbor to stop by and run the water to make sure that everything is working properly.

Rapid and drastic changes in temperature can force pipes to expand and contract, which can cause the pipes to crack under pressure and therefore, leak. A heightened water bill, a musty smell around the drain, and changes in water pressure or its flow can indicate broken pipes. To prevent pipes from freezing in cold temperatures, allow warmth to circulate by opening cabinet doors, running water through the pipes, and keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature.