Leaking pipes are one of the most annoying and long-lasting issues that every homeowner may face. What may start as a minor leak is likely to lead to a lot of damage and high water bills and may even pose health risks. While some are one-off occurrences, others may appear once and then return even after the leak has been fixed several times.
At Rooter Man Plumbing, we do not simply fix the problem; we find where it starts, and this is usually the root cause of the leaks. In this article, the causes of recurrent pipe leakages and the measures that can be taken to avoid such incidents shall be discussed.
Corrosion and Degradation
The most common cause of continuous pipe leaks is the gradual wearing away of the pipe material. This problem is especially common in metal pipes, including copper and galvanized steel. Some of these materials are notorious for rusting and corroding easily, especially in areas where the water supply is acidic or hard.
When pipes are made of metal, they gradually rust and create little holes in the pipe wall. Although these leaks can be temporarily repaired, the corrosion progresses and causes the same problem again and again. When the corrosion is severe, the only solution may be repiping to avoid future leaks and ensure the future reliability of the plumbing system.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure is another frequent reason for frequent leakage. High water pressure in your home can be a huge problem because it weakens the pipes, causing them to break or develop a leak. Leakages that occur consistently at the joints, fittings, and valves are mostly a result of high pressure.
It can be caused by a failed pressure regulator, water hammers, or variations in the municipal water pressure. To this end, a professional plumber should be called in to fit a pressure reducer, which will ensure that the pressure is within safe limits to avoid further damage to the pipe systems.
Poor Installation or Workmanship
Defects that cause leakage can also be attributed to improper installation and/or low-quality workmanship. Sometimes, pipes may not have been well installed when the building was being constructed, or they may have developed some problems and were not fixed well.
This implies that doing the repairs by yourself or hiring unlicensed contractors will result in quick fixes to the problem. When you hire professional plumbers to install pipes or fix leaks, the work is done right, decreasing the chances of future pipe leakage and the need for costly pipe replacement.
Tree Root Intrusion
They are perhaps one of the leading causes of continued leaks in outdoor plumbing systems. With time, roots may expand and search for water and nutrients through any small opening available, including joints and cracks of underground pipes. Inside the structure, they can congest and worsen the already existing damages, which results in more frequent leakage.
People should look for indications of root invasion, such as slow-draining systems, bad smells, or damp areas on the lawn. This kind of problem is best detected and solved through regular leak detection and maintenance to avoid further damage.
Temperature Fluctuations
Fluctuations in temperature can cause pipes to expand and contract, leading to fractures or joint failure. The most difficult situation is when it is cold because the water within the pipes may freeze, expanding and leading to cracking or bursting.
If you live in a region that experiences frost, it is vital to prepare for it. Covering the exposed pipes, sealing gaps, and emptying the outdoor faucets can make the plumbing system safer in the winter season.
It is important to know why pipe leaks are likely to occur again to be able to avoid them. Whatever the problem may be – corrosion, high pressure, a wrong installation, a tree, or climate changes, each case is unique. If you want to avoid the cycle of multiple leaks that can be both annoying and expensive, here are some ways to prevent the problems: We provide professional leak detection and repair services that can be done by calling Rooter Man Plumbing today.
