What Causes Pipes to Leak?

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur as a result of flooding in homes. But what causes that flooding? A common origin is pipes that leak. Water damage can be destructive, so it is beneficial to be able to understand the reasons as to why pipes leak.

Eating away at pipes, corrosion can cause pipes to rust, break, and therefore leak. Make sure to watch for discolored water coming from the pipes and deformed pipes, since these can indicate corrosion. Any rusting on the pipe itself as well as other visible signs of corrosion can also imply this type of damage. Avoid pipe corrosion by surveying the condition of pipes before buying a home in order to make sure that they are in good shape. You can also have the pH of your water tested by professionals and make an effort to stop leakage using satisfactory clamps until professionals can sufficiently fix the damaged pipes.

To bind water connectors, seals are adhered to the pipes when installed. With age and usage, the seals can break and therefore cause flooding. If you see any puddles of water forming on the ground beneath a seal or condensation on the outside of the pipes, the seals have likely been damaged. In order to protect seals from this damage, be sure to run water through your pipes regularly so that the don’t dry out and keep your eyes peeled for any of the aforementioned indicators of damage. If you don’t run water through the pipes regularly, the dried pipes can cause seals to crack and eventually break. Ask a friend or neighbor to run the water in your home in the event that you must leave town for a prolonged period of time, as doing so will protect the pipes and seals from damage.

Causing pipes to contract and expand, extreme changes in temperature can cause pressure buildups in pipes. This increased pressure results in pipes rupturing and leaking in response. Pay close attention to the price of your water bill, as leakage can skyrocket the price. While it may sound odd, monitoring the smell your drains can also be beneficial, as a musty smell emanating from the drain can signify leaky pipes. Finally, if you notice any sudden changes in water pressure or flow, it may also be pointing to leaky pipes. Open cabinet doors, allow warmth to reach the pipes, and keep water flowing through the pipes in order to prevent your pipes from freezing during the cold months. Setting your thermostat to a certain, fixed temperature may also prove to maintain the good condition of your pipes.