A leaking pipe may seem harmless enough, but over time it can cause costly damage. Luckily, there are some simple ways to keep an eye out for leaks. One way is to monitor your water meter and notice any spikes that could indicate a hidden leak.
Another way is to regularly inspect for puddles around sinks, toilets and other fixtures. Learn about five common plumbing leaks that can develop and how to recognize them.
- Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can result in significant water damage, as well as potential structural issues for your home. If you have a burst pipe, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage and costs.
The most common sign of a burst pipe is water pooling in areas that don’t usually get wet, such as in the ceiling or floor. You may also notice discoloration in your walls, carpets, or other materials near the affected area. Burst pipes are caused by a variety of factors, including clogs, high water pressure, and old or corroded pipes.
To prevent burst pipes, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing system. You should also avoid unplanned activities, such as digging without checking underground pipes or drilling into walls, that can compromise your pipes’ integrity.
- Cracked Pipes
Irregular maintenance, extreme temperature fluctuations and ground movement are just some of the causes of cracked pipes. These cracks may also be caused by aging pipes and corrosion.
This type of leak is less severe than a burst pipe but it still needs to be fixed as quickly as possible because of its potential impact on your home. These leaks may be identified by dampness, mold or a consistent dripping sound.
The constant leaking from a cracked pipe can lead to many issues, such as water damage, mold growth and higher utility bills due to excessive water waste. It’s important to identify the cause of this issue before it gets out of hand and leads to further damages to your property, such as drywall and foundation damage. A sewer camera inspection is the best way to find out what is causing this issue. This allows our team to take a closer look at the problem and pinpoint its location in your home.
- Broken Seals
When plumbing seals crack or break, they can cause leaks throughout the home. Whether it’s from dripping faucets or loose toilet parts, these leaks can waste water and cause damage to the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home.
These broken seals often occur when water pressure drops, which can cause the seal to wear down or break. It’s also common for seals to break from repeated use,
such as when someone flushes a toilet repeatedly or when they turn on a dishwasher.
A lot of times these leaks are unrecognized and can wreak havoc on your home. They can encourage the growth of mold, cause rust, and lead to costly repairs. This is why it’s important to shut off the water main when you think there may be a problem. You can also ask your local plumber for a professional inspection to help prevent leaks and cracks from occurring. You can also prevent leaking seals by having someone visit your home and run the water if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time.
- Tree Roots
Tree roots are an unavoidable part of having a mature yard and can be a big problem for your plumbing when they invade sewer lines. As they travel in search of water, nutrients and oxygen, they can damage or break pipes as they go.
In older homes, a damaged or cracked sewer pipe can give tree roots an entrance point to your home’s plumbing. Even though modern pvc pipes are made to be less prone to cracking, soil movement and settling can cause a minute crack or opening in the pipes that can be easily exploited by tree roots.
The roots will continue to grow and find their way into the crack, causing it to widen. As they fill the pipe, they can block wastewater and clog drains and toilets. A chemical root killer that is poured down the drain can kill the roots, but you will need to have a professional cut the remaining roots and repair the pipe. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/ have a lot of resources available to help with plumbing needs.
