It’s common to see minor pipe leaks from time to time. But sometimes, a small leak may often raise many health and safety red flags. A leaking pipe may indicate underlying issues in your overall plumbing systems, from expensive structural damage to hazardous mildew growth. But what causes pipe leaks? What are the best ways to prevent them? How to fix a leaky pipe? Read on to understand.
What Causes a Pipe to Leak?
Understanding what causes pipe leaks can help you resolve the issue before it’s too late. Here’s a quick look at the causes:
Clogged water lines cause the water to back up over time. As a result, the water piping system sees a higher water pressure which ultimately causes water leaks. In some cases, the pipes end up bursting.
Typically, water pipes can handle a maximum water pressure of 60 psi. This means your pipes should have a psi between 45 and 50. Ensure you always maintain the standard psi to avoid pipe damage, leaks, or bursts.
Water pipes expand and contract depending on the temperature of both the water inside and the temperature outside. This causes the pipes to grow thinner and thinner, leading to cracks and damage.
Pipe joints – a vulnerable part of the piping system – corrode or rust over time. Make sure you frequently monitor the pipe joints to avert water leaks in the long run.
Tree root systems can grow vigorously through your yard. This results in excess pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack or leak over time.
How to Prevent a Leaky Pipe
As with most things, your piping systems need constant maintenance and monitoring. Taking the following precautions can help avoid most piping issues: insulate your pipes to tackle changing temperatures, monitor your water pressure to save the pipe walls from thinning or cracking, monitor the location of your water pipe, especially if you’re gearing up for a DIY plumbing project. A stud sensor can be an excellent tool to help get your piping locations right. Make sure your boiler is serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Call a Professional
Fixing a pipe permanently or tackling a pipe leaking in a wall often requires the assistance of a professional. If you’re unsure about the exact source of the leakage, a professional would be the best option to help you avert more severe damages down the line. While most pipe leaks seem like a minor problem initially, they can escalate over time causing expensive damages, hazardous contamination, and safety risks.
