3 Common Causes of Leaky Pipes

One of the worst nightmares that a homeowner can go through is leaky pipes. It can be a small leak at first, but if it goes too long it can turn into a huge mess. But even though a lot of people deal with leaking pipes, they’re often not sure what can cause this problem. Below are 3 common causes of leaky pipes.

Advanced Corrosion

Just like everything else, pipes wear down eventually. As time goes by, corroding agents like rust can eat away at your home’s pipes and will eventually create cracks that water escapes through.

You have a greater risk of your pipes leaking due to corrosion if they were put in thirty or more years ago. The materials that were used for pipes back then weren’t as corrosion-resistant as the material used now. Corrosion can also happen if the mineral content and pH are off.

Degraded Seals

Metal pipes aren’t the only things in your home’s plumbing system. Anywhere the pipes are connecting to fixtures, chances are that you’ll so have industrial rubber seals so that the connection stays watertight.

Just like the pipes, these seals often break down as time passes. If the seal crumbles or cracks, there may be water seeping out around your seal. Old and overly dry seals are more prone to corrode.

Extreme Water Pressure

Even though strong water pressure feels great when you’re showering, it can affect your pipes. The stronger the pressure, the greater risk you’re going to have of leaks developing. Sometimes, the wrong amount of water pressure can lead to your pipes bursting.

In the milder cases, high pressure causes sporadic leaks in your fixtures, particularly right after your water flow has stopped. If you’re noticing this happening, it’s a good idea to call your plumber to test your pressure and then adjust it if necessary.

If you have noticed leaking pipes, it’s a good idea to call a plumber and get it fixed before it becomes a big problem.