What is Causing Water Leaks in My Home?
Leaking water can cause a myriad of problems from mold to expensive water bills. Sometimes leaking water can be hard to spot before the onset of these issues, but if you know the most common places leaks occur it will be easier to address. Here are seven places to check for leaks:
Clogged drains
Clogged drains happen, and they happen often if you are flushing down materials that should not be there. Things like coffee grounds, hair, and food should not be dumped in drains. Fortunately, most clogs can be dealt with with a drain snake, but sometimes if not properly taken care of they can lead to cracked pipes and even bigger problems.
Pipe joints
The pieces that connect pipes are prone to deterioration and general wear. Sometimes, if the pieces are moving, you can hear this when you use your hot water. Banging and ticking noises can alert you to pipe joints that need replacing.
Temperature fluctuations
Changing water temperatures from hot to cold or vice versa within short periods of time can cause pipes to expand and contract faster than they are equipped to handle. If you are putting this added pressure on your pipes, you may want to consult with a plumber to assure that your pipes are in good condition.
Extremely high water pressure
Pipes are only designed to handle a certain amount of pressure. Any more than this will add stress on your pipes causing cracking that can lead to leaks.
Broken water connections
Water connections to appliances sometimes come loose, which can cause water to leak from these connections. Checking these can ensure your appliances are working properly and that water is not leaking.
Corrosion
Over time, pipes are going to corrode. If you have an older home, these are especially important to check regularly. Signs of corrosion include pipes turning colors or warping.
Your yard
Tree roots can crack your pipes as they grow in search of water. If this is the case, you may notice drops in water pressure, water pooling in your yard, or holes in your yard.
If any of these are causing leaks, or if you are unsure of how to identify leaks be sure to call The Pink Plumber!
