For some people, the steady dripping of a leaky faucet is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. However, these small leaks can be quite dangerous, causing serious structural damage over a long period of time. Not to mention the increased water bills they lead to, due to all the wasted water.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, around one trillion gallons of water are wasted annually due to common household leaks. Homeowners can save up to 10% on monthly water bills by getting simple leaks fixed.
Here are some common causes of plumbing leaks around the house:
Pipe Corrosion
Over time, old pipes crack or break down due to age and corrosion. The corrosive nature of rust can spread through the plumbing system, eating away at pipes and creating an opening for water to leak out.
This is quite common in houses that have been around for more than 20 years. An easy way to detect corrosion is by checking for any discoloration or warping.
Blocked or Clogged Drains
Many people try clearing clogged drains with store-bought drain cleaners. While they do help unblock drains to a certain extent, over time, the leftover chemical residue and debris can cause the drain to become blocked again.
In some cases, these blockages also contain corrosive chemicals and toxic materials that eat away at your pipes, causing them to develop leaks.
The best option is to call a professional any time your drains clog up.
Damaged Seal
During the installation of the plumbing system and various household appliances, watertight seals are placed on the pipes where they are connecting to other fixtures.
In some cases where the seals aren’t correctly installed or are of low quality, cracks can appear, causing water to leak out.
The seals can also degrade over time and become less effective at containing water. If you find puddles of water under the sink or near your appliances, it could be a sign of a damaged seal.
Foundation Shifts
Foundation shifts and unidentifiable underground movements are also a possible cause of plumbing leaks. Because they are undetectable, they often go unnoticed until the problem has become extensive.
Sometimes, the roots of nearby trees also get into the plumbing system and cause the pipes to bend or twist, which makes them prone to cracks. Getting regular plumbing inspections and leak detection can save you from tons of water wastage and high water bills.
Does your house have plumbing leaks? Does your water bill seem higher than usual?
Get in touch with a reliable plumbing service such as Pro Serve Plumbing in Fort Worth for leak detection and repairs. We offer professional service and will have your plumbing working smoothly in no time!
We also offer emergency plumbing services for immediate repairs to our customers.
