The Most Common Causes of Plumbing Leaks
- By: Amer ZaghloulehLeaksComment: 0
As a homeowner, there are few issues that are nearly as aggravating as a leaky pipe. A perfect example of this is going into the kitchen to make that morning pot of coffee only to step in a huge puddle of water in front of your dishwasher or under-sink cabinet. Even worse is a leak that is not so obvious or hidden. At Anytime Plumbing of Santa Cruz, we understand your frustrations and can handle a wide range of plumbing issues from start to finish, including obvious and not so obvious plumbing leaks.
What causes plumbing leaks?
When it comes to leaking pipes, there are a number of causes that our team of experts are familiar with. Rest assured, our leak detection services will find the problem and take care of it quickly. Some of the more common causes of clogs that our experts have found include:
- Broken or damaged seals – watertight seals are used to fasten your pipes to the sinks and toilets in your home. However, these will erode and wear out over the years until the pressure takes over and breaks or cracks the seal, thereby allowing water to leak.
- Clogged plumbing – it goes without saying that this is one of the most common causes of plumbing leaks. When a clog is blocking a pipe, it is impossible for the water to flow properly. This causes pressure to build up, eventually causing the pipe to burst or crack and water to leak from it.
- Corrosion and rust – though most pipes are galvanized or have a waterproof coating, they will still corrode and rust over time. The older your pipes get, the greater the risk of them starting to leak.
- Water pressure is too high – an excessively high-water pressure level can damage pipes and eventually cause older pipes to break or burst. If you notice leaks after you have turned off the water, this is a clear indication that your water pressure is too high.
Consistent leaks mean that you could have an internal plumbing problem. To find out if it’s a broken seal, a clogged piped, or corroded pipes, call Anytime Plumbing immediately. Our emergency plumbers are on standby for such emergency requirements.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Detecting a plumbing leak early can save you a lot of repair expense and avert a potentially costly disaster. Here are some suggestions that will help determine if you need to contact our leak detection services for a plumbing inspection. First and foremost, use common sense by regularly checking the back of bathroom and kitchen sink cabinets for foul smells or mold. You can always call us to do an inspection if you don’t feel comfortable doing this. Our experts understand the nuances of plumbing issues and can be of assistance at these crucial times. Call us now to fix the leak.
A quick check of your water meter is another way that you can tell if there is a leak in your plumbing system. To do this, all the faucets in your home must be shut off. Also, make sure the dishwasher or washing machine isn’t running either. Now go check the meter to see if it the reading is changing. If you can see an immediate change, then you have a fast-running leak. If no change is visible, check it again in 2 hours. If the water is still off and there’s been a change, you have a slower leak.
Finally, keep track of your monthly utility bill. If the cost of your water continues to rise without any noticeable changes in water usage habits, the culprit may be a leaky pipe. You should also keep in mind that not all leaks are internal. If you have an irrigation or sprinkler system, even a small leak can waste 6,000 or more gallons of water monthly.
What can I do to prevent plumbing leaks?
If you want to prevent plumbing leaks in your home, the key is to take the overall stress of your plumbing system. In most cases, you will need to call Anytime Plumbing of Santa Cruz for that task. When water pressure is too high, pipes can move and shift. This can cause leaks to form, necessitating the addition of a water pressure reduction valve or an adjustment to the water pressure regulator. Another preventative measure is to install a water softener system, which will remove the excess minerals in your water supply.
We have an excellent team of plumbing experts who are available for standard and emergency requirements. To learn more, call Anytime Plumbing today. Our business representatives would be glad to help you get an estimate on your plumbing requirements. Call us today!
