Most Common Reasons for Water Leaks

Water leaks can lead to many extreme problems with any building. Water is a potentially devastating substance that can lead to many problems within a building. Water encourages the development of mold and mildew that can be potentially devastating to the health of those residing in the building. Additionally, water can lead to rot and the deterioration of many different materials. Unfortunately, many water leaks can go unnoticed for extended periods of time, which can lead to extensive damage within the building. It is vital to prevent water leaks to protect your building. Here are a few of the most common reasons for water leaks, which can help to prevent them.

Clogs

Clogs are one of the most common reasons for water leaks. These clogs put a substantial amount of pressure on the interior of the pipe. Ultimately, when left untreated, these clogs cause the pipes to crack or burst, which can lead to water leaks and even flooding. It is often far more simple to deal with clogs as soon as they occur, rather than allowing them to escalate to substantial proportions. In addition, when clogs remain for longer periods of time, they tend to be more difficult to effectively remove. If you are unable to remove the clog efficiently yourself, you need to obtain the services of a plumber to have the clog removed.

Seals

The seals of your bathtub and toilet are designed to prevent water leaks from occurring, while still allowing you to use all of your equipment. Over time, these seals may deteriorate or become faulty, which generally renders them ineffective and unable to protect your building. It is important to check the seals regularly to ensure that they remain in good condition. When they wear down, it is important to have them replaced to prevent water from leaking through the cracks in your bathroom.

Corrosion

Corrosion is an incredibly common reason for water leaks. Ultimately, every pipe will age, which ultimately leads to its corrosion. As they age and wear down, it is possible that they will crack or otherwise exhibit damage. This damage often allows water to escape from pipes, which can lead to a significant amount of damage. Obtaining regular maintenance can help to extend the life of your plumbing system, as well as minimize the prevalence of repair costs. Eventually, some components of your plumbing system may require replacement.

Appliance Issues

Many appliances work with water in order to operate effectively, particularly with cleaning operations. Whenever an issue occurs with these appliances, such as the dishwasher or washing machine, it is possible that water leaks will occur. These appliances require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition and don’t lead to substantial water damage in your building. In addition, the appropriate maintenance can help to ensure that your appliances continue to function as intended, which will also minimize the downtime caused by broken appliances.

Tree Growth

Tree roots have been known to cause a large array of plumbing problems. When tree roots exert pressure on pipes, they can often cause cracks and other issues with the plumbing system. When these pipes begin to leak, they can lead to significant amounts of damage to the foundation of the property, which can be especially expensive to repair. It is important to take the steps necessary to prevent root issues with your pipes to ensure that they don’t leak or result in other substantial issues. The various methods to prevent root damage can substantially help to protect your property.

High Water Pressure

Though high water pressure may feel nice in the shower, it is likely to cause damage to your plumbing system. Your plumbing system is designed primarily to handle medium water pressure levels. It is important to check the water pressure of your building to ensure that the pressure isn’t too high to result in damage to your pipes. This can help to prevent excessive wear to your pipes. Not only will this help to prevent leaks from occurring, but it will also help to reduce maintenance and repair expenses from extra wear. Following this step can significantly help to protect your plumbing system and extend its lifespan.

Frozen Pipes

When the temperatures get colder, it is important to protect your plumbing system and prevent your pipes from freezing. Whether you implement this with extra insulation or another method, caring for your pipes to prevent freezing can prevent a multitude of issues. When pipes are allowed to freeze, the water expands and causes damage to the pipe. This can lead to cracks or even bursting. Burst pipes can lead to an exceptional amount of damage and flooding. However, cracked pipes can still lead to significant amounts of damage. They can allow water leaks to occur, which may be difficult to detect.

Water Heater Issues

You rely on your water heater to provide warm water for your building. However, this also means that you likely have a water heater that constantly holds significant amounts of water. When issues occur, such as excessive wear, it can lead to leaks and the possibility of flooding. In addition to this extensive damage, it is extremely inconvenient to have a broken water heater. You rely on hot water for a multitude of your regular processes, which you will be unable to accomplish without the water heater.

When it comes to your building, water leaks can be incredibly destructive. They may be difficult to detect but can lead to substantial amounts of damage. It is important to take whatever steps possible to reduce the presence of water leaks in your home. Check on your plumbing regularly and obtain regular maintenance from a professional plumber. If you notice a water leak has arisen, you may want to obtain immediate services to prevent the problem from escalating to a substantial amount. To learn more about how we can protect your home from water leaks, contact our experts at S & B Plumbing today!