WHAT ARE 3 OF THE MOST COMMON LEAKS AND WHAT CAUSES THEM?

by | Dec 4, 2015

Leaks can range from a small leak that is almost unnoticeable, to a large leak from a burst main line that literally gushes out water or sewage. Whatever the scope of the leak is, all leaks waste water in your Indianapolis home and that hurts your wallet. The moisture can also cause structural damage, mold and mildew growth, unpleasant odors and add additional costs to your water bill. Below we discuss the three most common leaks encountered in homes and the culprit behind them.

Old Corroded Pipes

Rusty old pipes that have undergone severe corrosion are the number one culprit behind most leaks. When a pipe rusts, its is literally being stripped away piece by piece very slowly. Over a period of time, the corrosion can be so great that holes in a pipe can appear, and a leak forms.

You cannot stop rust, as it is a natural process that occurs when water reacts with the pipe material whether it is copper, iron or galvanized steel. A plumber can patch the leak temporally, but severely rusted pipes should be replaced to prevent major leaks from happening in the future. Pipes have a lifespan and severely rusted pipes should be replaced for safety as well as functional reasons.

Water Pressure That is Too High

If your pipes are blocked or are cracking it could create uneven water pressure in your home. Most faucets, showerheads and other plumbing appliances such as a dishwasher are rated to withstand a certain amount of water pressure. If the water pressure is higher than that which the appliances can handle, this could cause them to crack, burst and eventually leak water.

Uneven water pressure can also be caused by improperly installed plumbing, an incorrect set water pressure or by damage to city water lines that are beyond your control. Maintaining a proper water pressure level in your home will help prevent leaks and prevent damage to your appliances. In the worst case scenario, a very high water pressure could cause an unexpected burst of water to come out of a faucet that could cause injury.

Large Fluctuations In Temperature

Strong fluctuations in temperature can cause cracking in pipe joints, which connect pieces of pipe together. When the temperature changes drastically pipe joints expand and contract. If this happens frequently, the joints can crack due to the constant expansion and contraction. With enough cracking, a leak can develop and in severe cases pipes may lose their joint and need to be reattached together by a local Indianapolis plumber.

If you need leak detection services in your Indianapolis, IN home, call Indiana Leak Detection at (317) 497-0024.

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