03 Feb Common Causes of Water Leaks In The Home
4 Areas Of The Home Where Leaks Often Occur
Water leaks can either spring up out of nowhere and catch you by surprise or go on undetected for months. For many homeowners, they don’t even realize they have a leak until they discover the effects like mold growth or higher utility bills. Read on to discover some of the most common causes of home water leaks so you can fix yours before they get out of hand.
1 – Clogged Pipes
From poor installation to simple wear-and-tear, your home’s pipes can be clogged for a variety of reasons. Shallow clogs are easy enough to spot and remove, but there are often deeper clogs that settle into your drain lines and lead to leaks. To help reduce the risk of your own clogged pipes springing a leak, avoid flushing trash or throwing anything down the drains that can’t pass easily. If you aren’t sure whether something is okay to put down your pipes, it’s best just to throw it away in the trash.
2 – Broken Seals
Pipe seals come in many shapes, sizes and forms, but all of them can wear out over time. Luckily, a broken seal is an inexpensive and easy repair. While you wait for a plumber to arrive, some plumbing tape can help patch the seal and prevent further leakage. You may also want to place a small bucket under the pipe to collect water until your plumber arrives.
3 – High Water Pressure
Home water pressure is one of the leading causes of spontaneous leaks and sudden bursts. Annual water heater maintenance can help ensure your water pressure regulator is always in tip-top shape, but you can also check it any time. If your water heater tank doesn’t have a built-in gauge, you can purchase one at any local home improvement store.
The ideal water pressure for a home is between 40 and 50 psi. If yours exceeds this limit, a professional can find the underlying cause and make any necessary adjustments to protect your pipes and lower your bills.
4 – Corrosion
Although designed to last for up to 20 years or more, household plumbing does eventually wear down. Corrosion usually occurs prematurely from improper use or cleaning practices. Drain cleaners and other cleaning products contain strong chemicals that can quickly destroy the interior of your plumbing. It’s best to stick to natural solutions whenever possible, and if you aren’t able to resolve anything on your own, contact a professional.
Leak Detection Specialists in Pittsburgh
If you’re in need of a professional Pittsburgh plumber, contact us at Wahl Family Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today. Since 1980, we’ve helped residents tackle all of their home’s problems and upgrade their most essential systems.