At first glance, it may seem like a simple leak coming from under your kitchen sink. But, did you know a leaky faucet could possibly mean that there is something more serious going on with your pipes?
When pipes corrode, they leak and cause endless problems for both you and your home. Leaks can be as small as a drip, but they can also prove to be something much more disastrous to your home and belongings. We’ll show you a few warning signs to look out for, and what to do if you see them.
What Causes a Pipe to Leak in the First Place?
There are several different ways a pipe can start leaking:
Foundation shifts - Small shifts in your home’s foundation (as it settles over time) can create big adjustments in your water lines, causing them to disconnect or rupture.
High water pressure - High water pressure leads to damaging wear and tear on your pipes. Water zipping through your pipes at high speeds increases the risk of your pipes bursting. The sudden changes to the direction of water flow can be too much for your pipes to bear, eventually resulting in leaks.
Tree roots - Tiny cracks in pipes can release water vapor into the surrounding soil, where tree roots will take notice and burrow their way to your pipes, causing big problems.
Corrosion - While not as big of a concern in some of Cincinnati’s newer neighborhoods, many older homes in the area use copper or galvanized steel piping, which can be susceptible to rust.
Temperature changes - Extreme changes in temperature (generally from cold weather) can cause pipes to crack and begin leaking.
To prevent pipes from leaking in the first place, it is important to make sure that all of these factors are under control. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call a licensed plumber to perform an inspection before a small leak turns into a disaster.
Leaking Pipes Can Cause Major Problems For Your Entire House
If you ignore leaking pipes long enough they can wreak havoc on your entire home. Poor water quality, warped and stained walls, invasive black mold, and flooding are some of the ways leaky pipes damage your whole house and end up costing a fortune.
If you see a warped or stained wall in your home, it is most likely from leaky pipes. This damage, unchecked, can lower the value of your home, costing you greatly in the future if you plan to sell it. Having to replace a wall and the plumbing behind it can be costly as well.
Extra moisture in your home can lead to mold growth. Mold typically grows in bathrooms, but it can also be found under any sink and behind any wall. Mold from leaking pipes causes serious health problems and must be addressed promptly. The longer it is ignored the worse the damage will be, costing you even more.
The worst possible thing that could happen with unaddressed leaks is, of course, flooding. All it takes is one pipe to burst and a deluge of water will come through your home. It can be costly and timely to fix water damage from flooding. It’s much more affordable to keep it from becoming a problem in the first place!
How Do You Know When to Call a Plumber for a Leaking Pipe?
How do you know if your plumbing system is malfunctioning? Look at your water. If your water is discolored or smells foul, these are just a few things to look for. As stated above, if you begin to see your walls become warped and stained you should have a plumber out to check for leaking pipes. Having your plumbing routinely checked by a licensed plumber can stop many of these issues before they become a problem.
Pipes can corrode because of different aspects of water. When a leak begins, your home is at risk for damages and poor water quality. Call one of our plumbers right away if you suspect you have leaking pipes. A Super Rooter Plumbing and Sewer licensed plumber has all the tools and knowledge to inspect your pipes.
Call Super Rooter Plumbing and Sewer to have a licensed professional assess your home. You’ll be thankful you did!
