Water leaks in a house can be an expensive problem. In today’s blog we will be looking at the common causes of various household leaks to help you get a better understanding of how to find and in some cases prevent further leaks.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure affects the speed and force at which the water moves through the pipes in your home. Higher water pressure places more strain on every part of your home plumbing system and because of that can be one of the major causes of household leaks.
Broken Seals
The seals that connect to various appliances and pipes around your home are often made of softer materials than the pipes they connect to and are often one of the first things to break down. To prevent household leaks from broken seals you should check the seals regularly and have them replaced every 5 years or so.
Tree Roots
Tree Roots can often grow in unexpected ways, they can grow to impede pipes, knock them out of place or pierce them completely. This can lead to unexpected leaks and unforeseen wear and tear on your home plumbing and can lead to leaks both in and outside of your home.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains and other blockages can lead to an increase in water pressure which will in turn lead to increased pressure on the pipes. Increased pressure can cause existing or unaddressed problems to become worse and speed up the wear and tear on your pipes, leading to leaks.
Loose water connectors
Over time the hoses that lead to your various water using household appliances can become worn or loosened which can lead to leaks. This can be one of the easier leaks to find and fix as it may simply require a tightening of your connectors. It is important to catch loose water connections early as a leak could cause damage to the connector or the appliance, requiring its complete replacement.
Tub Leaks
Some of the most damaging leaks can be holes or cracks in bathtubs or showers. These can lead to visible leaks on the floor as well as hidden leaks where the water drips out of sight of the homeowners. Sometimes these leaks can only become apparent when water starts leaking into another room in the house, usually one below a bathroom with a leaky tub or shower.
Faucet Leaks
One of the most common household leaks, a faucet leak can be caused by physical damage to the faucet itself, the deterioration of the faucet washer, or hard water debris build up. You can shut off water to the faucet for a temporary fix, but a permanent fix may require the services of a plumber or a replacement faucet.
We hope that we have provided you with a solid understanding of the various ways leaks can develop in your home. If you should have questions regarding a leak or other plumbing problem, feel free to contact our friendly staff to see what we can do for you.
604FixLeak offers leak detection, plumbing repairs and restoration services in the Greater Vancouver area.
If you have any questions about this article or need some help with a leak in your home or office, call us today at (604) 349-5325.
