Why Do Water Leaks Happen: A Comprehensive Guide 

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Why Do Water Leaks Happen: A Comprehensive Guide 

Why Do Water Leaks Happen

It is hard to imagine life without indoor plumbing. Each day, most homes use up hundreds of gallons of water. However, indoor plumbing also increases the likelihood of building water damage issues. Plumbing leaks can lead to significant increases in your water bills, in addition to causing costly water damage. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can save a lot of money by addressing household water leaks in a swift and effective manner. 

To find out more about water leaks and water leak detection, and why they occur, please read on below. 

Most Common Causes Of Water Leaks 

  • Abnormally High Water Pressure: By design, household water pipes are engineered to handle around 60psi of water pressure. If the water pressure goes beyond this point, say up to 80 psi – which can happen in the morning when hot water is in high demand in a household – your water pipes can get damaged. 
  • Abnormally high water pressure can create tiny pinholes in the affected water pipes; thus, causing small water leaks that can lead to significant water damage over time. 
  • Shifting Water Pipes: The natural shifting of a house over time can lead to all sorts of water leaks. The movement of the structure can place undue pressure on the plumbing system, leading to broken pipes or leaks along pipe joints and water connectors.  
  • Residue Build Up In Water Pipes: Your home’s plumbing system is designed to serve you for many years without fail. However, during this time, a build-up of rust and various mineral deposits can lead to a serious deterioration in the pipes and other components of the plumbing system – in addition to affecting the rate of water flow. For instance, water pipe corrosion can affect the structural integrity of water pipes, leading to the development of pinholes along the pipes.  Installing a water softener or water filter can help reduce the number of impurities in your home’s water; thus, ensuring that the plumbing lasts longer.  
  • Toilet Leak: A flush valve seal leak or damaged flapper can lead to a toilet leak that makes your toilet keep flushing on its own. A toilet leak can also occur at the base of the toilet when the seal under the toilet is damaged. This can lead to a foul smell coming from your toilet.    
  • Rapid Changes In Temperature: Another common cause of household water leaks comes from rapid temperature fluctuations – from hot to cold and vice versa. The temperature variations cause pipes to contract and expand rapidly, leading to the development of cracks along the pipe structure.  

Why Do Water Leaks Happen

Common Causes Of Home Water Damage Issues 

  • Leaking Water Pipes: One of the most common causes of water damage issues is leaking water pipes. The main problem with leaking pipes is that unless they are under the sink, they tend to be very hard to spot. 
  • Clogged Gutters And Downspouts: When gutters and downspouts are left unattended for a long time, they get clogged. This causes precipitation to pool, before overflowing and pooling around the foundation of the house/building – where it can cause serious damage.  
  • Severe Weather: Excessive rainfall that leads to flooding is a severe weather occurrence that can lead to serious water damage issues.     
  • Old And Faulty Appliances: Faulty or old appliances that use water can also lead to water damage. Old water heaters and/or washing machines can cause water damage when connected to faulty or worn-out water connectors or hoses.   
  • Blocked Drains: Whether inside or outside your house, blocked drains can cause serious water damage. A build-up of dirt, toiletries, hair or grease among others can prevent normal drainage of wastewater from your house, leading to leaks and water damage. Outside, tree roots can break through your home’s main drainage line, leading to all sorts of water damage issues.   

When To Hire A Plumber To Fix A Leak 

As you can see, there are different causes of water leaks. While some, like repairing or replacing a leaking faucet, can be easily fixed with basic plumbing knowledge and tools, some plumbing leaks need to be fixed by professional plumbers. 

Suppose you have a massive water leak at home. In that case, it is recommended that you switch off your entire home’s water supply, by turning off the main supply valve – normally located close to the water meter – before calling in a qualified plumber. 

A plumbing expert can also help you find hidden water leaks before they cause significant water damage. 

Final Thoughts

While there are many causes of water damage issues, leaking pipes are arguably the most common. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can fix water damage swiftly; and with it, save a lot of money, while ensuring peace of mind.  

Hire Professional Water Leak Detection Experts 

If you have spotted any signs of household water leaks, hire professional experts at Water Leak Detection to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. 

If you suspect you have a water leak, please call us at Water Leak Detection for a free consultation today on 1300 425 325 or leave an inquiry on our website.

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