Top 8 Common Causes of Water Leaks | Insight from Your Trusted San Antonio, TX Plumber

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One of the ways you can prepare yourself is by knowing what makes your pipes at risk of leaking. Keep reading for a complete list of the eight most common causes of water leaks.

Improper Installation or Construction of Pipes

If construction workers didn’t compact the soil properly before starting home construction, it could lead to the soil settling and the foundation moving. Either of these factors can cause pipes to break or crack, resulting in leaks, which can worsen over time.

Additionally, poor installation of major plumbing systems, such as water heaters, or plumbing fixtures, such as faucets, can result in loose, leaky connections.

Both of these issues may not be obvious in the beginning, and by the time you’re aware there’s a problem, it’s already a big issue. One way to avoid this issue is always to hire a licensed plumber to install any plumbing systems or appliances in your home.

Frozen Pipes

Many American households deal with frozen pipes in the colder months. If your pipes freeze and you don’t thaw them right away, the pipes can burst. The burst happens at such a high pressure that it often causes significant flooding and severe property damage.

When it comes to handling frozen pipes, always consult with a professional. Ask them to insulate your pipes to protect them during freezing temperatures. There are different methods for insulating your pipes, and your plumber will know what is right for your home.

If your pipes are already frozen, do not try to thaw them with a blow dryer. This can actually cause them to burst! Instead, call the plumber to deal with your frozen pipes.

Overgrown Roots

The pipes that are connected to your home are deep in the ground. This leaves them highly vulnerable to invasive tree roots. As tiny, fine roots crawl into your plumbing, the pipe joints may loosen or break and leak sewage into the soil.

Try to avoid planting trees directly over your sewer lines. Call a plumber to inspect your pipes annually for tree root intrusion.

Understand the signs of sewer line damage so you can call an emergency plumber as soon as you spot a problem. Some common signs you have sewer line damage:

• A foul odor coming from the drains
• Gurgling or bubbling drains or toilets
• Backups in multiple drains in the house
• Plumbing fixtures back up when another plumbing fixture is being used (like a backup in the sink when the toilet is flushed)

Leaky Appliances or Fixtures

A damaged faucet, cracked dishwasher hose, or a leaking toilet base can allow water to drip and soak into the floor. Unfortunately, these leaks often develop slowly and remain unnoticed until serious damage has been done.

Every once in a while, try rocking your toilet to see if it wobbles around its base. If it does, it could be at risk for a leak, and you should call a professional. Also, check the hoses behind your ice maker, washing machine, and dishwasher for signs of wear and tear.

Old Pipes & Pipe Corrosion

Older homes have older pipes and are a higher risk of water leaks. Over time, pipes experience standard wear and tear from use and are more susceptible to cracks and breaks. Steel and copper pipes are particularly prone to rust damage, which weakens the metal and corrodes the pipes, causing them to break. Have a plumber check your pipes every few years for signs of rust and other damage.

High Water Pressure

If the water pressure in your home is too high, and it forces its way through your pipes too quickly, the pressure can strain the joints. Eventually, this can cause the pipes to weaken, crack, and even leak.

Measure your water pressure. You can purchase a water pressure reader at most hardware stores. If it’s reading above 60 psi, call a plumber to install a pressure reducing valve (PRV).

Damaged Pipe Seals or Joints

Most plumbing has joints with curved corners. After a long period of use, these joints can collapse, or the seals can break. As this happens, water can leak from the joints anytime water flows through the pipes. Avoid this problem by treating your plumbing kindly. Don’t blast hot water from the tap or turn the water on and off abruptly. Call your plumbing company to check the health of your pipes whenever you’re having plumbing work done.

Untreated Clogs

Many people notice they have a slow drain but don’t consider it a high-priority issue. But a slow drain means that your drain is likely clogged. And pipe clogs can cause deterioration. The clog can consist of corrosive substances that harm your pipes and can cause leaks. Or, some people try to clear the drain with harmful chemical cleaners that can weaken and damage the pipes, causing leaks.

If a slow drain isn’t resolved with a plunger, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional can clear your pipes thoroughly and advise if there are more significant problems to address.

Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio, TX for all Your Plumbing Needs

bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio, TX, is one franchise in the nationally-recognized plumbing brand. bluefrog has been serving the San Antonio, TX area for several years, becoming a trusted source for all plumbing solutions. bluefrog only hires professional, trusted plumbers that can handle any problem, big or small. bluefrog is committed to only recommending the services needed, charging fair prices, and completing thorough work every single time. Don’t put off your plumbing work any longer; handle the small problems before they grow into big, expensive problems! We’re available every day, 24/7, so call to book your appointment today!