4 Most Common Causes of Household Water Leaks

Leaks are one of the worst plumbing problems you can encounter in your home. Aside from having a negative impact on water quality, household leaks can also cause your monthly water bills to skyrocket. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. That is equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry.

By preventing water leaks in your home, you can save money and preserve your plumbing system. Learn the 4 common causes of household water leaks by staying on this page.

Clogged Drains

Many homeowners ignore clogged drains, believing that they will just get better on their own. What happens is actually the opposite. If ignored, minor drain clogs can turn into expensive plumbing problems like a pipe leak. When water is prevented from flowing freely, it stays in your drain pipes for an extended period of time. This can create pressure within the pipe, causing it to break or burst.

To clear the blockage in your house drains, consider using a plunger or drain snake. For clearing stubborn clogs, it would be best to ask for the help of a professional plumbing contractor.

High Water Pressure

While it feels nice to have high water pressure at home, it can also be damaging to your pipes. Excessive water pressure can cause your pipes to crack and eventually leak water into your home interior. Pipes in most homes are not designed to withstand excessive water pressure for an extended amount of time. Industry experts say that the normal water pressure for a home is generally between 40 and 60 PSI. Water pressure that goes above 80 psi can damage your plumbing.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the common causes of expensive water loss and water damage in a home. This plumbing problem usually happens in winter when the water lines are left exposed to the freezing temperature. When the water inside the pipes freezes and becomes ice, it causes a buildup of pressure in the pipes, resulting in a burst. The National Home Security Alliance recommends applying insulation to pipes in unheated areas to prevent them from freezing during the cold months.

Old Plumbing Age

Old pipe age is a sign you have a potential leak problem in your residential property. Pipes that are decades old could start to corrode and break down, causing a leak. The best solution for pipe leaks due to old material age is replacing your pipes altogether.

Hire a Professional Plumbing Contractor Today

To help you detect potential leak problems in your home, hire a professional plumbing contractor. Fixing a water leak before it gets worse can save you a lot of money. Do not hesitate to call the pros at first sight of the problem. Take advantage of 24/7 plumbing services in your local area today!