How can you prevent a water or plumbing leak? There are many reasons why a pinhole leak or bursts happens to a water pipe. With the damages ranging from devastating or relatively minor, but either way, they can be a costly mess!
What causes a pipe to leak?
Corrosion
This is a big issue in Central Florida and the Atlanta area, unusually in older homes. Rust and corrosion break down pipes from the inside, making them weak and more susceptible to leaks.
High water pressure
We all love high water pressure, but it causes more wear and tear on your pipes. All that water pressure and sudden changes of direction can be too much for some pipes, leading to leaks.
Tree roots
Tree roots can be very aggressive, they can sense the water vapor released into the soil and burrow their way into your pipe.
Foundation shifts
Over time, building foundation shift, which can cause havoc on the pipes under a concrete slab. Causing them to rupture or even disconnect.
Faulting fittings
Improperly attached or faulty fittings on your pipes can cause them to burst and leak.
How can you prevent a water leak?
Check for moisture underneath sinks
Check hoses on appliances, such as washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker, for moisture or water.
Look and smell for any mold around water using appliances.
If you have high water pressure, you may want to reduce it to below 60 psi.
What is in your water, a high concentration of minerals and chemicals can cause your pipes to erode from the inside.
Check your water bill for any changes or hikes
Be on the look out for any peeling wallpaper, blistering paint, and unexplained mold
Check for any warm areas on the flooring, this can indicate a slab leak.
If you suspect a water leak, ignoring it just leads to bigger problems and more in repair costs. Let the Leak Doctor save you money. Finding the source of a leak, with minimal destruction to your property, can save a significant amount of money.