What Causes Plumbing Leaks?

Water should come out of the faucets and go into the drains. When water starts spewing out of pipes, then it is way past time to call the local plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing. We all know what a leak is and we know how devastating it can be for our personal property and the building itself, but what about the causes? What are the causes of roots and what steps can we take to prevent leaks in the first place? Understanding these basics can help you save hundreds of dollars on water bill charges and potentially thousands in water damage repair and restoration costs. Here are some things to look out for.

Clogged Lines

Clogged drains restrict water flow, but water will find its way out of a tight spot one way or another. This translates into slow water flow from your faucets but lots of pressure behind the clog. Over time, the water pressure behind the clog will damage and potentially burst through the pipe, flooding your property. Be extremely mindful with what you allow into your sinks, toilets, and drains. Avoid flushing nondegradable items and keep food particles away from the sink. Grease, soap, toothpaste, and hair are also common causes of drain blockages.

Corrosion 

Your plumbing system is made of metal which, unsurprisingly, breaks down over time. Rust and other forms of corrosion eat away at the pipes until there is an opening for water to escape. Pipe joints are especially common points of weakness where leaks can appear. Noisy pipes making a ticking or banging noise are red flags for pipe joints that are under pressure. Call your Neighborhood Plumbing to have a certified plumber in Pittsburgh take a look.

Invasive Tree Roots

Trees are beautiful fixtures for homes, providing your property with shade and aesthetics. However, their roots can be aggressive and far-reaching, threatening to pierce through your plumbing system. Leaks caused by tree roots are especially damaging because they start outside and can be difficult to detect. While there will be no flooding or water stains in your building, there may be signs out in the yard such as wet patches, puddles, and sinkholes. 

Rapid and Extreme Temperature Changes

Cold temperature causes pipes to contract and high temperatures cause them to expand. Constant expansion and contractions may eventually crack the pipes and leave you with a leak. Unfortunately, this source is extremely difficult to control. Therefore, it is crucial that you stay alert for signs of a leak. In fact, we recommend you schedule annual or biennial plumbing system inspections, especially if you notice your water bill has spiked.

Call the Professionals to Take A Look

Water leaks can be difficult to spot and neglected leaks can lead to high water bills and the risk of a burst pipe flooding your property. Call the professionals at Neighborhood Plumbing to get ahead of the issue and resolve it before it becomes a problem. Our staff are available to take your call no matter the time of the day or the day of the week. Call now to speak with a friendly representative.