As a homeowner, the last thing you want to deal with is leaky pipes. Not only do they cause pipe damage, but they can also hike your water bill and allow contaminants to infiltrate your water supply. However, they tend to be an inevitable part of owning a home. Knowing the common causes of leaking pipes and the right solutions can help you prevent further trouble down the line. In this post, the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing walk you through the common causes of recurring pipe leaks and when patching isn’t enough.
High Water Pressure
The normal water pressure for residential properties should range from 40 PSI to 80 PSI. Pressure above 80 PSI puts heavy stress on pipe walls and joints until they crack or separate. As the water rushes through your pipes at a high speed, the pressure exerts immense strain on the pipe walls. While high water pressure can feel great in the shower, it can take a toll on your pipes if it goes unchecked for too long. Some of the common causes of high water pressure in homes include a broken pressure-reducing valve, thermal expansion from water heaters, and high municipal supply settings.
To test your home's water pressure, attach a standard water pressure gauge to an outdoor hose spigot or laundry sink faucet. Turn off all indoor and outdoor water sources, open the spigot all the way, and read the PSI (pounds per square inch) on the dial. If the pressure is too low or too high, call a local plumber in Columbia, SC to find out the root cause and fix the problem.
Tree Roots
Tree roots may just be your plumbing’s #1 enemy, especially the water lines and sewer lines running underground through your yard. Tiny cracks or loose joints in older pipes provide a gateway for water-thirsty roots to invade your pipes. If you have dense tree coverage in your home and older pipes, you should be extremely wary of tree root damage. When tree roots break into your pipes, you may notice wet spots that never dry, lush patches of green grass, and pooling water in unexpected areas. Reach out to a local plumbing repair service when you notice signs of tree root damage in your home.
Aging
Plumbing pipes do not last forever. Over time, corrosion, mineral buildup, and normal wear can weaken the pipe walls. Older plumbing systems are especially vulnerable to repeated leaks because several sections may be deteriorating at the same time.
A patch can seal one damaged spot, but it does not restore the strength of the surrounding pipe. If another weak section fails shortly afterward, you may find yourself dealing with another leak and another repair bill. It’s best to seek help from a professional plumber if you’ve noticed repeated issues.
Corrosion
Corrosion is another common reason pipes continue to leak. Certain metal pipes can deteriorate from the inside, gradually becoming thinner and weaker. Once corrosion has affected one section, nearby areas may also be vulnerable.
In these situations, repeatedly patching individual leaks may only address the symptoms. A professional plumbing inspection can help determine whether the problem is isolated or whether a larger section of the plumbing system needs attention. A water softener installation is also an effective way to safeguard your pipes against corrosion.
When Is Patching No Longer Enough?
Patching can make sense when the damage is small and localized. It may provide a practical solution when the surrounding pipe is still in good condition. However, replacement or repiping may be worth considering when leaks keep returning, multiple sections are damaged, or the pipe material has deteriorated significantly. A plumbing repair service can assess the condition of your plumbing and determine whether repairing individual leaks is still practical.
Do You Need Leak Detection and Pipe Repair? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today
If you’re always dealing with pipe leaks and patching doesn’t seem to help, seek a permanent solution from the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our trained plumbers are equipped with state-of-the-art tools to diagnose the root cause of pipe leaks and recommend the most effective solutions to protect your property. We are the professionals you can rely on for everything from leak detection to pipe repair and water softener installation.
