SNEAKY LEAKS: 5 CAUSES OF HARD-TO-FIND PLUMBING LEAKS

by | Apr 14, 2020

If your sink is dripping or your toilet is running, you’re probably aware that you’re wasting water. But the average home loses thousands of gallons of water each year due to less-obvious leaks.

If you can’t see the evidence, you probably have no idea that this is happening. But an increasing water bill could tip you off that there’s an issue deep in the waterline. Hiring a professional leak detection service can help you pinpoint the problem so that you can stop throwing away money and potentially damaging your home.

Pipe Corrosion

Years of wear and tear can wreak havoc on metal pipes. If different metals come in contact with water, such as what happens when a steel pipe is inserted into a brass fitting, the exposure to water increases the risk of corrosion. Debris that gets trapped in the pipes after construction can erode the inside of the pipes, leading to pitting that develops into small holes.

Rapidly changing water pressure can even corrode your pipes. As fast-flowing water and air bubbles rub against the inside of the tubing, they weaken the walls. Eventually, the pipes may fail.

Tree Roots

Your meticulously landscaped yard could be contributing to a mystery water leak. Tree and shrub roots can extend for several feet underground. If the plants aren’t getting enough hydration, they’ll seek out a source of water.

Compromised pipes that are trickling water through pinhole cracks or poorly sealed joints are quite appealing to the trees that surround your home. The roots grow toward the water then enter an opening, taking hold and continuing to grow. Before you know it, you could be dealing with a blockage or hole in your pipes.

Shifting Soil

When the ground beneath and around your home becomes waterlogged because of torrential rains, flooding, or melting snow, it can affect your home’s foundation and plumbing. A concrete foundation is porous. Water can seep in through the cracks and holes, weakening the foundation.

As water moves through the dirt around the foundation, it creates air pockets. The foundation may gradually shift to fill in those areas.

If the foundation moves in any way, it can pull your pipes apart. This is similar to what would happen if you placed two straws end to end on separate tables. If you nudged one of the tables to the side, it would cause the straws to separate. The same thing can happen to your plumbing.

These types of leaks usually develop over time. They’re not always easy to detect because the water escapes slowly. Plus, it’s tough to notice leaks that are hidden beneath your home. We can help you find these mystery leaks using specialized equipment. Locating the source of a hidden leak can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and remediation.

Temperature Changes

As the ground freezes and thaws with the seasons, it can damage your plumbing. Frost can reach depths of up to 5 feet in some areas. If your waterline freezes, it can limit the amount of water that enters your home. Even worse, it can burst, resulting in expensive repairs.

Poor Installation

Low water pressure, damp spots on the floor, and an increase in your utility bill could be signs of a leak in the plumbing underneath your home. One of the most common causes of these types of leaks is poor installation. During construction, the workers may damage, bend, or dent the pipes. This can put pressure on the pipes and cause them to burst.

Unfortunately, hot water contributes to more leaks than cold water. That’s because it causes pipes to expand, and friction can build up, abrading the walls. If you love your hot showers but suspect that you might have a leak, turn to an experienced leak detection specialist to solve the mystery and save you from bigger problems down the road. To schedule an appointment with Indiana Leak Detection, call (317) 497-0024.

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