Leaky pipes can be more than a little scary; they have the potential to wreak havoc on your home and result in expensive repairs. Damage behind walls and under floors are one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares, and ignoring even a small leak can be a costly mistake. Read on to learn about the most common causes of leaky pipes and the telltale signs that it may be time to call for professional help.

Common Causes of Leaky Pipes

While strong water pressure may seem like a good thing, over time, it can end up loosening and compromising a pipe’s seals. It’s generally a good idea to have a plumber check the pressure of your water to ensure it won’t affect the health of your pipes over time.

Changes in a home’s foundation as it shifts over time can cause pipes to disconnect and even break. While some foundation settling is unavoidable, if it’s extensive enough to cause cracking on walls or ceilings, it’s essential to have the plumbing lines inspected by a professional.

Clogs in the drain are another culprit of pipe disasters. Some clogs are far enough down the line that homeowners may not even be aware of them, and the clog can, over time, trap corrosive waste and harsh chemicals at the sticking point and cause a pipe to rot and leak. If you catch a clog early, plumbers can hydro-jet the line to rid it of any hard to reach blockages.

Other causes, like tree roots, temperature changes, and worn seals, are all potential disasters. For the homeowner, it’s hard to see these hidden threats, which may be lurking behind walls and underground. Knowing when to call for help, and what signs to look for is a homeowner’s best line of defense against such frightening plumbing perils.

Warning Signs your Pipes May be Damaged

Sometimes the first sign that something is wrong is by the sounds you hear. Keeping an ear out for odd noises coming from your faucet or pipelines can help you detect an issue early. A change in water pressure is another warning sign that you may have a leak in your line. If you notice a sudden loss in pressure, it’s an excellent time to have a plumber come check it out. Water staining around the floor or ceiling is a clear sign that something is wrong and creates the potential for dangerous mold to grow, in which case, call a plumber as soon as possible.

Knowing where your water’s main shut off is and having a plumber’s number close at hand can be a lifesaver. Before you get caught with expensive, leaky pipe repairs, be sure to do everything you can to prevent them from happening and identify them when the warning signs appear. And like any responsible homeowner, prepare yourself to handle the situation so that if it does arise, what could have been a frightful situation may be a whole lot less scary in the end.

Product Spotlight:

Two Handle Cast Brass Kitchen Faucet

MODEL# 0122-ELS17

Description

  • Two Handle Cast Brass Kitchen Faucet
  • 4″ Wrist Blade Handles With Color-Coded Indexes
  • 4-3/32″ Gooseneck Swivel Spout
  • Replaceable Seats
  • 3-Hole 8″ Installation
  • 1.5 GPM Flow Rate