5 Common Causes of Plumbing Leaks

Having issues with plumbing leaks in your home? You’re not alone who is facing this problem. Whether it’s a dripping sink faucet, water pooling under your washing machine, or a mysterious wet spot in your yard, leaky plumbing could cause everything from high water bills to significant damage if left unchecked.

Let’s break down 5 of the most common causes of plumbing leaks and what to do if you spot one in your home.

1. High Water Pressure

Too much of some good thing can be bad sometimes — high water pressure might feel great in the shower, but it puts serious stress on your pipe joints, water pipes, and plumbing system. Over time, it leads to pipe damage, leaky pipes, and even burst pipes.

You might mention a sudden drop in pressure or hear banging pipes. These are major signs of excessive pressure, which could result in plumbing issues throughout your home’s plumbing.

What to do: A professional plumber can quickly check your pressure levels and install a pressure regulator if needed.

2. Pipe Corrosion and Old Pipes

Got an older home? Your metal pipes or copper pipes might be rusting from the inside out. Pipe corrosion is one of the most common causes of water leaks in older plumbing systems. Factors like hard water, chemical reactions, and age contribute a lot to weak pipe materials and hidden leaks.

What to do: Regular maintenance and inspections by licensed plumbers can help catch the early signs of pipe damage and avoid costly repairs.

3. Seal Damage and Loose Connections

Over time, Broken Seals or Loose Water Connectors can cause small leaks around appliances in your home like your water heater, air handler drain pans, or garbage disposal. Leaks around a kitchen sink, toilet, or Fixture Cracks can also allow water to slowly escape, leading to mold growth and structural damage.

What to do: Watch for moisture near appliances. If you mention water leakage, it is a perfect time to call for professional plumbing services or even an emergency plumbing service if the leak is large.

4. Tree Roots in the Pipes

Believe it or not, tree roots are a major cause of underground pipe leaks. They grow toward the main water line or drain line, cracking the pipe and disrupting water flow. This is especially common in homes with older clay pipes or lots of large trees in the surrounding areas.

What to do: Use detection services offered by local plumbers to check your underground pipe with cameras and avoid serious structural integrity issues.

5. Drain Clogs and Blockages

Clogs in your kitchen sink, Toilet Leaks, or even clogged drain lines could cause pressure to build up inside your pipes. Over time, the backed-up pressure can crack the pipes, especially if they are already weak from corrosion or poor materials. Drain cleaners may offer a temporary fix, but frequent clogs are often a sign of a deeper issue that needs to be fixed.

What to do: A professional plumbing inspection can quickly find the root cause. Avoid DIY chemical cleaners—they may worsen pipe corrosion.

Please Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency

Whether it’s a leaking pipe, Seal Damage, or Water Heater Leaks, these small issues could turn into big problems very fast. If you are searching for plumbers near me or need emergency plumbing service, make sure to work with professional plumbers who understand the common types of leaks and how to fix them right the first time.

Ready to protect your home? United HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical offers top-rated plumbing services for everything from inspections to emergency repairs. Call your trusted local plumbers today and avoid unnecessary potential damage and costly repairs tomorrow.

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