A leaking pipe can potentially cause severe damage to your home, which can be costly. It is essential to understand why your pipe is leaking in order to prevent leaking pipes in the long term. You should also be prepared and know what to do when your pipe suddenly leaks. 

Reasons Why Your Pipes May Be Leaking

Corrosion 

Pipes begin to corrode over time for various reasons that can work alone or together to cause a leak. Pipe discoloration, clogging, or a strange taste or smell in water flowing through the pipes can also signify pipe corrosion. Here is a list of possible causes of pipe corrosion: 

• Pipe material: It is common for older homes to have pipes made out of materials that are more likely to experience rust and corrosion, like copper or galvanized steel. 

• Chemical drain cleaners: Harsh and acidic chemicals in drain cleaners can weaken and corrode your pipes. 

• Hard water: Hard or very hot water exacerbates pipe corrosion quicker. 

Rapid Temperature Changes 

Extreme weather shifts can cause your pipes to expand and contrast as the water running through them freezes and thaws. This action can strain pipes causing them to crack, leak, or even burst. If you are anticipating rapid temperature changes, you can protect your pipes by shutting off the water lines leading to outside faucets before the shift. 

High Water Pressure 

High water pressure can cause leaks in your pipes in addition to raising your water bill and causing pipe corrosion. Multiple factors influence the water pressure in your home, like its elevation and the number of homes connected to the same water main. To test if your water pressure is too high, you can purchase a water pressure gauge online or at your local hardware store. 

Foundation Shifts 

Over time your house will shift and settle, affecting your home’s infrastructure and plumbing system. The connection between your pipes is commonly the weakest point susceptible to foundational shifts. As your home moves, these pipe connections may become damaged, causing separations or ruptures that can leak.

Signs of a Leaking Pipe 

It can be hard to spot a small water leak before the damage becomes more severe. Here are some symptoms you can watch out for to spot a leaking pipe: 

• Discolored water with a strange smell

• A sudden increase in your water bill

• Fluctuating water pressure

• Clanging noises coming from your pipes behind walls 

• Puddles forming under your sinks 

If you notice any of these signs, you should either thoroughly check your pipes for a leak or contact a plumber to do so. 

Steps to Take When a Pipe Bursts 

Turn Off Your Water and Drain Your Faucets 

Immediately after you notice a leaking pipe, you must shut off your water. Quickly shutting off your water will help to minimize water damage. After shutting off the water, you should open your faucets to drain the remaining water in your pipes to help relieve pressure in your pipe system. Then, be sure to flush all the toilets in the house. Once you have taken these steps, water is no longer run from taps, and any leaks should stop. 

Locate the Leaking Pipes 

After turning off your water, you should figure out which pipes are leaking. Set up a bucket underneath the pipe to catch the dripping water and prevent any damage to your home. 

Contact a Plumber 

After noticing a leaking pipe, call a professional to handle the repair as soon as possible. A plumber can fix or replace your leaking pipe, preventing any further damage to your plumbing system and saving you the hassle. 

Clean Up the Leak 

A leaking pipe can leave a pool of water. Drying the wet areas as quickly as possible is essential to prevent water damage. The longer the water sits, the higher the chance for mold to grow and for long term damage to be done.  

Contact a Local Plumber Today 

If you suspect one of your pipes may be leaking, it is best to contact a professional plumbing company as soon as possible. At Jordan Air and Plumbing, we service homes needing all plumbing related repairs and replacement needs. Give us a call or book an appointment online, and let us help you today. 

Jordan Air and Plumbing
1165 Athens Rd
Crawford, GA 30630
(706) 769-0661
https://www.jordanairinc.com/