Why You May Need Water Pipe Leak Repair in Your Home

Are you confronted with leaking pipes in your home? Aside from reducing your water flow and increasing your water bill, leaky pipes can cause significant water damage, which can be expensive to repair. In addition, they can compromise your residential electrical safety and result in mold growth and pest infestations, which pose serious health risks for your family.

Prompt plumbing repairs are essential to prevent these undesirable outcomes. To decide on the most effective repair method for a pipe leak, you should first identify the cause of the problem. Read along to discover the usual culprits behind leaking water pipes.

Incorrect Installation

If you notice water leaks immediately after installing a new water supply line, chances are that the installation work was done incorrectly and requires repairs. For example, a forgotten or defective seal can leave tiny spaces or gaps that allow water to escape from your pipes.

If the plumber offers a labor warranty, they can remedy the issue without charging you extra. But if they do not provide one, you may need to pay for the pipe leak repairs with your home insurance or out of pocket.

High Water Pressure

While low water pressure can be undesirable for various reasons—including reduced water flow and drainage issues—super-high water pressure isn't preferable either. Water that flows through your pipes at a higher pressure level than recommended for your home can result in leaks, pipe damage, wasted water, and spiking water bills.

After fixing the issue, use the water pressure regulator to adjust your home's water pressure to a safe and manageable level.

Pipe Corrosion

While many modern homeowners use PVC water pipes, metal pipes, such as copper and brass pipes, are still very much in use. Although these metal pipes provide high resistance to corrosion, they are not immune to corrosion damage. Metal water pipes can corrode over time, forming tiny holes that allow water to escape. This type of corrosion is known as pitting corrosion.

If the leaks in your water pipe are due to corrosion, you should replace the leaky pipes. If the damage is extensive, it may be time to repipe your entire house.

Scale Buildup

Scale buildup occurs when dissolved minerals in your water supply accumulate on the pipe interior over time.

If the buildup is significant enough, it can cause blockages, decrease water flow, and potentially increase pressure buildup inside the pipe. As internal pressure increases, the strain on the pipe joints and other weak areas can result in cracks and fractures that allow water to escape.

Additionally, the scale buildup can trigger pitted corrosion in the metal pipes, making them more prone to leaks and failures.

Frozen Pipes

If you live in the coldest parts of the country, you need to insulate your water pipes to prevent them from bursting. When freezing temperatures set in, the water in the pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to crack, leak, and eventually burst.

If you encounter frozen pipes in your home, immediately shut off the water supply to your home and seek professional plumbing assistance.

Aging Pipes

The pipes in older homes become more susceptible to leaks as they age. If you live in an older house with its plumbing system still intact, consider replacing the existing pipes with newer pipes, as old pipes may be to blame for your low water pressure and soaring water bills.

Leaking pipes are not a plumbing issue you should DIY unless you are a well-trained and highly experienced plumber. At Daytona Plumbing, we offer a comprehensive range of plumbing services to commercial and residential clients in Daytona Beach, FL, including all of Volusia and Flagler Counties. Contact us immediately for professional assistance with plumbing repairs. Our plumbers can handle almost any plumbing issue or emergency that you may experience in your home or business.