A leaking pipe is a sure way to waste water and gradually increase your water bill. In some cases, a leaky pipe can escalate into a more severe problem and cause water damage to your home or building. Water damage requires significantly more expensive repairs than a leaking pipe does.
No matter where the leak is or its size, it is critical to address the problem as soon as possible to prevent further plumbing complications. When coming across a leaky pipe, the first step is to turn off the water, then call Champion Plumbing. We know the ins and outs of residential and commercial plumbing systems and offer efficient pipe repair and replacement services.
Some repairs can wait a day or two while others require immediate action. When you have an emergency plumbing issue, call us right away. We are available 24/7 for your plumbing emergencies.
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
In most cases, pipe leaks are not emergencies. Leaking pipes can be the result of a variety of factors. Understanding what causes a leaky pipe can help you take action sooner.
Below are six common causes of a leaking pipe and how to fix it.
1. Clogged Drains
As water flows through your pipes, it often carries debris and waste with it. Over time, this debris builds up in the pipes, leading to clogs and decreased water pressure. A more severe clog may develop when a foreign object falls into the pipe.
As the clogs in your drain continue to grow, they increase the pressure on your pipelines. This puts a strain on your plumbing system and, if left unchecked, will lead to cracks and leaks.
Unclogging the drain as soon as possible is the best way to prevent further damage. When you have a blocked drain, call Champion Plumbing so we can send an expert to unclog your drain pipes.
2. Damaged Pipes
Water can leak out of even the smallest cracks in your pipe. A damaged pipe is unable to sufficiently hold in water, resulting in leaks and potential water damage.
Freezing weather, drain clogs, and old age often cause damaged pipes. Minor cracks are typically a simple fix; however, they can mount into something more severe like a burst pipe.
Pipe bursts require significantly more complicated and expensive repairs or replacements. If you notice a leaky pipe, inspect your plumbing system for damage. Once you locate the cause of the leak, shut off the water and call Champion Plumbing right away.
3. High Water Pressure
An irregular water flow can damage your pipes. The typical household plumbing system can withstand up to 80 PSI, but living near hills or tall buildings can make it challenging to regulate your home’s water pressure.
When inspecting a leak, check your plumbing pressure gauge. If the PSI is too high, the water pressure is likely the cause. When this happens, call a local plumber right away to prevent the damage from escalating.
Controlling water pressure often requires specialized tools. Your Champion Plumbing plumber can show you which tools will work best for your house to help prevent future leaks.
4. Old or Corroded Pipes
With hundreds of gallons of water running through your pipes every day, it is hard to avoid corrosion. A corroded pipe will develop tiny holes that leak water into your home.
Older pipes are more likely to corrode and weaken. When determining the cause of your leaky pipe, consider the age of your plumbing system. Pipes will typically begin to wear out after 10 years.
Depending on the level of damage, an old pipe may require a replacement, especially if it is made of iron. This is because iron pipes are more likely to rust than copper piping. Copper pipes are resistant to corrosion and have a longer lifespan, making them the ideal choice for modern plumbing.
If you are concerned about the age of your leaking pipe, let Champion Plumbing take a look. We can help you determine whether your plumbing system needs a replacement or a simple repair.
5. Underground Disruptions
Invasive tree roots and sudden earthquakes can easily affect the structure of your drain pipes. Earthquakes cause every area of the ground to shift, causing pipes to crack or break.
Certain tree roots from especially large trees can find their way into your plumbing system. Over time, these tree roots can invade your plumbing and cause damage to the pipe joints.
Fixing a leak caused by an underground disruption requires professional expertise and tools. Our plumbers understand the delicate process of inspecting an underground plumbing system. We know what it takes to repair your pipes and protect them from potential damage.
6. Damaged Seals
The seals on your kitchen and laundry room appliances are easy to overlook, but they play an essential role in your home’s plumbing system. Over time, the seals on your washers weaken and tear, preventing them from keeping water inside the pipes.
Damaged seals lead to more than a leaking pipe. If you don’t replace a broken seal, pools of water will eventually lead to mold. Mold in your home isn’t just unattractive; it can affect your indoor air quality.
Placing a patch on the damaged seal will provide a temporary fix while you wait for a professional plumber. Once the plumber arrives, you can discuss your seal replacement options to prevent future leaks.
Professional and Experienced Plumbers
When you come across a leak, you don’t want to put off a repair. Your first step should be to turn off the main water to prevent more of your water supply from leaking out. Then, call Champion Plumbing’s plumbers for quick and effective services.
We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to a plumbing problem. No matter the size of the leak, we arrive prepared to thoroughly inspect your pipes and determine the best repair solution.
Don’t procrastinate when facing a leaking pipe. Call Champion Plumbing in Edmond, OK, at (405) 504-3649 to prevent the issue from escalating.
