A pipe leak can stay unnoticed for a number of weeks or even months. However, a leak is sometimes a mere nuisance around your home. It is important that you get your plumbing leaks repaired as efficiently and immediately as possible. Constantly dripping or running water can cause expensive damage and repairs. It can also result in fixture or pipe corrosion over time, causing severe damage to your home’s plumbing system. From this article, you will learn what causes pipes to leak.
Why is My Pipe Leaking?
Cracked Pipes
Ignoring even a small crack or plumbing leaks in your pipe is a big mistake. The water runs through a pipe under high pressure and can enlarge the crack until it bursts. While a burst pipe occurs in a second, it could flood a whole room in just a few minutes. Regularly maintain your pipes at home to see any cracks before an accident takes place.
Clogged Drains
You cannot unclog all drains with just over-the-counter cleaners. While the drains are still blocked, plumbers are required to diagnose the problem. They might insert a camera to examine the pipe and make use of a hydro jet to unclog it. Only these plumbers know the different kinds of clogs and the best methods to use.
Old Pipes
Aged pipes deteriorate and become brittle, leading to cracks that leak water. If your pipes are at least 10 years old or older, they are much likely to show indications of wear and tear. Plumbers would suggest either repairing or replacing your pipes completely when they identify this issue. It may be more practical to replace the pipes since old pipes are commonly made from iron that is extremely susceptible to corrosion.
Damaged Seals
Washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances are a component of your household plumbing system that needs to be maintained as well. When wear and tear occurs, the seals get damaged and less efficient and become a possible cause of water leaks in your household. To avoid further leaks, replace these damaged seals immediately.
Underground Movements
Earthquakes and tree roots are common causes of underground pipe leakage. The pipes tend to twist, bend, and then crack when the ground moves. You need to hire plumbers to examine and maintain your pipelines underground to prevent repairs.
Signs of Leaking Pipes
Ceiling Stains
A small amount of water spilling over your bathtub onto the bathroom floor is not enough to cause water to seep through the ceiling, but an internal pipe leak can. Over time, water can reduce the strength of beams and eventually end up in sagging ceilings. In case you see a dark, copper, or brown stain on the ceiling or the ceiling itself is sagging, you need to get it repaired right away.
Damaged Flooring
Bathroom floors are seldom affected by water damage unless there is a leak. If the floor is staining, cracking, or buckling, you may have some water leaking out. Furthermore, soft or spongy flooring, wet spots, and loose tiles may also indicate water damage or plumbing leaks.
Musty Odor
In terms of water damage, homeowners can expect things to begin smelling musty and mildew. You might be able to locate the source of this smell, but it is not always obvious to your nose or eyes.
Wallpaper or Paint Discoloration
In case moisture has started to seep through the walls, the wallpaper and paint will certainly be showing different signs of water damage such as warping, cracks, blistering, discoloration, and peeling.
Types of Plumbing Leaks
Ceiling Leaks
You can recognize ceiling leaks when there is water dripping from your ceiling. It usually occurs when there is water seeping through the concrete floor slab above your room. Water leakage from the ceiling typically happens in old structures where the waterproofing material has worn off, allowing water to seep through the slab.
Pipe Leaks
If pipes are aged, wear and tear can result in leaks in pipelines. Pipes may sometimes be blocked with debris, resulting in high water pressure, and then a pipe burst. Common household water leaks can also be caused by damaged pipe joints, loose water connectors, and broken seals. Some pipes are not visible as they are installed inside walls or cupboards. These are difficult plumbing problems, so you should get a plumber to repair a leaking faucet or pipe as soon as possible.
Toilet Leaks
There are primarily three common kinds of toilet leaks – a leak from the tank, a leak from the bottom, and a leak into the bowl. You can easily fix a leaky toilet tank by replacing the spud washer and the rubber gaskets around the bolts. A leak into the bowl is typically caused by a faulty part in the tank. A leak from the bottom of your toilet can be easily identified when there is water around the base. The primary precaution is to stop using it immediately.
Faucet Leaks
Faucet leaks are a common occurrence in households. They are easy to fix and solve, but they must not be ignored. They can cause increased water bills if taken for granted. The typical reasons for leaky faucets are defective o-rings, washers, or gaskets, mineral deposits on inner components, or corrosion. Tap leak repair includes tightening the nut, replacing the washer, or replacing the handle of the faucet.
Where to Look for Plumbing Leak Repair?
It is important to know what type of plumbing leak you have before you repair it on your own or call Singapore plumbers for help. Even if there are no visible leaks in your home, you must be conducting leak inspections at least once in 6 months. Frequent inspections help prevent water wastage and increase water bills.
If you are experiencing a serious leak problem, contact an emergency plumber to solve your problem right away. Do not take a long time to have leaks get repaired. Whatever water leak you have, let our experts at SOServices take a look. Our experience in Singapore’s home service industry enables us to meet your needs more efficiently.