A leaking pipe is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. That’s because unlike a toilet or faucet leak, a pipe leak can go days, weeks or even months without notice – all the while causing damage to your home. Today we’re going to talk about some of the most common issues that lead to leaking pipes and what you can do to recognize and take care of them as soon as possible!
Issues that can lead to a leaking pipe
There are a number of different issues that can cause a pipe to develop a leak, but some of the most common include:
- Poor-quality installation. If your pipes weren’t installed by a high-quality contractor like Cabrillo, there is a heightened chance that a leak will develop somewhere in your home. This can be due to loose connections, a bad layout or other issues that are common with poor installations.
- Natural deterioration. After many years of use, the pipes in your home can naturally begin to rust or degrade due to normal wear-and-tear. This happens even sooner in homes with poor water quality.
- Movement of pipes. If your pipes ever shift or something comes into physical contact with them, the movement can either damage your pipes or loosen their connections. Both issues can cause a pipe to leak.
How to recognize a leaking pipe
Most of the pipes in your home are designed to be hidden from view. The problem with this is that a leak can develop in a pipe that’s behind a wall, under a cabinet, above a ceiling or anywhere else that might not be immediately noticeable.
One way to recognize a hidden pipe leak is to keep an eye on your monthly water bills. If you suddenly get a bill that’s much higher than normal and you haven’t noticeably changed your water-consumption habits, this is a good indication that there is a leak somewhere in your home.
Another way to recognize a leaking pipe is to keep an eye out for mold, mildew or water stains on any of your home’s ceilings, floors or walls. Signs like these are most often attributed to a leaking pipe, especially if they are in an area that doesn’t normally come into contact with a lot of water (like your bathroom).
What to do when you discover a leaking pipe
If you ever suspect that a pipe might be leaking in your home, contact Cabrillo as soon as possible. One of our highly-trained technicians will identify the source of the leak and fix it up for you. This is a much better idea than trying to fix the problem on your own because if the problem isn’t fixed correctly, it could lead to further damage to your home and expensive repair bills.
If you have any questions about a leaking pipe, or if you’d like a plumbing system serviced or installed in your home, contact Cabrillo, your Bay Area plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractor.