Have you ever walked into your home and discovered water where it's not supposed to be? Most people have at one point or another. Leaks inside your home can cause all sorts of headaches, from damaged belongings to unhealthy mold. When you discover a leak, it's crucial to contact a licensed plumbing company to inspect and repair the issue before it leads to bigger problems. Here are some of the common causes of leaks inside homes.

Clogs in Plumbing Pipes

One of the most common reasons you may encounter indoor leaks is clogged drains or pipes. When your pipes become backed up due to things like hair, grease, tree roots, or waste buildup, water has nowhere to go. The excess water can then leak into your walls or floors from the pipes. Catching small clogs early is crucial to prevent bursts or cracks in plumbing that allow large volumes of water to seep out. If you experience gurgling drains, bad odors, or slowly draining water, contact a plumbing company to clear any blockages. Fixing clogs can prevent extensive leak damage down the road.

Failing Seals

Leaky indoor faucets, showerheads, and toilets commonly result from failing seals or gaskets. As the rubber or neoprene washers around valve openings and drains age and wear down from continual use, they lose their watertight seal. This allows water to drip into sinks, behind tiles, or under floors when you use the fixture. Having a plumbing company replace worn gaskets and seals during routine maintenance helps keep leaks at bay. It's inexpensive, only takes them a few minutes, and will save you from a huge headache later.

Pipe Corrosion

Leaking pipes may also indicate corrosion and deterioration underground or inside your walls. Copper, galvanized steel, cast iron, and PVC pipes have a lifespan expectancy. As they near the end of their usefulness, corrosion causes tiny pinholes that spring slow leaks. Pipe corrosion also leads to bursting, especially during freezing weather when weakened pipes swell and rupture. Signs of corroded pipes include low water pressure, frequent clogs, visible damp spots, and mold on walls or ceilings, as well as outright leaks. Having a plumbing company examine your pipes is wise to determine if replacement is needed before catastrophic pipe failure.

While occasional leaks may seem innocuous at first, they can quickly spiral out of control and cause thousands in damage if left unaddressed. According to Plumbing Manufacturers International, leaks account for 13.7% of water usage. Don't ignore puddles, dripping faucets, or damp spots! Contact our team at Mr. Plumber at the first sign of a leak to prevent it from becoming a huge headache later on.