A water leak in your home can be annoying. Whether you wake up at night because of the sound of your tap dripping or you've noticed pools of water collecting on your bathroom floor, water leaks are more than a simple inconvenience - what if we told you that leaks could be costing you hundreds of pounds in wasted water too?
Not only can leaks waste water, but when undetected, water leaks can also cause damage to your home and lead to damp and mould in your property. The best way to prevent leaks from occurring in the future is to work out why they happen in the first place.
Below, we take a look at four common causes of leaky pipes.
Blockages
Blockages are one of the most common causes of leaking pipes and almost every household experiences a blockage at one point or another. There are a number of things that can clog your pipes, from small pieces of food and grease to hair, cotton buds, baby wipes, cat litter and more. If your sinks and toilets are draining slower than they usually do, there's a high chance you have a leak.
Seal damage
When your pipes are first installed, watertight seals are used wherever a pipe connects to a fixture (such as a sink). This is to stop any water from escaping. Over time, these seals can suffer general wear and tear and damage, causing pipes to leak. The pipe seals may be damaged if you notice pools of water around an appliance.
Pipe corrosion
Over the years, your pipes will age and it's not uncommon for corrosive substances such as rust to form. Over time, the rust will corrode your pipes and create openings for water to leak out. If you notice your pipes are discoloured or warped, rust may be eating away at them. We recommend replacing pipes that are 30 years old or older; new pipes can withstand corrosion far better than older pipes.
High water pressure
High or excessive water pressure can put a huge strain on your pipes. Your pipes can only withstand a certain water pressure level before they start to give out. While a powerful shower may feel nice, it could be damaging your pipes - the harder the water hits, the more damage is caused. Extremely high levels of water pressure can even cause your pipes to burst.
At Leak Tracers Direct, we have a team of professional leak detection engineers and access to the highest-quality detection equipment. Whether you're dealing with a water leak under your floor or you suspect your central heating pipes are damaged, look no further than us. Get in touch for more information.