Do you think that you might have a plumbing leak in your home? Some common signs of a water leak include pooling water, rusty pipes, peeling paint or wallpaper, mold growth, and spikes in your water bill. If any of these sound familiar, it's time to contact an experienced plumber. At Dutch Enterprises, our professionals will provide a thorough leak detection service to get to the bottom of your problem.
While you can rely on our team for comprehensive plumbing repairs, prevention is the best way to avoid the trouble that comes with leaks. Unfortunately, even a small plumbing leak can lead to serious water damage. Preventing water leaks starts with understanding their common causes.
Most household leaks can be traced back to a few key issues. By identifying these factors, you can take proactive steps to fix problems early and reduce the risk of recurring leaks.
Common Causes of Water Leaks
Corroded Pipes
If you have old metal pipes and/or acidic water, you could have the perfect environment for corrosion and rust. Minerals in hard water can also react with copper pipes specifically, leading to corrosion even without high acidity.
When the metal in pipes starts to break down, either due to age or chemical reactions, leaks can follow. To avoid this problem, consider replacing old metal pipes with PVC, which doesn't rust. You can also invest in water treatment such as acid neutralizers or home water softeners.
Water Supply Line Leaks
Water supply lines are responsible for bringing fresh water into your home. When they develop leaks, they can cause serious issues. These lines can become damaged due to high water pressure, corrosion, a shifting or settling foundation, frozen pipes, or poor joint connections.
These leaks can cause damage to your foundation and increase your water bill. If you suspect a supply line leak, contact a professional plumber immediately to perform an inspection.
Foundation Leaks
A foundation leak occurs when water seeps into or underneath your home’s foundation. This can weaken the structure and cause serious damage over time.
These leaks can result from cracked pipes, soil movement, foundation shifting, or excess groundwater. Poor drainage around your home can also contribute to the issue.
Since foundation leaks often develop slowly, they may go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.
Signs of a Foundation Leak:
- Damp or musty smells in your basement or crawlspace
- Water stains on foundation walls
- Uneven or cracking floors
- High humidity inside your home
Fixing foundation leaks often requires professional waterproofing, plumbing repairs, or improved drainage solutions to prevent future water damage.
Water Pressure Set Too High
There is nothing better than a strong, hot shower, but that same pressure could be wreaking havoc on your plumbing. Make a point of checking your water pressure setting regularly. It needs to be in the “safe zone,” which is from about 40-80 psi, with 60 being the recommended level.
This should give you enough pressure to have a comfortable shower and for other uses around your house without doing damage to your pipes or plumbing seals.
Bathroom Leaks
Bathrooms are one of the most common areas for water leaks in the home. Leaks in this area can occur around sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers, leading to water damage, mold growth, and high water bills.
Causes of leaks in your bathroom may include dripping fixtures, worn-out seals and caulking, a cracked toilet tank, or a leaking toilet base. You might notice mildew, warped flooring, musty odors, peeling paint, or damp marks under the sink.
Hiring a professional to find and fix bathroom leaks quickly can prevent expensive water damage.
Faucet Leaks
A leaky faucet may seem like a minor issue, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. This increases your water bill and often leads to water damage.
Faucet leaks are typically caused by worn-out components or poor connections within the fixture. High water pressure can also cause faucets to drip or leak even when turned off.
Some faucet leaks are easy DIY projects. But if the leak persists, a professional plumber can repair the issue effectively.
Pool Leaks
A leaking pool can lead to high water bills, structural damage, and even soil erosion around your property. While some water loss is normal due to evaporation, excessive loss could point to a hidden leak. Leaks may occur because of damage to the pool structure or plumbing system. Signs to watch for include:
- Water levels dropping quickly
- Wet spots around the pool
- Visible cracks in the pool structure
- Higher water bills
- Air bubbles in the pool’s return lines
- Difficulty maintaining proper water chemistry
Identifying and fixing a pool leak early can prevent costly repairs and water waste.
Clogged Water Lines
Clogged water lines can cause pipe leaks due to pipe damage. While minor clogs are usually manageable, major blockages can affect multiple fixtures and lead to overflow or ruptured pipes.
If you think you have a clog, contact our drain cleaning professionals as soon as possible.
Water Heater Leaks
A leaking water heater can cause significant water damage and lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked. Since water heaters are often placed in basements, garages, or utility closets, leaks can go unnoticed.
Signs can include puddles or damp spots near your water heater, decreased hot water supply, or rusty hot water. You might also hear a hissing sound by the tank, indicating water escaping under pressure.
Addressing a water heater leak early can prevent costly damage. In some cases, a minor issue like a faulty valve can be repaired. However, if the tank itself is leaking, a full replacement may be necessary.
HVAC System Leaks
Your HVAC system plays a key role in keeping your home comfortable, but it can also be a hidden source of water leaks. Air conditioners and furnaces produce condensation, which should drain properly. If something goes wrong with the drainage system, leaks can develop, leading to water damage, mold growth, and high humidity.
Regular HVAC maintenance can help prevent leaks by keeping the system clean and ensuring proper drainage. If you notice a leak or performance issues with your heating or cooling system, contact our professional technicians. We'll quickly diagnose and fix the issue to prevent further damage.
Contact Our Professionals
Need help finding the source of a leak in your home? Contact Dutch Enterprises today and our Southeast Missouri team of plumbing professionals will address the problem quickly.
