6 FACTS ABOUT HOUSEHOLD LEAKS

Apr 08, 2020

While the constant dripping of a leaky faucet can certainly be irritating, even more dangerous are larger household leaks. These can lead to major damage very quickly and some aren’t as obvious as that dripping kitchen or bathroom sink.



Over time, all types of plumbing lines, connectors, joints, and valves can wear out, leading to slow leaks or sudden bursts. Even more concerning is that household leaks waste over 1 trillion gallons of water every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here are six of the most common types of leaks and the damage they cause.


Corroded Copper Pipes Lead to Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are some of the messiest household plumbing problems and the most difficult to address because they are hidden under your home’s foundation. They usually occur following long-term corrosion to copper pipes carrying hot or cold water through a home’s concrete slab. Although slab leaks can be found in both pressurized or drainage pipes, both can be equally devastating to a home, causing foundation collapse if not addressed quickly.


Broken Seals Lead to Appliance Leaks

Although leaky appliances may not be as devastating as a slab leak, they can be just as frustrating as they often seem to appear for no reason. Usually, a puddle around a dishwasher or a refrigerator means that seals around the gaskets are old and inflexible or cracked.


Major Clogs Lead to Burst Pipes

While small clogs in your drains typically lead to little more than irritating slow-downs, large clogs that completely block flow can lead to broken pipes. This is particularly true of air handler drain pans associated with your HVAC system. This could lead to water in your basement or utility closet, which could damage flooring or produce mold and mildew growth.


Uneven Water Pressure Leads to Leaky Pipes

When water pressure is not equalized throughout your home, the water could be putting undue pressure on your pipes. Plumbing pipes and drains are quite strong and are designed to withstand much pressure. However, very high pressure can cause a pipe to burst or can damage an already weak pipe joint. If your pipes bang or clank when you turn on hot water, this could be a sign of uneven pressure.


Tree Roots Growing Through Pipes

Trees that grow near your home may provide great shade, but they can lead to plenty of negative consequences if their strong roots push through buried pipes. Most of the time, you will not notice this problem until you see wet patches in your yard. You may also notice that your home’s water pressure is not what it once was.


Toilet Supply Line Leaks Lead to Catastrophic Damage

Leaks from your toilet supply line can cause incredible damage to your home because a burst line can spread water all over the house. Toilet supply line issues often occur around fittings or in corroded areas.

Bottom line: In the case of major leaks and burst or corroded pipes, you will need to seek out professional help from a local plumber who can trace back the damage, replace broken pieces and ensure that your plumbing is working properly. Rooter Warrior in Riverside offers a variety of essential residential services, including leak detection and water line repair. Whether you are currently living with a problem or want to determine if leaks are hidden but present somewhere in your home, our professional services can help you trace issues back to their sources. To schedule your appointment, call (951) 476-1627.

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