Pipe Leaks: Causes and Prevention | Plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC

Pipe Leaks: Causes and Prevention | Plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC

Ever encountered a pipe leak? The incident can cause potential damage to your home if not treated immediately. But here’s the thing: while some pipe leaks may be fairly obvious, others aren’t, and so you don’t even come to know of them unless it’s too late. How do you prevent leaks then? Avail services of a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC regularly, and ask them to inspect your system. They’ll check all your pipes, drains, septic tank and other vital plumbing components, and let you know if any repairs are urgent.

The most common signs of a leak include low water pressure, strange noises from your pipes or slightly different colored water flowing out from your taps.

That being said, let us now try and understand some of the most common causes of leaking pipes and how they can be prevented.

Corrosion

Your pipe may be made of superior material, but it still won’t last forever. As years pass, pipes can wear and tear, and may become corroded. This creates small cracks and crevices through which water starts leaking. Corrosion can also occur if the water flowing through your pipes contains chemicals in greater quantities and has a pH level beyond the normal range.

If your plumbing system is over 30 years old, there is a high chance that your pipes are corroded. So call a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC, and ask them to inspect your system right away. However, if your pipe system is newer, then it should still be in a good condition. Newer plumbing materials are less prone to corrosion than the materials used previously.

Degraded Seals

Your pipes connect to various fixtures through rubber seals so that the two components can fix together seamlessly and the resulting connection is completely tight. But just like the pipes, these industrial seals can also wear and tear with time. If they crack or crumble, then water will start leaking.

Obviously, old seals or even the seals that are too dry are more likely to degrade with time.

Water Pressure

Water emitting at high pressure from the showerhead feels great, doesn’t it? But this pressure can actually reduce life of your plumbing system. The greater the pressure is, the harder the water will hit the walls of the pipes and greater will be chances of a leak occurring. If the pressure is too high, the pipe will ultimately burst.

In mild cases, water pressure will cause leaks where fixtures connect to the pipe, especially right after the faucets are turned off. If this is the case, call a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC and ask them to fix the issue.

Fixture Cracks

According to a reputed plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC, fixture cracks are another common cause of leaking pipes.  In such a case, the leak is immediately apparent. Generally, fixtures crack because of external impact.

If you suspect an issue with your fixture, ask a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC to check the fixture, surrounding pipes and other components.

Incorrect Laying of the Pipes

Only a skilled, licensed and reputed plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC should be trusted with all plumbing tasks. This is because, many a times, a leak can occur because the pipe wasn’t laid correctly. These mistakes are not noticeable right then, but over time, they become huge issues and leads to significant water damage.

A plumbing system forces water to flow opposite to gravity at many places, which is why, it is important that all connectors and pipes are installed properly. Backflow devices should also be installed where needed.

Joint Damage

Pipe joint is a vulnerable component, and so is often affected, causing pipe leaks in many households. A joint comprises of curved pipe corners that are connected to straight pipes, forming a bend so that water can be directed wherever required. If the water flows at excessive pressure through your plumbing system or if temperatures in your region are extreme, then pipe joints are likely to damage.

Should you hear strange noises especially when you turn on hot water, consider it to be a sign of a damaged joint. Ask a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC to inspect your system, and they will let you know why you hear clanking and banging from your pipes.

Shifted Connections

Structural foundation problems, flooding, erosion, earthquake tremors and other incidents can cause plumbing pipes to shift from their original places. If the shift is too far, then the connection may break away. Should any natural disaster strike, you should ask a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC to check your entire plumbing system.

Clogs

According to a skilled plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC, blocked pipes are another common cause of leaks which can occur due to numerous reasons. If clogs are left untreated, serious plumbing damage can occur.

Instead of trying to unblock the pipes yourself, you should turn to a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC for help. Avoid using any chemicals because they usually don’t clear the blockage, but accumulate in your pipes, eating them away from the inside and damaging them beyond repair.

A plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC won’t use any chemical substances, but would clean your drains using a hydro jetting device or plumbing snake.

Preventing Pipe Leaks

Reduce pressure

High water pressure is dangerous to your plumbing system and often the cause of leaks. Ask a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC to measure water pressure, which they’ll do by using hose bib gauge. If the measured values exceed 85 psi, then the plumber will integrate your water system with a pressure reducer.

Soften water

Magnesium, calcium and other minerals harden water, and form deposits inside the pipe. This limits flow, increasing the water pressure. In such a case, you can invest in a water softener, which can be classified into several types. Your plumber Benjamin Franklin in Myrtle Beach, SC can explain the pros and cons of each.

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