Pipe leaks rank among the most troublesome, if not the most problematic, plumbing problems homeowners must deal with. They commonly arise due to excess pressure in the water system; without a quick solution, these can cause extreme destruction. Therefore, it is essential to know what causes these leaks and how to prevent them from happening. In this article, we will look at the causes of pipe leaks with pressure, the dangers of leaving those leaks unattended, and how these problems can be prevented. Furthermore, we will also reason why the best decision to keep your plumbing system healthy is to call TrueBlue Plumbing, located in Snellville, GA.
Effects of Pressure on Plumbing System
Water pressure plays a crucial role in your home. This is why the water flows within the pipes to every home sink, shower, and appliance. While having enough water pressure is necessary for every household, too much pressure has its complications.
Over-pressurization harms the plumbing system by subjecting it to more stress than it is meant to withstand. Nevertheless, the pipes, joints, and fittings are still structural elements under that pressure and will become susceptible to failure due to the leaks over time. Most are designed for typical operating pressure not exceeding 60 psi, with many comfortably operating from 40 psi. Anything higher than that could cause significant damage in older, more compromised pipes.
You may experience effects such as noisy pipes, frequent leaks, or appliances failing sooner than anticipated in your home. This indicates high water pressure. If you observe these signs, your water pressure must decrease to prevent more problems.
Common Causes of Pipe Leaks with Pressure
Recognizing the causes of pipe leaks with pressure can assist in taking preventive measures against these occurrences. Leaks often occur due to the following reasons:
Corrosion and Aging Pipes
- All piping systems will deteriorate as time passes, especially if pipes are made of rustable metal materials, such as cast iron or galvanized steel. Relatively, pipes must be subjected to water long enough to experience leaks, which is more common when the water pressure is high. So, egregious corrosion weakens the overall strength of the pipe; hence, it succumbs to pressurized water easily. In the case of your older home, plumbing becomes an issue, and it is a great idea to call TrueBlue Plumbing to check the state of your pipes and see if any repairs are required.
Loose Connections and Fittings
- Connections and fittings are points of structure where two pipes join each other or where pipes meet different apparatus such as faucets or appliance-specific pipes. Such connection points can cause leakage if they are not fixed appropriately. High water pressure worsens things and forces water through the tiniest holes, causing leaks around fittings. It is critical to ensure that all fittings are correctly mounted to maintain and retain a plumbing system free of leaks. However, if you have any doubts about your fittings, the plumbers from TrueBlue Plumbing are the ones to call.
Clogs and Blockages
- Any clog that grounds in a system tends to correlate with increased pressure within the piped enclosure. When water flow has been obstructed, the flow of water behind the obstruction begins to exert pressure, which may increase the chances of bursts or leaks. Many such clogs come from cooking grease, hair, soap scum, and minerals. Proper cleaning of the drains regularly and maintenance activities help minimize the clogging of the drains and the appliances from unnecessary pressure.
Thermal Expansion
- Thermal expansion of the plumbing occurs when there is a rise in the water temperature in any of the pipes, which is usually accompanied by the pipes warming. This scenario will most likely occur in households with water heaters without expansion tanks. As the water expands due to heat, the pressure that builds up in the pipes tends to cause leaks at the weakest points in the pipe. An expansion tank is usually mounted on the pipe leading to and from the water heater, which minimizes the effect of thermal expansion and reduces the pipe leaks due to pressure.
Water Hammer Effect
- This phenomenon occurs when an abrupt stop or reversal of the water flow occurs in a system. This shock wave may cause vibration of the pipes, which in turn increases the pressure and may result in pipe leaks. For example, you may hear a loud banging when you shut off the water. This loud banging sound is the water hammer. Water hammer arrestors may help prevent pressure damage to the pipes by absorbing some of the shock waves produced.
The Risks of Ignoring Pipe Leaks with Pressure
Noticing and ignoring a pipe leak under pressure is dangerous and careless because it comes with many risks, some of which may not be favorable in the long run, especially regarding your house and health.
Water-Related Destruction of Your House
- If left unattended, these leaks can cause severe water damage to the house’s walls, ceiling, floor, and foundation. Repairs are often expensive, and further complications may compromise the home’s safety if not resolved quickly.
Mold And Mildew
- The water leaks create conditions that encourage the growth of mold and mildew caused by excess moisture. Mold grows and damages walls while posing health concerns, such as breathing problems and allergens, that you and your family will likely experience.
Raising Water Bills
- A water bill that is higher than normal can indicate a plumbing leak. Even the tiniest leaks waste water over time, and in the end, you will spend a great deal more than you assumed. Fixing the leaks will not only help you save on these expenses but also help with water conservation.
Structural Damage
- If the problem with leaky plumbing is not addressed, leaks can deteriorate parts of the house in the long run. Water can rot wooden pillars, corrode metal parts, and displace earth, resulting in a cracked foundation. Repairing leaks is vital to ensure your house is used for a long time.
How to Stop Pipe Leaks Under Pressure
It is possible to stop leakages under pressure through the following methods and maintenance efforts:
Incorporate a Pressure Regulator
- Installing a water pressure regulator is one of the most effective ways of regulating the water pressure in the premises. This device helps to reduce any excess water pressure that can potentially damage the pipes by redirecting it as more water enters the household.
Periodic Plumbing Care
- Routine checkups by a qualified plumber, such as TrueBlue Plumbing, will help detect minor problems that might escalate into bigger ones. A maintenance plumbing routine makes having functional pipes, fittings, and valves possible on your premises.
Consider Quality Pipe Materials
- Using tough but quality materials in your plumbing systems can help significantly prevent or reduce leaks. For example, PEX or copper pipes are newer and less likely to buckle or corrode than older piping materials like galvanized pipes.
Place Insulation on the Pipes
- In most cases, exposure to heat sources causes pipes to expand, while the opposite causes them to contract. In the long run, these alternating temperature stresses could harm the pipes or the joints, so proper procedures are warranted. In U.S. households, pipe insulation plays a significant role in maintaining a constant temperature without extremes.
Proper Installation
- Check all plumbing fittings to ensure they are tightened and pipes secured. Ensure that professional plumbing services are provided and all codes are followed, particularly for excess pressure installation. If the sealing is improper, the pipes will begin leaking, especially when exposed to high-velocity water.
When to Call TrueBlue Plumbing
All plumbing works require a professional to help with leaks and pressure. In this situation, you should call TrueBlue Plumbing.
- Chronic Leaks: On the other hand, if a specific leak persists even after great efforts to plug it up, it is time to involve experts.
- Above-Normal Pressure Signs: If symptoms of high water pressure, such as loud pipes burst or frequent leaks, exist. Then, help from a licensed plumber is necessary.
- Strange and unusual sounds: A banging or thumping sound immediately after turning off a tap? If the noise persists, then there is some water hammer that may require a plumber’s services.
Why Choose TrueBlue Plumbing for Pipe Leak Prevention and Repair
TrueBlue Plumbing, situated in Snellville, GA, will accommodate all your plumbing requirements, thus making them a reliable ally. This is the reason why they ought to be the ones taking care of your pipe leaks and pressure-related problems:
- Professionalism: All TrueBlue Plumbing technicians have been trained to properly repair any plumbing problem that requires urgent attention.
- All Rounded Services: Our services are complete, and we can perform system evaluations, repairs, replacements, and installations, which are essential for the system’s functionality.
- Quality of Service: TrueBlue Plumbing effectively handles all these problems caused by pipe leaks, as we believe in giving our clients hassle-free satisfaction when providing services.
After All
Remember that leaking pipes with water under high pressure can cause extensive damage, so this should be dealt with urgently. It is possible to avoid expensive repairs and preserve the integrity of your home plumbing system. If you still have any problems, it is wise to consult and consider getting an experienced specialist.
Call TrueBlue Plumbing for professional plumbing services in Snellville, GA, and other service areas. We are well-trained and fully equipped to meet your plumbing needs.
