A water leak at home is a disaster – left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to your home and contents as well as running up an expensive water bill. But why do water leaks happen?
Corrosion
Metal pipes are susceptible to corrosion and if untreated, rust can weaken the pipe to the extent that it cracks or bursts. Metal pipes should be checked regularly for signs of damage or deterioration and either replaced or fitted with wear resistant linings from companies such as https://www.kingfisher-industrial.com/wear-protection/ before they fail.
Fluctuating temperatures
Many water leaks in the UK are caused by rapidly fluctuating temperatures. Freezing temperatures cause pipes to contract while high temperatures cause them to expand. This expansion and contraction weakens the pipe structure and makes it more susceptible to cracking. Exposed pipework should be insulated wherever possible to reduce the harmful effects of fluctuating temperatures.
Age
As pipes age and are exposed to environmental conditions, they can become brittle, corroded or damaged by external forces such as mechanical stress, impact and tree roots. Old pipes are more likely to fail so it is recommended that aging plumbing systems are routinely inspected and replaced before they fail.
Wear and tear
Everyday activities such as regularly running taps and using drain cleaners places a strain on the plumbing system. It is important to note any changes to your water pressure, the speed at which water drains and any unusual wet spots so that you can identify and resolve any small leaks before they develop into a bigger problem.