Common Plumbing Leaks 

Dripping faucets are a homeowner’s nightmare, and an unrecognized leak could cause damage to your home. They also waste water that could be better used in other parts of your home. 

Some plumbing leaks are easy to spot, such as a sudden rise in your water bill, but others are more difficult to identify. Here are some of the most common plumbing leaks that you may experience. 

Frozen Pipes 

Frozen pipes are a major problem for homeowners during the winter. They typically happen when the water temperature drops below freezing in unheated areas like a basement, crawl space, attic or along exterior walls. If a homeowner turns on their faucet and only a trickle comes out, it is likely that a section of the pipe has frozen. 

You may also hear gurgling noises when water travels through a frozen section of the pipe. 

If not treated quickly, frozen pipes can burst causing flooding and costly repairs. When a pipe freezes, the water molecules expand and push against the wall of the pipe. The pressure builds until the pipe can no longer hold it and bursts. 

To avoid frozen pipes, insulate any exposed sections of water pipe and open cabinet doors under sinks during cold temperatures. Running a little bit of water, even at a low flow throughout the day and night can also help prevent frozen pipes. 

Broken Seals 

A variety of things can cause seals to break. Natural wear and tear, environmental factors, and even improper installation can wreak havoc on seals. Detecting and addressing leaks early can save you from extensive damage and expensive repair bills. 

Look for wet walls, ceilings, and other damp spots in your home to determine if there’s a plumbing leak. Puddles under sinks, mildew, and a musty smell are also signs of a leaky pipe. 

Don’t put grease, oil, hair, food scraps, and other debris down your drains or flush them down toilets to prevent clogs. Clogged drains are a common cause of plumbing leaks. Regularly check your gutters and HVAC drain pans to keep them clean and clear of obstructions. 

Tree Roots 

Tree roots anchor the tree in the soil and provide uptake of water, nutrients and chemicals to support the aboveground parts of the plant. Roots also help reduce soil erosion on slopes and stabilize the surface of sand dunes. 

Most of the absorbing roots in a tree are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. A few species such as oaks and pines develop taproots that extend down through the loosened upper soils to absorb additional water and nutrients.

Generally, root growth is limited by the availability of water and oxygen. Consequently, a well-developed root system is often found to be many times larger than the aboveground crown and canopy of a tree. This is particularly true in clay soils. The system of fine roots that comprise the framework of a tree are often symbiotically associated with mycorrhizae, which extend out from root tips and functionally amplify the effective surface area of the root mass by a hundredfold. 

Bad Workmanship 

Over time, pipes can become weakened due to wear and tear or extreme temperatures. In addition, foundation shifts can cause pipes to loosen and separate. This can result in leaks. Plumbing joints, which connect sections of pipe or pipes and fixtures, are also a common source of leaks. They need to be adequately sealed, whether with soldering for metal or adhesive for PVC, and they must be properly aligned. 

Leaking toilets, faucets and showers can waste thousands of gallons of water annually. They can also lead to higher utility bills and mold growth. By performing regular maintenance and having your plumbing system inspected regularly by an expert plumber, you can avoid these annoying and expensive problems. Water leaks from pipes and other fixtures should be repaired right away to reduce damage to your home and costly repairs.Sites like  https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/ and sites alike offer a lot of resources for plumbing leaks.