What are the most common causes of a leaking pipe?

A leaking pipe in your home can be quite the headache. Water escaping from a pipe can damage flooring, furniture, possessions and even cause havoc with your electrics. It’s useful to know the most common causes of a leaking pipe, so we can avoid potential problems and know what to do first if we do see water where it shouldn’t be!

What causes a pipe to start leaking?

Pipes usually leak when there is additional pressure coming from somewhere within the system. A common reason for this is a clog somewhere in the pipe.

This can be something like a build-up of hair, or something larger which has gone down the sink or toilet, such as baby wipes. The first sign of this is how long it takes water to drain down the plug. If you notice this happening, grab your plunger to unblock the pipe.

Loose valves or other plumbing fixtures which wear out eventually can also cause problems with leaking pipes. It may be obvious where the leak is emanating from, but if not, put some dry tissue around to see where a drop of water falls.

With loose valves, you can try to tighten the lock nut located under the sink which holds the drain tailpiece. Consider copper pipe fittings from a specialist pipe merchant such as watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems for any new installations or repairs, as these last longer and are more environmentally friendly than their PVC counterparts.

Pipes under pressure

Another factor which can cause leaky pipes is excessively high water pressure. In most homes, the water pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi, according to experts at CheckaTrade If the pressure is higher than 80 psi, it can put pipes under too much pressure, eventually leading to leaks.

Whatever the cause of your leaking pipes, prompt action from you as the homeowner or an expert plumber is the best course of action to limit damage and keep repair costs down. Fortunately, plumbers are usually able to locate and fix a leaking pipe with relative ease.