Are you worried about potential pipe leaks or bursts at home? Study the most common causes of pipe leaks/bursts and seek professional water damage restoration services from STOP of Chesterfield, VA. When pipes corrode, they leak and eventually burst, causing endless issues for you and your entire home. Oftentimes, homeowners ignore small drips in plumbing, not knowing that a small leak can prove disastrous, if not timely fixed. Not only will they lead to a hefty water bill, but may also encourage mold growth and the associated unpleasant smells. To be able to prevent this damage and avoid high water bills, it’s important to understand what causes leaky/broken pipes. Causes of Leaky/Broken Pipes Excessive Corrosion: Pipes tend to wear out over time. Corrosion, for instance, is known to destroy pipes in homes, over very long periods. This leads to small opening in pipes that leads to water drips. The older the pipe, the more susceptible it is to corrosion. Plus, if the mineral content of the water flowing through a pipe is off balance, the chances of developing corrosion will remain high. Look out for any warping or discoloration on pipes. If you do notice these signs, seek repairs from your plumber. Consider replacing the plumbing system if it’s too old. Compromised Pipe Joints The weakest point in a pipe line is where two pipes connect. When a pipe joint deteriorates and goes undetected, leakage becomes inevitable. In many cases, pipe joints are hidden, so it may not be easy to keep an eye on them. What you can do is stay alert for a ticking or banging noise when you turn on the hot water. A more effective solution is to have your plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumber once a year. High Water Pressure High water pressure accelerates the wear and tear process of your pipes. Water flowing through them at high speeds increases the chances of pipes leaking or bursting. Any sudden change in the pressure and direction of water flow can prove too much for a pipe to bear, paving the way for leaks. Clogged Pipe lines Don’t ever take a clog lightly. Clogged pipe lines may not seem an urgent risk, but they build up pressure behind the blockage, paving the way for pipe overflows or bursts. The damage will be faster and more severe if the clog contains household chemicals or other corrosive substances. An easy solution is to install hair traps and be more cautious about what you let flow down the drain. Temperature Changes During the winters, the water temperature remains subject to fluctuations, causing pipes to expand and contract. The walls of the pipes will get thinner over time, causing them to crack. While the aging process of your pipes makes this inevitable, extreme temperature changes accelerates this process. How to Deal with Leaky/Broken Pipes Regardless of the cause of a pipe leak or burst, the resultant water damage can be hectic and prove costly. Therefore, it’s best to stay vigilant about the condition of your pipes and be responsive about fixing the leaks. If, however, a hidden pipe leak has already resulted in significant moisture damage, calling a water damage restoration professional might be necessary. For emergency water damage remediation in Petersburg, get in touch with STOP of Chesterfield, VA today.