Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

Why Plumbing Pipes Fail

18 July 2019

Herbert Chambers

Damaged plumbing pipes can lead to various problems depending on the affected pipe. For example, damaged water pipes can lead to water damage throughout the house. Also, damaged drain pipes expose your house to dangerous microorganisms. Below are some of the common causes of plumbing pipe damages.

Tree Root

Tree roots don't usually damage structurally sound pipes. However, once a pipe has developed small cracks, the tree roots can use the racks to grow into the pipes and cause a blockage. The continued growth of the roots can also crack or disconnect the pipes. That's why you shouldn't grow large trees near your utility lines.

Soil Movement

The ground is not static; the soil can expand, contract, or even shift downwards. Since the plumbing pipes run underground, they can be affected by severe soil movements. For example, if the soil below a section of the pipe settles, the soil above the pipe will try to move to occupy the vacated space. This can cause the pipe to break or disconnect.

High Water Pressure

There is maximum water pressure that the material and constructions of the plumbing pipes in your house can handle. The pipes can burst if the water pressure exceeds this limit. Pipe blockages, wrong water pressure settings, and malfunctions at the utility supply company can all lead to high water pressure.

Corrosion

Plumbing pipes corrode over time. High temperatures and acidity (for example, from washing chemicals) increase the rate of corrosion. The corrosion reduces the thickness of the pipe materials, weakening the materials and increasing the risk of damage.

Construction

Any construction that involves excavating the ground near your house risks damaging the plumbing pipes. For example, if you are extending your house, you can easily break the pipes at the point where they enter the house.

Aging

Plumbing pipes vary in durability, but none of them last forever. The wear and tear of the pipes, due to vibrations, temperature fluctuations, varying pressure, and other issues, eventually leads to pipe damage.

Freezing Temperatures

Frozen water occupies more volume than liquid water. Thus, if the water inside your pipes freezes, it might exceed the volume of the pipes and cause the pipes to break. Thus, the risk of water damage increases during the winter season.

Regular maintenance of your plumbing system will reduce the risk of plumbing damage plus other plumbing problems. If you do experience plumbing damage, contact a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem before it worsens. For example, a plumbing leak left unchecked can lead to serious water damage, so you should get pipe repair services right away. 

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