Park City Plumbing Leak Causes: Installation, Roots, Fixtures

While we wish it were not the case, one of the most common plumbing issues out there today is leaking pipes. Pipes may wear down over many years, or could be damaged by other causes, leading to leaks that waste water, risk water damage and up your utility bill each month.

At My Buddy the Plumber in Park City, we’re here to help with any and all piping and plumbing needs, from pipe jetting to general maintenance and much more. In many cases, leaking pipes can be prevented by understanding their causes and the circumstances that often lead to them – in this two-part blog, we’ll go over a number of different potential culprits in pipe leaks, plus what can be done about them to avoid their risks.

Improper Installation or Construction

For starters, a foundational cause of leaking pipes – and many other potential plumbing issues, while we’re at it – is improper installation or construction when the pipes were first installed. In particular, some builders or plumbers may fail to compact the soil on the property before construction, which causes settling and soil movement later on.

This often leads to pipes cracking or breaking, which in turn leads to leaks that only get worse over time. Similar effects can take place if plumbing fixtures or connections are not installed property or screwed in tightly, leading to loose connections and eventual leaks.

Root Issues

Sometimes connected to poor installation is the potential for root intrusion issues within the yard. Your main plumbing line runs from the home into the yard to eventually reach central sources, but if this line is placed too close to nearby trees, their roots may reach out and impact the line as they search for water. This can create some of the highest-cost plumbing repairs out there, with a need to dig up and replace the entire main sewer line in some cases.

Fixture or Appliance Problems

In other situations, the fixtures or appliances inside your home are the ones causing the problem. Your toilet base, for instance, might have come loose and could be leaking water. You may also have faucet issues, cracked hoses to dishwashers or washing machines, or several other potential issues. These are the kinds you as a homeowner need to keep a diligent eye on, and inform our plumbers if you notice leak issues.

Freezing Concerns

Another possible concern this time of year is the potential for freezing pipes, which can burst and create major leak and water damage issues. Pipe insulation is the best way to prevent this issue – if you have had these concerns in the past, contact our team about installing insulation in the proper areas.

For more on leaking pipes and their causes, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services in Park City, speak to the staff at My Buddy the Plumber today.