Pipe damage can lead to a variety of plumbing repairs, but where does the damage start? Some of the most common reasons why pipes break or become damaged include:
1. Freezing or Rapid Temperature Fluctuations
Freezing temperatures or temperature fluctuations can force pipes to warp or buckle. Water trapped with no outlet can lead to a burst pipe.
2. Aging
Pipes and pipe fittings wear out and break down naturally over time, especially if they’re made of outdated materials like galvanized steel. Overly acidic or hard water will accelerate the aging process. Even copper pipes that last 50+ years eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
3. Physical Damage
The water rushing through pipes can compound existing physical damage until tiny breaks widen and cause leaks or ruptures.
4. High Water Pressure
High home water pressure could strain your pipes as water flows through them. If you have noisy, rattling pipes, it could be due to a water pressure issue.
5. Improper Installation
If your pipes were installed incorrectly, they will likely wear out sooner or come undone from their fasteners or housings and spout leaks.
6. Low-Quality Materials
Older homes may still use steel pipes or other substandard materials like iron or even lead. These materials are more fragile and wear out faster than their contemporary counterparts. A licensed plumber can identify what material your pipes are made of and recommend upgrades.
7. Slowly Developing Cracks
Hairline fractures that accumulate inside pipes as the result of stress can widen over time until they compromise the structural integrity of the pipe itself.