If you have plumbing that’s not brand new, it has probably sprung a leak somewhere at some time. This can be anything from a tiny drip to an unstoppable, waterfall-like gush of water. Wherever it is, a leak needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Leaks won’t repair themselves, and they usually only get larger and more expensive to deal with. This is not only reflected in the cost to repair the leak but the spike in your water bill. Here is why pipes leak so much.

Water Pressure That’s Too High

Water pressure that is too high for your pipes weakens them and shortens their lifespan. It’s a good idea to invest in a hose bib gauge to check your water pressure. A workable water pressure for most residences is from 30 to 50 pounds per square inch or psi. If it’s higher than that, you should invest in a valve that reduces the pressure. Both of these instruments can be bought at a hardware or big box store, and they don’t cost much.

Pipes That Are Old and Beginning to Deteriorate

Eventually, pipes grow old and start to break down. Take a look at your pipes, and call a plumber if you see signs of corrosion. Corrosion can eat away at old pipes until they completely collapse and cause a flood. The joints between pipes are especially vulnerable, and one sign of this is the sound of banging on your pipes, especially when the hot water is turned on.

Changes in Temperature

If your pipes are in an uninsulated area of your home, it’s possible, even in Florida, for them to be damaged by quick fluctuations in temperature. Even a temperature that’s above freezing can cause pipes to contract and then expand as the temperature warms. If the change in temperatures is drastic, the pipes can crack.

Problems Caused by Limescale

Florida water is hard to very hard, which means it is full of minerals, such as calcium or magnesium. Over time, these minerals leach out of the water and form a crust inside and even outside the pipes. This crust is called limescale, and it is most likely to appear in your hot water pipes. In addition, limescale can cause tiny pinholes in your pipes. The water that seeps from these tiny holes can damage your walls and floors if your pipes are behind or beneath them. One way to combat limescale is to have a plumber install a water softener, which swaps out calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions.

Don’t Hesitate to Call for Help for Leaking Pipes

The causes of leaking pipes are many, but for the most part, leaking pipes are easy for a plumber to repair once they’re found. That’s where our plumbers come in, as they are skilled in detecting leaks that you can’t hear or don’t discover until significant damage has been done to your home. Reach out to our Leak 1 experts in Melbourne, Florida for leak detection services today.