Common causes include: corrosion (especially in older metal pipes), high water pressure, freezing and thawing cycles, physical damage from construction or landscaping, shifting foundations, poor installation, age and wear, water hammer (sudden pressure changes), chemical damage from drain cleaners, tree root intrusion for sewer lines, and mineral buildup causing stress. Different pipe materials have different vulnerabilities - copper can develop pinhole leaks from corrosion, PVC can crack from impact or freezing, and galvanized steel corrodes from the inside out. Regular maintenance and pressure regulation can prevent many leaks.

Even small leaks waste significant water: A dripping faucet (1 drop per second) wastes about 3,000 gallons per year. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day (73,000 gallons per year). A 1/8-inch leak in a pipe can waste 250 gallons per day (91,000 gallons per year). A pinhole leak in a copper pipe under just 40 PSI pressure can spray up to 250 gallons per day. These numbers translate to hundreds or thousands of dollars in wasted water bills annually. Beyond financial cost, water waste is an environmental concern, making prompt leak repair both economically and ecologically important.

First, turn off the water supply to the affected fixture or area. If it's a major leak, turn off your home's main water supply. Place buckets or towels to contain water and prevent damage. Take photos for insurance purposes if needed. For minor leaks like dripping faucets, you can attempt temporary fixes with plumber's tape or epoxy putty, but these are short-term solutions. For pipe leaks, don't use chemical sealants as they can cause more problems. Call a professional plumber for proper repair. If there's electrical equipment near water, turn off electricity to that area. Document any water damage for insurance claims.

Preventive measures include: insulating pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing, maintaining water pressure below 80 PSI (install a pressure regulator if needed), having annual plumbing inspections, replacing old pipes before they fail (galvanized steel pipes older than 20 years, copper pipes showing green corrosion), avoiding chemical drain cleaners that can damage pipes, being careful with landscaping to avoid damaging underground pipes, addressing small leaks immediately before they become big problems, installing water leak detection devices, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is, and scheduling regular maintenance for water heaters and other appliances. We offer preventive maintenance programs to help identify potential problems before they cause leaks.