Water leaks are one of the most common — and costly — sources of home damage. Even a small, unnoticed leak can waste thousands of gallons of water and lead to serious structural problems, mold growth, and expensive repairs. Because much of your plumbing system is hidden behind walls and floors, leaks often go undetected until the damage is done.
To help you protect your property, our water damage experts explain the eight most common causes of water leaks and how you can prevent them.
1. Broken Appliance Seals
When appliances like dishwashers or washing machines are installed, rubber seals are placed around water connectors. Over time, these seals wear down, dry out, or crack — allowing water to escape. If you see puddles near your appliances or condensation around the water connections, a broken seal could be to blame.
Tip: Inspect your appliances regularly and replace worn seals before leaks occur.
2. Clogged or Blocked Lines
Clogged drains and pipes can do more than slow down water flow — they can cause pipes to overflow or burst. Common culprits include blocked gutters, HVAC drain pans, and sewer lines.
Tip: Schedule regular drain cleaning and gutter maintenance to prevent blockages and protect your home from water damage.
3. Corroded Pipes
Older plumbing systems are especially prone to corrosion. As metal pipes rust or degrade, small leaks can form and gradually worsen. Look for signs like pipe discoloration, flaking, or warping.
Tip: Have a licensed plumber inspect your plumbing annually and replace corroded pipes with modern materials like PVC or PEX.
4. Damaged Pipe Joints
Pipe joints — where two sections of pipe connect — are one of the most vulnerable areas for leaks. Over time, normal wear and tear or temperature changes can weaken these joints. If you hear ticking or banging noises when you run hot water, your pipe joints may be under stress.
Tip: Schedule an annual plumbing inspection to catch and repair joint issues early.
5. High Water Pressure
While strong water pressure might feel great in the shower, excessive pressure can strain your pipes, leading to cracks and leaks. Most plumbing systems are designed for a specific pressure range.
Tip: Ask a plumber to test your home’s water pressure. Installing a pressure regulator can help prevent leaks and extend the life of your plumbing.
6. Pinhole leaks
Pinhole leaks in copper pipes can be caused by internal pitting corrosion, rusting, aging, and exposure. Pinhole leaks are usually less than 1/8 inch wide and can appear as small, random clusters of corrosion on the outside of the pipe. That lovely green patina (verdigris) that people have on their outside copper decorative pieces is a warning sign of potential water damage on your interior copper pipes.
Tip: Sudden stains on the ceiling under bathrooms, or kitchen sinks could be a sign of a pinhole leak. See our previous blog https://restoreitall.com/what-are-pinhole-leaks/
7. Loose Water Connectors
Water supply hoses connected to appliances like your washing machine or refrigerator can loosen due to vibration or shifting. When that happens, you may see water pooling underneath or behind the appliance.
Tip: Tighten connections and replace worn hoses every few years to avoid leaks.
8. Rapid Temperature Changes
Extreme temperature swings can cause pipes to expand and contract. In cold weather, this can lead to cracks or even frozen pipes that burst when they thaw.
Tip: Insulate exposed pipes and keep indoor temperatures consistent to prevent freeze damage.
Protect Your Home from Water Damage
Water leaks can start small but quickly escalate into major issues that require costly repairs and restoration. Undetected the damp environment can allow mold to grow.
Stay proactive by inspecting your plumbing system, watching for signs like musty odors or increased water bills, and scheduling routine maintenance.
If you suspect a water leak or have already experienced water damage, contact Restore It tor professional water damage restoration and leak detection services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond quickly and help protect your home from further damage. Call us at 724-935-7511