A leaky pipe can be a major problem for Toronto homeowners. A slow drip under the sink, a dribble behind a wall, ignoring any kind of leak, can lead to water damage over time.
Your foundation, your framing, and even mould growth can be a costly bill in the end.
If you have or suspect you have a leak, it’s important to get it fixed or replaced right away by a plumbing pipe repair and replacement expert.
In this blog post about leaky pipes in Toronto, we’ll explain:
Why Do Pipes Leak?
1. Corrosion
Over time, metal pipes will corrode, especially for homes in older Toronto neighbourhoods. If your water pipes are made of galvanized steel or copper, corrosion will often weaken the pipes, making small holes where water can seep through and cause drips.
While more modern piping materials like PVC and PEX won’t rust or corrode, older plumbing systems need replacing over time.
2. High Water Pressure
Having really high water pressure in your plumbing system puts a lot of strain on your water pipes and connections. Constant high pressure can weaken joints, leading to leaks.
If you think you have high pressure, installing a pressure-reducing valve is one way to keep your water pressure within a safe range.
3. Damaged Joints
The joints where pipes connect can be vulnerable to wear and tear. Over time, temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and aging can make steel or copper pipe joints crack or become loose, which results in leaks.
A professional plumber can assess a leaky pipe joint and replace it if that’s what’s happened.
4. Temperature Changes
In Toronto’s frigid winters, your home’s pipes become vulnerable to freezing. If water inside a home plumbing pipe freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls and joints, which usually causes cracks or even burst pipes.
Insulating your pipes and keeping non-electric home heaters around in case of power outages can prevent this issue when ice storms happen.
5. Clogged Pipes
A blocked pipe will increase the pressure in your plumbing system, making water escape through weak spots in your plumbing.
Over time, these tiny leaks can worsen, especially if the clog isn’t addressed or happens regularly.
Regular professional inspections and maintenance, as well as avoiding dumping grease or garbage down your toilets and drains, will help prevent clogs.
6. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots seek water, and sometimes, that leads to them finding their way right into your underground plumbing.
As roots grow, they can infiltrate and grow right into your pipes, causing cracks. Some signs to look for are slow-moving drains, unusually green spots on your lawn, bad odours, and gurgling noises.
If you suspect tree roots are getting into your plumbing, call a professional plumber right away.
7. Loose Water Connectors
If the hoses or pipes connected to appliances in your home, like washing machines, dishwashers, or hot water tanks, aren’t properly secured, water can leak.
Over time, vibrations can loosen these connections further, causing steady leaks.
8. Foundation Shifts
As houses settle over time, their foundations can shift. This can happen with heavy rain, poor drainage, a broken water main, temperature fluctuations, or if your neighbour starts a new construction project.
The result is that pipes may move and shift and become damaged. This movement can cause small water leaks that are hard to detect but can eventually cause major issues.
9. Worn-Out Pipes
Older, worn-out pipes become more prone to leaking the older they get. Whether because of age, repeated repairs, or hard water, the best solution for worn-out pipes is usually a full replacement.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Leaks
- Regular Plumbing Inspections: Having a professional plumber check your system annually can catch any potential issues early. We may even suggest installing a water leak detection system.
- Water Pressure Checks: Check your water pressure and make sure it stays within the safe range of 40-60 PSI to prevent stress on your pipes.
- Pipe Insulation: Insulate exposed pipes, especially in basements and attics, to prevent freezing pipes during the winter. Keep non-electric heaters on hand in case of long power outages.
- Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These products can seem like cheap alternatives to plumbers, but they’ll damage and corrode your pipes, leading to leaks. Go for natural or mechanical drain cleaning methods instead.
How to Fix a Leaking Pipe – DIY Options
If you notice a small water leak and need a temporary fix, there are a few ways you can take care of it for the moment. However, these aren’t long-term solutions.
How To Turn Off Water System
Before you start any repair, turn off the water supply to the leaking pipe. Find your home’s main water supply valve and close it off to stop the flow of water. Once your water is off, turn on your faucets and drain any remaining water in your leaking pipes.
Temporary Repair
You can temporarily stop a water leak using some common materials:
- Pipe Clamps: A pipe clamp can wrap around the water pipe and tighten it, pressing a rubber gasket against the leak to hold back water.
- Epoxy Putty: For small leaks, epoxy putty can be applied directly to the pipe, hardening into a seal that holds for a short period.
- Rubber Pipe Repair Tape: This self-fusing tape can be wrapped tightly around the section of the pipe leak to create a temporary watertight seal.
These fixes are helpful for small leaks that you can see and get to, but remember they aren’t permanent solutions.
Tools Required to Fix a Leaky Pipe
For any DIY fix, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Bucket (to catch water)
- Rubber gloves
- Pipe clamps or epoxy putty
Why DIY Fixes Aren’t Always the Best Leaky Pipe Solution
While DIY repairs can stop a leaking pipe for the moment, they don’t fix the issue that caused the leak in the first place. A temporary fix may hold for a few days or weeks, but over time, the leak will resurface, along with the potential for water damage. Here’s why DIY can turn into costly repairs:
- Hidden Issues: One leaking pipe often means you might have more significant problems in your plumbing system than you think. DIY fixes can mask the symptoms without finding the cause.
- Potential for Further Damage: A bad repair can make things worse, leading to increased water damage or even burst pipes.
- Lack of Expertise: Licensed plumbers have the tools, training, and expertise to professionally diagnose and fix leaking pipes and other plumbing issues. Without the proper training, DIY repairs can be risky.
When to Call a Plumbing Professional
If you’re experiencing any of these leaking pipe issues, it’s best to call a professional:
- Recurring Leaks: If the same water pipe springs leak after leak, even after it’s been fixed, it probably has a more significant issue.
- Water Damage: If you notice water stains anywhere on walls, ceilings, or floors, call a plumber right away.
- Major Pipe Damage: Cracked or burst pipes are what you can do at home and require a professional replacement.
- Low Water Pressure: A sudden drop in water pressure could mean a significant leak or blockage in your plumbing system.
At Dr HVAC, we have the skills and experience to handle any plumbing issue, from minor leaks to major repairs. Our team of licensed, red seal professionals serves the entire Toronto area with quick, clean, long-term solutions that protect your home from water damage.
Request a Quote for Pipe Repair
Don’t risk a leaky pipe causing water damage to your home.
Larger pipe repair companies don’t have time to give you the kind of individual attention you’ll get from Dr HVAC & Plumbing. Give us a try – you’ll be glad you did.
CALL
BOOK