24/7 Emergency Service
Water Leaks Unfortunately Happen – Listed are some Common Causes
6/14/2021 (Permalink)
Water or Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331
Proudly serving Dane County, Madison, WI
24/7 emergency service
Unfortunately, water lines break, clog, erode, leak, and burst.
If this happens to you, rest assured, you are not alone. Water damage from leaking and broken pipes is the most common reason we at SERVPRO of Dane County West get called to mitigate and restore water-damaged properties. Here are some common causes of water leaks that we see in the Dane County area:
- Faucet Leaks – Corrosion, mineral deposits, or defective parts such as gaskets, o-rings, and washers are typical causes for leaky faucets.
- Shower & Tub Leaks – Typical leaks occur when the caulking between a bathtub/shower develops gaps and when the mortar grout lines develop cracks. When these gaps or cracks happen, water from the showerhead or splashing water in the tub can infiltrate through the walls into stud cavities and behind wall surfaces. Once water consistently permeates the wall cavities, it can lead to extensive water and mold damage.
- Toilet Leaks – A worn-out flapper, a loose or worn out seal at the base, loose or worn out tank-to-bowl connections, rusted pipes, crack in the tank or bowl, condensation in the bowl, or misadjusted flush valve assembly are common reasons for toilet’s leak.
- Clogged Water Lines – Blockage in the pipeline may cause water to find other ways to seep through, resulting in a water leak. The following are signs that indicate clogging in water pipes; gurgling sounds, slow drainage, unpleasant odor, dirt, and dust particles appearing in running water. The site of the leak is not always the problem. Tree roots, grease, inorganic materials, or a combination of things can create major problems in your sewage line. Your plumber will need to inspect your sewage lines for clogs and clear the line if he finds one.
- Damaged Pipe Joints – Damaged pipe joints can occur from shifting pipes, mistakes made by an inexperienced installer, movements such as a shaking washing machine, or nothing more than a loose connection.
- Rapid Temperature Changes – Drastic temperature changes can cause your pipes to expand or contract quickly, causing cracks, leaks, and even bursts. One of the first signs of a frozen pipe is reduced or no flow from a plumbing fixture like your faucet or shower. Here are some steps to help prevent pipes from freezing; open cabinet doors so warm air can reach the pipes under sinks, set fans to blow heat into cold rooms, if you have exposed pipes inside closets or pantries, leave doors open, and always disconnect garden hoses from outside faucets before the first freeze.
Given the significant water damage many of the listed water line leaks can cause, we highly recommend calling a plumbing professional as soon as you notice a problem.
Should you experience water damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Dane County West immediately. We are available 24/7 for emergency services. We are locally owned and operated in the Madison, WI area and have five-star A-ratings on Google, Facebook, BBB, and Angie’s List. Most importantly, we are an IICRC Certified Firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification establish global standards and professional training.
The Water Damage Restoration Process
Water or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331