Understanding Your Home's Pipes: Common Issues and How to Prevent Them

Your home’s pipes are the veins of your plumbing system, carrying clean water in and wastewater out. When pipes fail, it can lead to leaks, water damage, and expensive repairs. Understanding the most common pipe problems and how to prevent them can save you stress and money.

Common Pipe Problems

1. Leaks and Drips

Even a small leak can waste gallons of water and increase your utility bills. Leaks often occur at joints, fittings, or in older pipes that have corroded over time.

Prevention tip: Regularly inspect exposed pipes and check under sinks for moisture.

2. Corrosion and Rust

Metal pipes, especially older iron or galvanized steel pipes, can corrode inside, reducing water flow and causing leaks. Rusty water or stains in sinks and bathtubs are often the first sign.

Tip: Consider replacing old metal pipes with modern PVC or PEX piping for longer-lasting performance.

3. Frozen Pipes

In colder climates, water in pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to burst. This can happen in exposed areas like basements, crawl spaces, or attics.

Prevention tip: Insulate vulnerable pipes and keep a slow trickle of water running during freezing temperatures.

4. Clogs and Blockages

Pipes can become blocked over time from hair, grease, soap, or mineral buildup. While some clogs can be cleared with a plunger or drain snake, recurring blockages may indicate a bigger problem inside the pipes.

Tip: Avoid flushing non-degradable items and pour grease into the trash instead of the sink.

5. Pressure Problems

Low water pressure can signal a pipe leak, corrosion, or mineral buildup inside pipes. High water pressure, on the other hand, can stress pipes and cause leaks.

Tip: Check pressure with a gauge and consider installing a pressure regulator if needed.