What types of water pipe leaks are there?

Chances are you’ve heard of some specific terms for various leaks, such as pinhole leaks or slab leaks. Here is a quick overview of those terms and what they mean.

Pinhole Leaks

Pinhole leaks are very tiny holes in your pipes that slowly lose water over time. This type of leak typically develops from corrosion. Water that is too hard or too soft can accelerate this process because hard water rich in minerals will build up and break down pipes, and naturally soft water pulls minerals from your pipes and wears it down from the inside out.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks refer to water leaks under your foundation. These leaks can go days or weeks without being noticed, and the resulting damage can be expensive to repair. Slab leaks often happen when old pipes have worn down due to decades of use. To avoid slab leaks, routine plumbing inspections will help you keep track of the health of your water line and make repairs before they completely fail.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are exactly what they sound like – gushing water from pipes that can very quickly cause major water damage and put your safety at risk. Burst pipes most often happen as a result of freezing temperatures. Water expands when turned to ice, so the additional pressure can build up and rupture your water line if left frozen for too long.