If you want to keep your home's plumbing in good shape, you need to keep an eye out for leaks and call a local plumber to stop them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there's a leak somewhere in 10% of homes. Here are four types of leaks you should be on the lookout for if you're a homeowner.

1. Pinhole Leaks

Pinhole leaks are tiny leaks that would be tough to spot if it wasn't for the water leaking out. The interesting thing about these pinhole leaks is that they're exclusive to copper piping, while most leaks can happen with any type of pipe. When the constant flow of water corrodes copper pipes from the inside, it can wear the pipe down and slowly form a pinhole leak. Unfortunately, this is something that pretty much inevitably happens to copper pipes.

2. Fitting Leaks

A lot of leaks happen where fittings attach two pieces of pipe. Fittings are small pieces that are used to connect two sections of pipe. Some fittings are glued on, others screw on, and some are even soldered. If you've got a leak right at a 90-degree bend in a pipe, replacing the fitting will usually fix it.

3. Burst Pipes

Water expands when it freezes inside a pipe, which causes pressure on the pipe that can lead to cracks and breaks. When the water in your pipes thaws out, it comes gushing out of the busted pipe. Pipes that have burst can cost you a fortune, so call a local plumber to make sure any high-risk pipes are properly insulated.

4. Slab Leaks

Some homes have a crawlspace underneath while others are built on a slab foundation. With a slab foundation, all your plumbing is in or underneath a slab of concrete, which means it's tougher to access when there's a problem. Any leak that occurs underneath a slab foundation is known as a slab leak.



You might not be a professional plumber, but there are some basics you need to know when you own a home. Understanding the different types of leaks and how to prevent them can help you save time and money. If you need a local plumber to fix a leak that's causing water damage or costing you money, contact Osborn Plumbing today.