Top 5 Causes of Pipe and Supply Line Leaks in Chicagoland Homes

Plumbing leaks can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare, causing extensive water damage and potentially requiring costly repairs. 

Chicagoland homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their plumbing systems. The region’s extreme seasonal weather, aging infrastructure, and diverse housing stock contribute to a higher risk of pipe and supply line breakages. 

At PuroClean of Evanston, we have extensive experience helping home and business owners recover after a plumbing or sewage disaster. Awareness of the common causes and signs of leaks is essential for maintaining a healthy home and preventing a highly unpleasant incident.

Time Takes Its Toll

Many Chicagoland homes, particularly in older neighborhoods, still rely on outdated plumbing materials that are prone to corrosion. According to the Associated Press, Chicago has more elderly water pipes made out of lead than any other US city. In other areas, lead service lines were replaced at some point by cast iron, copper, or galvanized steel.

Corrosion is one of the most prevalent causes of pipe leaks in this region, especially in vintage properties. This chemical reaction occurs when metal pipes are exposed to water and oxygen over time, which gradually weakens the material.

Galvanized steel pipes, common in homes built before the 1960s, can corrode from the inside out, leading to reduced water flow and eventual leaks. Copper pipes, while more durable, can also develop pinhole leaks due to corrosion caused by mineral deposits or changes in water chemistry. 

Even modern PVC pipes can degrade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures. Regular inspection and maintenance can help you monitor and manage this situation. 

Brutal Build-Up

Water hardness is a term used to describe the amount of calcium and magnesium in your water — naturally occurring minerals that the water picks up as it flows over rocks and sediment along the lake. 

Chicagoland water is considered hard due to these minerals, which build up in aging pipes and contribute to leaks, blockages, and failures. Hard water can not only harm your plumbing, it can reduce the lifespan of major appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. You may want to consider investing in a water softener to help protect your pipes and save on your water bill.

Wild Weathering

Chicago’s notoriously cold winters pose a significant threat to your plumbing system. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, potentially causing pipes to crack or burst. This is particularly problematic for pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces, or those running along exterior walls.

This continuous freeze-and-thaw cycle will eventually weaken plumbing materials, and older homes with poor insulation are especially vulnerable to this type of damage.

Burst pipes are one of the top causes of water-related property damage and can cost thousands of dollars to repair, per the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. While no one can control the weather, there are steps you can take to protect your property during the winter:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas and along exterior walls.
• Keep your home heated to at least 55°F during cold snaps, and keep garage doors closed.
• Allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent freezing.
• Seal air leaks around pipes that pass through walls or floors.
• Open cupboard and vanity doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Know where your water shut-off valves are and how to use them.
• Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses before freezing temps arrive.

If you’re heading south for the winter months, shutting off the water supply can also help prevent pipes from bursting inside the home. 

The Ground Beneath

Natural ground movement, settlement, and soil erosion can cause stress on underground pipes, leading to leaks and breaks. The yearly freeze-and-thaw cycle can slowly shift building foundations, putting further stress on plumbing joints and seals.

Property owners should be vigilant regarding signs of foundation issues, such as cracks in walls and floors, doors that stick, uneven floors, separating cabinets or counters, warped siding, or water pooling around your home.

Trees and other plants provide beauty, shade, and oxygen, but their roots are drawn to the moisture content of your pipes, aka “tree root intrusion,” which can cause chaos with your sewer lines. If you notice soggy spots in your yard, unpleasant smells, or gurgling drains, it may be time to invest in a professional plumbing system inspection. 

Overcoming Disaster

Sometimes, pipe and supply line leaks are simply due to external forces, such as haphazard installation, poorly planned construction projects, or instances of excessive water pressure. 

While high pressure might seem desirable for showers and cleaning, it puts undue stress on pipes, joints, and appliances. Over time, this can lead to pinhole leaks, burst pipes, and premature failure of water heaters and other appliances.

While the city is responsible for problems with the municipal lines or those on public property, the Evanston City Code indicates that the property owner is responsible for maintaining the private building sewer service line. 

Even the highest quality plumbing materials can fail if installed incorrectly, and neglecting routine maintenance can turn small issues into major problems. Ignoring minor leaks, failing to clean drains regularly, and postponing necessary repairs can all lead to more significant water damage over time.

If disaster strikes, the team at PuroClean of Evanston is here to help. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for home and business plumbing backup and water damage emergencies, so save our contact information today!