Why do leaks happen?

There are many different pressures put on our pipework. A lot has to do with where they are - underground. Some of the main causes of leaks are:

1. Temperature changes

Hotter temperatures make the earth around a pipe shrink, so that it's no longer supporting the pipe in the normal way. This can form pressure points on sections of pipe which can lead to leaks. Equally, when the temperatures dip below freezing, the pipes themselves shrink. Meanwhile, any water inside them freezes and expands. This shrinking and expanding can damage the pipes and lead to leaks once the ice has thawed.

How to protect your pipes

2. Ground movement

We don't notice it, but beneath our feet the ground is constantly moving. Very small changes can have very big consequences on how the pipe is supported underground, and can weaken pipes over time, making them more susceptible to leaks.

3. Sudden demand changes

If demand for water increases suddenly in a specific area - for example, at half time on match days when everyone fills their kettles, or when the fire brigade needs to put out a fire - a lot of water will flow through the pipes at much greater speed than normal. If a pipe has already been weakened, this surge can result in a leak.

4. Age of pipework

Some of our pipework has served us brilliantly for years and years. But, as with everything, sometimes its age catches up with it, and it becomes weaker and more likely to leak.

Leaks