Common Water Leak Causes in Lanzarote | Leakbusters

Here at Leakbusters Lanzarote, our team of leak detection specialists shares their expertise.

Why Lanzarote Properties Are Uniquely Vulnerable

Living on a volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean creates specific challenges for plumbing systems that mainland property owners never encounter. Lanzarote's combination of geological activity, unique water supply methods, and construction history means that understanding the causes of water leaks is essential for every property owner.

Whether you own a holiday villa in Puerto del Carmen, a residential property in Arrecife, or manage commercial premises anywhere on the island, the underlying causes of plumbing failures share common threads rooted in our island's distinct characteristics.

Geological Factors Unique to Lanzarote

Volcanic Ground Movement

Lanzarote sits on volcanic basalt and loose tephra deposits that behave differently from the stable clay and rock foundations found on the mainland. This geological makeup creates subtle but continuous ground movement that puts stress on rigid pipe connections.

The most recent volcanic activity occurred in the 1730s during the Timanfaya eruptions, but the ground continues to settle and shift. Properties built on reclaimed or filled volcanic material experience more pronounced movement, particularly those near the Malpaís regions.

How this causes leaks:

Pipe joints designed for static ground pull apart over time

Underground supply lines develop stress fractures at connection points

Concrete-embedded pipes crack as surrounding material shifts

Service connections to main water lines separate gradually

Properties in Costa Teguise and parts of Playa Blanca are built on particularly active volcanic terrain where ground settlement continues decades after construction.

Seismic Micro-Activity

While major earthquakes are rare, Lanzarote experiences regular micro-seismic events that register too small for human perception but stress underground infrastructure. The Instituto Geográfico Nacional records dozens of minor tremors annually, primarily originating from the volcanic system beneath Timanfaya.

Each minor event creates imperceptible vibrations that, over years and decades, loosen pipe fittings and degrade joint seals.

The Lanzarote Water Supply Challenge

Desalinated Water Characteristics

Unlike mainland Spain with its rivers and reservoirs, Lanzarote produces virtually all potable water through desalination. The Consorcio del Agua operates facilities in Arrecife and Playa Blanca that convert seawater to drinking water through reverse osmosis.

This desalinated water has distinct properties:

Higher chloride content: Although safe for consumption, trace chlorides accelerate corrosion in older metal pipes. Galvanised steel connections — common in 1980s construction — corrode faster than they would with natural freshwater.

Lower mineral buffering: Natural freshwater contains minerals that coat pipe interiors, creating a protective layer. Desalinated water lacks this buffering capacity, leaving pipe walls more exposed to chemical degradation.

Variable pH levels: Desalination produces water with slightly different pH than natural sources. Over decades, this affects the longevity of certain pipe materials and fittings.

Water Pressure Fluctuations

The island's water distribution network faces unique challenges in maintaining consistent pressure. Elevated areas like Tías village require pumping stations that can create pressure surges when cycling on and off.

These pressure variations — often imperceptible to residents — stress pipe joints and accelerate wear on washers and seals. Properties at the end of distribution lines may experience more pronounced fluctuations.

Construction Era Issues

1970s and 1980s Development Boom

Lanzarote's tourist industry exploded during this period, leading to rapid construction across Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, and Costa Teguise. Buildings from this era share common plumbing vulnerabilities:

Galvanised steel pipes: Standard practice in this period, these pipes corrode from the inside out. After 30-40 years, internal rust buildup restricts flow and weakens pipe walls. Many properties from this era are now experiencing system-wide failures.

Early PVC materials: First-generation plastic pipes become brittle with age and UV exposure. While underground sections may survive, connections near walls and in accessible areas often fail.

Soldered copper joints: While copper itself lasts indefinitely, the lead-based solders used before regulations changed can develop pinhole leaks as the solder crystallises over time.

1990s to 2000s Construction

Properties built during this period typically used improved materials but face different challenges:

Flexible polybutylene pipes: Popular for a brief period, these pipes become brittle and prone to sudden failure. If your property from this era has experienced multiple unexplained leaks, the entire system may need replacement.

Composite fittings: Connections between different materials (copper to plastic, for example) can fail as materials expand and contract at different rates.

Climate and Environmental Causes

Extreme Temperature Cycling

Lanzarote experiences dramatic daily temperature swings, particularly in summer when surfaces can exceed 50°C during the day and drop to 15°C at night. This cycling affects plumbing in several ways:

Roof and aljibe tanks: Traditional rooftop water storage tanks expand and contract daily, stressing inlet and outlet connections. The fittings on these tanks often leak first.

Above-ground pipes: Any exposed pipework experiences accelerated wear from thermal cycling. Metal pipes expand and contract measurably, putting stress on fixed connection points.

Hot water systems: Solar thermal installations — extremely common on Lanzarote — subject pipes to more extreme thermal stress than traditional systems.

UV Degradation

The intense solar radiation that makes Lanzarote attractive to visitors also damages exposed plumbing components. Plastic pipes, rubber gaskets, and PVC fittings degrade rapidly when exposed to direct sunlight.

Common UV damage points:

Pool pump connections

Exterior tap fittings

Aljibe overflow pipes

Irrigation system components

Solar water heater connections

Salt Air Corrosion

Properties within a few hundred metres of the ocean face accelerated corrosion of metal components. The combination of salt deposits, high humidity during calima events, and temperature extremes creates an aggressive environment for:

Outdoor tap mechanisms

Balcony drain connections

External water heater housings

Air conditioning condensate lines

Specific Leak Causes by Property Type

Residential Villas

Detached villas, particularly those with gardens and pools, face the widest range of potential leak causes:

Irrigation system failures: Underground drip lines and sprinkler connections degrade in volcanic soil. The porous nature of local volcanic aggregate allows water to drain away without visible surface signs.

Pool plumbing: The combination of chlorinated water, thermal stress, and underground installation creates numerous potential failure points. Pool leak detection requires specialised equipment to locate these hidden problems.

Long service connections: Villas at the end of private roads often have extensive underground supply lines from the main water network. These buried pipes are particularly vulnerable to ground movement.

Apartment Complexes

Multi-unit buildings present distinct challenges:

Shared infrastructure: Vertical risers and horizontal distribution pipes serve multiple units. A leak in one section can affect several properties before detection.

Community pool systems: Commercial-grade pool installations have complex plumbing with multiple potential failure points. The pressure and volume of water involved means leaks develop quickly once initiated.

Age concentration: Many apartment complexes were built during concentrated development periods, meaning multiple systems approach end-of-life simultaneously.

Holiday Rentals

Properties used for tourist accommodation face additional stresses:

Inconsistent occupancy: Periods of non-use allow small leaks to develop undetected. Guests may not report minor issues that a permanent resident would notice immediately.

Intensive usage periods: High-season occupation means appliances run continuously, accelerating wear on connections and fittings.

Multiple handovers: Cleaning and maintenance between guests can inadvertently disturb connections, particularly under sinks and behind appliances.

Hidden Infrastructure Problems

Community Mains Failures

Many urbanisations on Lanzarote have ageing community water infrastructure that can affect individual properties. Leaks in shared supply lines can:

Reduce pressure to individual properties

Contaminate supply if sewage lines run nearby

Cause sinkholes that threaten foundations

Result in community-wide supply restrictions

Cesspit and Septic Issues

Properties not connected to mains sewerage rely on private waste disposal systems. In the volcanic terrain, these systems can develop problems that create secondary water issues:

Failed tank seals allowing groundwater infiltration

Root intrusion creating blockages and backups

Settlement causing pipe disconnections

Prevention Strategies for Lanzarote Properties

Understanding these causes allows proactive prevention:

Annual inspections: Have a professional check visible pipework, connections, and accessible fittings yearly. Our pipe inspection services can identify problems before they become emergencies.

Water meter monitoring: Install a smart meter or check readings weekly. Sudden consumption increases indicate developing leaks.

System documentation: Know what materials were used in your property's construction. If your building dates from the 1970s-80s, plan for eventual pipe replacement.

Thermal protection: Shield exposed pipes and tanks from direct sunlight. Simple shade structures significantly extend component life.

Salt protection: For coastal properties, apply protective coatings to metal fittings and consider marine-grade replacements during any repair work.

When Professional Detection Becomes Necessary

Some leaks announce themselves obviously — water stains, dripping sounds, or visible damage. Others remain hidden, revealed only through unexplained consumption increases or subtle signs.

Our water leak detection services use acoustic sensors, thermal imaging, and tracer gas methods to locate hidden leaks without destructive investigation. Understanding the common causes helps us target our search and provide faster, more accurate diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do older Lanzarote properties have more leak problems?

Construction materials and methods from the 1970s-80s are now reaching end-of-life. Galvanised steel pipes corrode, early PVC becomes brittle, and decades of ground movement stress all connections. Properties over 30 years old should have professional plumbing assessments.

Does the volcanic soil really cause leaks?

Yes. Unlike stable clay or rock, Lanzarote's volcanic base continues settling. This slow movement creates stress on rigid pipe connections over years, eventually causing joint failures and cracks that wouldn't occur on more stable ground.

How does desalinated water affect my pipes?

Desalinated water has different chemical properties than natural freshwater. It lacks the mineral content that protects pipe interiors and contains trace chlorides that accelerate metal corrosion. This matters most in older galvanised steel systems.

Can temperature changes really damage plumbing?

Absolutely. Lanzarote's temperature swings cause pipes to expand and contract daily. Over decades, this thermal cycling loosens fittings, degrades seals, and creates stress cracks in both metal and plastic components.

How often should I have my plumbing inspected?

Annual visual inspections catch developing problems early. Properties over 25 years old, or those with pools and irrigation systems, benefit from more thorough biennial professional assessments including pressure testing.

What's the most common leak cause you find in Lanzarote?

Failed toilet mechanisms and corroded supply connections account for most residential leaks. For commercial and pool systems, underground pipe joints stressed by ground movement are the primary cause. Each property type has its characteristic failure patterns.

Protecting Your Lanzarote Investment

Water damage from undetected leaks causes more property damage than any other single cause on Lanzarote. Understanding the specific factors that make our island's properties vulnerable allows you to take preventive action before problems develop.

Whether you're concerned about your existing plumbing, planning renovations, or investigating unexplained water consumption, contact our team for professional assessment. Our local experience means we understand exactly what challenges your property faces.