What can excessive expansion and contraction of pipes lead to?

Excessive expansion and contraction of pipes can indeed lead to leaks if not managed with appropriate fittings. This phenomenon occurs as temperature fluctuations cause materials, particularly metals and plastics, to expand when heated and contract when cooled. If the pipes are rigidly secured without the use of flexible fittings or expansion joints, the stress from these movements can result in cracks, joint separations, or other structural failures, ultimately leading to leaks. Correctly using fittings designed to accommodate thermal expansion can mitigate these risks, ensuring the integrity of the plumbing system over time.

In contrast, improved water flow and poor water quality are not directly linked to the expansion and contraction issue. Increased noise within pipes can sometimes be a symptom of the expanded or contracted state creating turbulence or resonance, but it is not the primary or most significant concern arising from the expansion and contraction itself.