What can excess pressure in a pipe system lead to?

Excess pressure in a pipe system can lead to leakage due to the increased stress on the pipe material. When the internal pressure exceeds the designed limits, it can cause the joints or seals to fail, resulting in fluid escaping from the system. This can occur at any point in the piping, including connections, bends, or directly along the pipe's surface where weaknesses may exist.

While other options like pipe expansion and valve failure can also result from excess pressure, the most immediate and observable consequence is leakage, which directly impacts the integrity and functionality of the piping system, potentially causing operational issues and safety hazards. Decreased efficiency can be a secondary effect related to leakage, but the primary concern is the integrity of the system being compromised, leading to leaks.