Problems with your pipes at home can have disastrous consequences – no one wants a flooded basement, or multi-level water damage from a flooded bathroom upstairs. It is important to understand the signs of pipe troubles and hire professionals like flowtechnologies.com to fix the issue or you can identify them before they escalate into an even greater issue. With an understanding of what these signs are, you can avoid the unnecessary frustration that can come when things start to go wrong.
It’s also a good idea to know as much about plumbing repair as possible before you do any plumbing repairs yourself. You want to make sure that you understand what you’re dealing with and the steps that will need to be taken in order to fix it properly.
Causes of Pipe Issues
Most plumbing pipes are constructed with large pieces of iron and steel to protect the pipe from damage while it is being laid. Unfortunately, some people have found that their pipes will corrode as they are being installed, which is why it is important to call a professional to do pipe leak repairs. The right kind of equipment can prevent damage to pipes, which in turn means that you can avoid spending a lot of money on pipe repairs.
Here are a few of the warning signs that your house needs pipe repairs:
1. Clogged Pipe
One of the most common signs is a clogged pipe. In this situation, you will find that the drain has stopped flowing altogether. If you find this happening, then you need to stop and get rid of whatever it is that’s blocking your pipe.
A clog is not a serious problem, but a simple fix is always best. You will need to contact your local plumbing company and find out what type of block you have. Common clogs include hard to remove deposits, grease, hair, dust, hair, and other foreign objects. These are easy to handle with a chemical drain clog remover or a drain snake. However, there are some cases in which something far more difficult to remove has impeded your pipes, like tree roots that have wormed their way into your pipes. Once you have identified the main issue and found a professional who deals in the area of your plumbing, they will be able to advise you on what steps to take.
2. Obvious Pipe Damage
Your pipes could be cracked, and there may be damage to your pipes themselves. It’s never too late to have your pipes cleaned and the sooner you act, the better chance you have of making the necessary repairs and saving yourself money in the long run.
Replacing a damaged pipe is a very simple process, and most people can do it on their own. Make sure that the plumbing contractor comes with a complete set of tools so that you don’t have to wait until after you have had the pipe replaced to start digging. Once the contractor has finished, the rest of the pipe is easy to complete.
3. Losing Water
When the pipes are not working properly, water leaks can occur from anywhere in the house. Whether it is an outlet on your bathtub, the toilet, your sink, or an area that is not sealed off from the rest of the house, it is possible to have an issue with water leaking into your house. Over time, this can cause water damage to your walls and floors, so make sure to regularly check the sealing around places like your shower walls, your sinks, at the base of your toilet, etc.
4. Water Escaping Out of Faucet
Many of us have had to deal with a leaky faucet at one time or another. Oftentimes, the issue is resolved by just tightening the faucet. However, if you’ve tried that and are still experiencing a leak, that may mean you should take a look at the pipes themselves for some kind of issue.
5. Burst Pipes
The main cause of this type of condition is a broken valve. In some cases, a faulty valve may be the cause of the problem because it has not been properly maintained, or it just wore down over time. This condition is most likely to occur in an older home or a building where the homeowner does not routinely inspect the valve.
When a valve begins to leak or fails to close correctly, pressure can build up between the valve and the pipe and cause the valve to burst. The valve will usually burst in areas where pressure is greatest, such as around the water heater.
A faulty valve is only one of several common causes for the condition. Other causes are a clogged drain or faucet or a loose joint in the wall or floor. Regardless of which the cause is, you should take the necessary corrective actions as soon as you can.
A leaky valve means that the valve is either too big or small for the diameter of the pipe that it serves. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire valve. In other instances, you can simply repair the damage that has already occurred. It will likely require an estimate and some type of tools to remove the damaged portion. Once you’ve repaired the damaged section, the remainder of the pipe will need to be inspected to ensure that the damaged area is no longer causing problems.
When to Call a Plumber
If you are dealing with a bigger problem, you may find that the problem has started to get so bad that you cannot fix it on your own. It’s time to call a plumber. Here are the good reasons to call a plumber:
- Use of Proper Equipment: One main reason that you should call a plumber is to ensure that you have the proper equipment. A plumber can help you with any plumbing problems that you might be having, whether they are small or major. There are different types of plumbing equipment that can be used in order to determine the correct route for pipes and drains that you would not commonly have around your home.
- Resolves the Plumbing Problem Right: If you have a problem with water leaking into the house, make sure that you address it right away. If it’s an emergency situation, make sure that you have an idea of how to handle it by knowing what you need to do to stop the leak.
- Expert and Professional: A professional plumber will ensure that your pipes are fixed as quickly as possible. The plumbing industry is not only used to dealing with emergencies but also with the long-term effects they can cause. A water leak or clog can ruin your carpeting, break your windows and even ruin your health.
- Importance of Regular Inspection: It can be helpful to have a professional to check out your pipes on a regular basis to ensure that there are no problems developing. Most of us wouldn’t know what exactly to look for, which is why a plumber is a good option to help identify problems before they start. Proactive plumbing is crucial in the health of your plumbing system, saving your pipes, and saving your wallet from expensive repairs too. Having a professional water damage service on hand can prevent you from having to call your regular plumber.
Conclusion
There are several plumbing reasons why a homeowner might have a problem with their pipes. If you are in this situation, you need to be aware of all the potential issues so that you know what to do to fix them. If the pipe problem is ignored for too long, you may end up having to replace a whole section of pipe instead of just the one that is leaking. It’s a big mistake that can be expensive, so it is important to address the problem quickly.
