The plumbing system silently keeps a home running smoothly. But, like any system, it can be vulnerable to various threats, including temperature changes, aging appliance hoses, and leaky fixtures.
Unaddressed leaks can lead to major water damage and high utility bills. This is especially true when the leaks occur in hard-to-reach places.
- Broken Pipes
Broken pipes can lead to serious household damage, including rot and mold growth, disintegrated drywall or ceilings, water stains and increased or fluctuating water bills. It’s important to know the early warning signs and take immediate action to prevent a burst pipe:
A constant dripping sound, rattling, or hissing when water is turned on, a sudden drop in water pressure, wet spots or standing water, or a rotting smell are all surefire signs of a leaky or cracked pipe. If you suspect a break, it’s important to turn off the water supply to the area and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry any affected areas as quickly as possible.
If you can’t turn off the water, at least drain any excess water with a wet/dry vacuum or pump and move any personal belongings to a safe, warm location. It’s also important to call a plumbing professional right away to minimize damage and costly repairs. Poor workmanship can also cause leaky pipes, especially if the original installation was done by an unqualified plumber.
- Tree Roots
Mature trees add beauty and value to homes, but if they grow too close to plumbing lines, they can cause problems. Roots can travel a long distance in search of moisture, and they can invade and damage pipes over time.
Leaky pipes offer easy access for roots and aggressive weeds to enter the line. Once inside, they are able to block wastewater and solid waste as it moves through the system, causing extensive damage and requiring plumbing repair.
Symptoms of tree root invasion include a slow-moving sink or toilet that seems to be continually getting clogged, repeated sewer backups, and strange gurgling sounds coming from your drains. It is important to be aware of these signs so you can act quickly and catch the problem early. A professional can install a root barrier to help discourage the growth of tree roots near your pipes. However, these solutions are usually temporary and require frequent inspection and maintenance.
- Seal Damage
When homeowners notice a high water bill or wet spots in the yard, it can be an indication of hidden leaks. These leaks waste water, promote unwelcome organic
growth and can cause structural damage to the home. However, these hidden problems can often be spotted and addressed by our plumbers before they become major issues.
Over time, industrial rubber seals can deteriorate and break down. These seals connect pipes to fixtures such as sink taps and dishwashers. If these seals are exposed to corrosive chemicals like drain cleaners or paint, they may degrade faster.
Leaks in the plumbing system can also lead to black or green mold and mildew within the home. These substances are dangerous to the health of family members, especially children and infants, and can also cause allergies and asthma. They also increase humidity levels in the home, which can speed up the spread of spores. These types of leaks are usually caused by pipe corrosion or age, and can be prevented with regular cleaning and repair.
- Old Pipes
Typically buried underground and out of sight, the supply and drain pipes in your home are not a priority unless they start leaking. But these leaks can quickly escalate into severe water damage, rot and mold contamination. The best way to address these problems is with proactive pipe replacement when needed.
If you find water stains on your walls and ceilings, these are an indication that the piping in your home is old and nearing its end of life. These older pipes may have been made of materials such as galvanized steel, iron or lead, which are more prone to corrosion and degradation over time.
Plumbing leaks are never a good thing, no matter their size. If they are not addressed quickly, they can cause costly damage to your drywall, carpeting and even your home’s structural integrity. So if you are seeing any signs of plumbing leaks in your home, make sure to have a professional plumber check out the problem right away. If you need help locating plumbers or if you have a leak that needs immediate attention, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ offer a lot of good plumbing services.
