As a homeowner, it is inevitable you will run into a plumbing problem, but which ones should you never ignore? All plumbing issues should be addressed as soon as possible. With that being said, there are a few problems that end up causing significant water damage and expensive repairs.
Drains clogging on a regular basis
Simple clogs may just need a plunger to clear it, but when they start happening on a regular basis can mean a bigger problem.
Grease, oils, and debris build up in your plumbing pipes. It may be tempting to use a chemical drain cleaner, but that can cause even more damage. Professional drain cleaning and jetting will safely remove all the debris.
Pinhole leaks
Pipes don't last forever, over time they break down and corrode. Often times this occurs in obscure places such as under floors, between walls or in the pipes in the ceiling, this is also where the most damage can occur. An inspection by a professional leak detection service is worth the investment.
Unfortunately, all piping materials corrode and deteriorate over time. “Nearly 75 percent of all utilities have corrosive soil conditions and combined with a high portion of old cast iron and ductile iron pipes, corrosion is ranked the second-highest reason for water main pipe failure in the United States.” according to a study by Steven Folkman, USU professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Higher than normal water bill
Some water leaks are hard to find simply because they are small. In order to figure out if there is a water leak, keep an eye on the utility bills. If there is a water leak, water is leaking out on a constant basis. This should be reflected by a rising utility bill. Therefore, people should look at their utility bills regularly and try to find an unexplained rise in water usage. If this is rising, there is a leak somewhere in the home.
Stains Can Start To Appear
If water is leaking, stains might start to show up on the floor or on the ceiling. They will show up as water marks that people may have noticed when they spilled water in the past. If a stain is present, a leak is definitely nearby. Watch out for stains because these can lead to property damage as well.
Your Best Defense, Be Proactive About Water Leaks
Regularly check your property for any indications of a plumbing leak. If you suspect a water leak but are not able to find the source, contact the professionals at the Leak Doctor.
