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Are you having a problem with your plumbing system in Mansfield, TX? For most homeowners, everything that flows water to and from one destination is a plumbing fixture. However, it is easy to confuse what is and what is not, especially regarding drainage and plumbing.
These two are often used interchangeably. While the confusion is understandable, we here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing like to be thorough in helping homeowners understand what makes up plumbing and what makes up the drainage system. This way, you can briefly explain your issues like a pro before calling our drain cleaning service experts in Mansfield, Fort Worth, TX.
Below is a guide on plumbing, drainage, and every related topic relevant to you as a homeowner with common plumbing problems and concerns in Fort Worth, TX.
What Is the Difference Between Plumbing and Drainage?
In simple terms, a plumbing system is that which carries and flows water into your property. On the other hand, a drainage system is that which drains water away from your home. Generally, drainage systems can be classified under plumbing.
A plumbing system includes pipes, fittings, and tanks necessary for water supply. Water flowing via your plumbing pipes is clean; often originating from an underground pipe network from the property’s main water supply. Plumbing pipe leaks are inconvenient but fixable with minimal damage. Read further to understand the possible signs of plumbing problems and schedule immediate plumbing repairs.
On the other hand, drainage involves removing wastewater (used water) away from your property. Generally, drainage pipes angle downwards, utilizing gravity to drain the wastewater to a septic tank or sewage treatment facility. Unfortunately, drainage problems can be a tad more dramatic and require immediate expert assistance.
A flawed drainage system can lead to mold or mildew growth and possibly structural damage in stagnant/pooling wastewater. A drainage pipe leak creates an uncomfortable and unhealthy atmosphere.
The good news is that whether you have a plumbing or drainage problem, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Forth Worth is always here to help. We provide expert drain cleaning services in Mansfield, TX, and other drainage services to keep your systems fully functional. Call us at any time, and we can be with you shortly to resolve any issue, big or small.
Signs That You Have a Drainage Problem
Not all drainage problems are so obvious. Below are some of the more subtle signs of checking for bad drainage. Solving these as early as now potentially saves you big bucks in future costly repairs.
1. Gushing Gutters
An overflowing gutter means dead leaves and debris are blocking the flow. Other problems to look out for include vertical dirt streaks outside your gutters, paint peeling offer your walls in vertical stripes, and mud splattering on the siding.
Overflowing gutters may be caused by clogged downspouts or improperly/undersized gutters. Failure to take early actions leads to overflowing gutters to ruin your paint job, rot your siding, and cause structural damage.
2. Water Stains in Your Basement
Depending on where the stain shows up, you can tell if an issue is caused by surface water or water traveling underground. If caused by surface water, the problem is easy to deal with, but if caused by water running underground, then it poses severe damage. If the stain extends in a line around your basement, the issue could be a high watermark caused by fluctuating water tables. It could also be that your basement floor is below the municipal storm drain level, which tends to back up during heavy rain.
3. Deposits and Flakings on Walls
Check for areas of a gray or white crust on your basement walls. These are typically mineral deposits remaining from evaporating water (efflorescence). The wall could also be flaking in large patches, often referred to as spalling.
The best-case scenario is the efflorescence pointing to a point where moisture is condensing. This doesn’t cause structural issues, but you may want to hire an expert to check your downspouts, gutters, and the soil grading around your foundation.
The worst-case scenario is the spalling is due to water seeping inside your masonry. On the one hand, it can be superficial. However, the deeper it is (more than ½”), it could point to improper drainage threatening your foundation’s integrity.
4. Mildew in Your Attic
Agreeably, the attic is the last place you would want to look for a drainage problem. However, if you notice mildew in this part of your house, this could be a sign of serious trouble at the basement or ground level.
This could be because the crawl space or basement moisture rises via the house and con