Dealing with a plumbing emergency, especially pipe leaks, is never easy. It can be stressful, overwhelming and downright costly. Knowing the causes of leaks can help homeowners avoid them, which is why we’ve decided to publish this article. Read to know why your plumbing leaks and what you can do to avoid them. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a plumber in your area.
Causes of Leaks in Your Plumbing
Some of the things we’ve mentioned below you may have already known. It’s always nice to be reminded of them so that you avoid making the same mistakes.
Not Insulating Unprotected Pipes
This can be avoided when a homeowner proactively does something to protect the pipes from freezing, expanding and then bursting. If you don’t insulate the pipes during winter or when the temperature starts freezing, the water inside the pipes will freeze in no time, causing the pipes to expand and burst. The last thing you want is frozen pipes as this usually leads to them breaking if you don’t call a plumber right away to thaw them.
Water damage can cost a fortune in replacements and repairs. Imagine how much it would cost when you damage electronic devices or furniture because of a plumbing leak. Or the cost of having to call restoration companies to avoid mold growth in the basement. When the damage is serious, you could also end up buying or repairing pipes, which will cost you more.
If you want to avoid more plumbing expenses, take time off to ensure your plumbing is ready for winter. Cover them with some insulating blanket to keep them warm, or why not turn on the faucet slightly, so that warm water can flow through the pipes and prevent them from freezing? You can also open the cabinet doors for heated air to warm the pipes and prevent them from freezing. Don’t forget to also insulate your outdoor plumbing, even faucets located outside.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure doesn’t just waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, it’s also bad for the plumbing pipes. A water pressure that’s higher than 60 PSI is already considered high and must be corrected ASAP or it’s going to eventually strain the pipes, causing them to break or burst. You may even have to face serious water damage when you have older pipes at home.
Get a water pressure gauge to let you check your home’s water pressure levels. Make sure the result is just between 40 and 60 PSI. If it’s lower than 40, consider calling a professional for leak detection. There could already be a leak somewhere in your plumbing especially when the water bill is also unusually higher.
For homeowners with older pipes, we recommend replacing them with either copper or PVC piping, the types of pipes that are less susceptible to damage and rust. Contact a licensed professional as well to help you install new pipes. Try not to DIY the installation or hire an unqualified person or you might end up paying for more repairs.
Tree Roots
The tree roots themselves don’t cause the leak but there will be catastrophic damage when there’s a leak in your plumbing and these roots are near the pipes. Tree roots are attracted to water or moisture, so a tiny leak is enough for them to infiltrate the pipes and cause major water damage.
If there are trees near your home, we suggest you get in touch with professionals so they can inspect your property and recommend the right solutions.
Shift in Foundation
Homeowners don’t have control over this but they can prevent further problems by getting a regular plumbing inspection. Get an inspection after a major storm or every year to determine if your plumbing is in excellent shape or if there might be issues that need to be addressed immediately.
Repairs or Installations by Unqualified People
When you need major repairs or installations, we recommend hiring a licensed plumber only to ensure the task is properly carried out. Unqualified people may cut corners when it comes to repairs or installations, which could lead to even more problems down the road. They may not be fully equipped to properly do the job well.
To avoid leaks and other problems with your plumbing, hire a licensed professional only. Make sure he’s fully qualified, has years of experience, and is fully insured and equipped to do major plumbing repairs or installations.
DIY Plumbing
Plumbing projects are okay as long as it doesn’t involve major repairs or installations. Minor tasks you can do at home include repairing a small clog or unclogging the toilet or fixing a small leak in the faucet. However, make sure you also use proper plumbing tools for this. For all other projects, contact a professional only.
Clogs
Clogs can also lead to water damage when not addressed and especially when you have older pipes or when you keep using chemical-based drain cleaners. Get a professional drain cleaning service to effectively get rid of a major clog. Install strainers to catch debris and dirt that cause a clog. You can also consider installing a garbage disposal to help you effectively manage food waste.
Protecting Your Home from Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing emergencies can be really costly but thankfully, they can be avoided. Below are some of our tips to help you avoid these costly plumbing emergencies.
- Monitor your bill. The first thing you will have to do is to monitor your bill every month. Are you getting the usual bill or is it unusually