Leaky Pipes: What Are The Causes And How Do You And Your Plumber Prevent Leaks? | Dalworthington, TX
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Leaky pipes can cause a lot of problems in your homes. In order to avoid issues, it’s important that you know the causes of leaky pipes and how you can prevent them. Speak with a plumber in Dalworthington, TX if you need help with your pipes.
Below are some of the causes of leaky pipes:
Shifts in Foundation
Over time, there will be small shifts in your home’s foundation that may create adjustments in your water lines. This would then cause it to either rupture or disconnect. It’s something that you have no control over. The only person who can help you is a plumber. A licensed plumbing company would inspect your home’s foundation and help you alleviate the problem.
Tree Roots
Are there trees near your home’s plumbing systems? We would recommend that you do something about them. Otherwise, they may damage your pipes. There are professionals that you can call and they can help you with trees that are close to your plumbing systems.
When there are cracks in your pipes, water vapor is released into the soil and that may attract tree roots. It will lead to leaky pipes, eventually. Do something about it by calling a plumber.
High Water Pressure
How’s the water pressure in your home? Do you know that high water pressure can damage your pipes? When you don’t do something about the water pressure, it may lead to damaged pipes. Also, a sudden change in the water flow may also strain the pipes, leading to leaks.
Speak with a plumbing service in Dalworthington, TX so they can help you alleviate the problem.
Temperature
During winter, homeowners must insulate their pipes. Otherwise, the water inside them may freeze especially when the temperature reaches below zero. When the water freezes, the pipes may expand and then burst. Remember that water damage can be really costly and it can jeopardize your home’s foundation. You can avoid this when you insulate your pipes during extremely cold weather.
Corrosion
Do you live in an older home? It’s likely that you have galvanized steel pipes in your plumbing and they are susceptible to rust. Over time, the pipes will corrode and it will lead to leaks. If you think that you still have this type of pipe in your home, consider calling a plumber for a pipe replacement.
Improper Installation
Plumbing installations should only be handled by licensed plumbers, not DIY homeowners or a handyman. This is because plumbing emergencies are sometimes caused by incorrect pipe laying. Only licensed plumbers are qualified to install pipes and they are also the professionals that can get the job done right the first time. If you’re thinking about replacing the pipes in your homes, ensure that you’re hiring a licensed plumber.
Leaky pipes can severely damage your home and it’s costly. What’s worse is your insurance company may not always cover water damages.
Problems Caused By Leaky Pipes
You’ll encounter several problems with leaking pipes. Some of them include:
Higher Water Bills
Leaky pipes that are not fixed immediately can waste gallons of water in just a short time. This will reflect in your monthly water bills. To remedy this, you’ll need to call a plumber in Dalworthington, to help you fix the leaky pipes.
Mold
When there are leaks behind the walls, mold can thrive. They will breed, and it will lead to major problems not just for your home’s structure but also for your health. When mold grows, it can lead to several respiratory problems especially in people with asthma or allergies. Some symptoms may include skin irritation, sinus congestion, fatigue, rashes, itchy eyes, and frequent sneezing. You can get rid of this when you call a plumber asap to help you fix the leaks.
Pest
Standing water or clogged drains can attract pests into your home. When your kitchen is infested with rodents or termites, it can be difficult to eliminate. The only thing you can do is to prevent or fix leaky pipes in your plumbing.
Contaminated Water
The water may be contaminated when there are holes in the pipes and dirt or other contaminants make their way inside them and into your drinking supply. This may cause health problems for your entire family. To avoid this, call a plumber in Dalworthington, TX to help you fix your leaky pipes.
How to Spot Leaks
Some leaks are very visible while others are just so difficult to locate. Call a plumber immediately when you suspect that there are leaks in your plumbing. Professional plumbers are equipped with tools that they can use to locate the exact location of a leak.
Signs that there might be leaks in your plumbing include water spots in the ceilings or walls, damp spots in the yard, excessive grass growth
How to Stop Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can lead to costly water damages in your homes. Thankfully, you can do something to prevent further damage or avoid plumbing leaks.
1. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valves are Located
As a homeowner, it’s a must to know where this is located. You need also to inform your family members where the shut-off valves are. When there are leaks in your homes, the shut-off valves will stop the flow of water from the mains and to your pipes, to prevent further water damage.
The first thing you need to do when there are leaks is to turn this off and then call a plumber in Dalworthington, TX for help.
You can also consider installing different shut-off valves in the individual fixtures or appliances so water can still flow in the other areas of the house. Ask help from help in installing these in your home.
2. Get Leak Detection Devices
Leak detectors are very effective at detecting leaks. Simply place these devices near your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher or garbage disposal. When it detects water, it will alarm the homeowner and then automatically shut off the main water supply to avoid damage.
3. Insulating the Pipes
Insulate the pipes to add protection and to prevent the water from freezing. Also, make sure that you don’t use the pipes in your basement as hanger rods. They can really strain the pipes and may lead to plumbing leaks eventually.
4. Repair Problems Right Away
When there are leaks in your plumbing, ensure that you fix them as soon as possible so you can prevent further damage to your property. Replacing floors, walls and your entire plumbing is very costly. You can avoid this when you fix problems however small they are. Minor problems are usually the ones that turn into major plumbing emergencies.
5. Reduce Water Pressure
High water pressure can make your pipes and valves work harder. It’s going to really strain your pipes, leading to a plumbing leak. You can avoid this when you ask a plumber in Dalworthington, TX for help.
6. Soften the Water to Reduce Stress on Pipes
Hard water can shorten the lifespan of your pipes and it can corrode fittings over time. The only remedy for this is to call a plumber in Dalworthington, TX for a water softener installation.
Benefits of Installing a Water Softener
You may see stains in your bathtub or sinks when you use hard water, scale deposits in your plumbing and other appliances, and stains on utensils. By installing a water softener in your home, you get loads of benefits, and your pipes will no longer be that strained.
Below are some of the benefits of installing a water softener in your home. Do make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber during installation.
Less Detergent
If you want your washer to be even more efficient, install a water softener in your home. You’ll use less detergent and your clothes will be sparkling clean. Because soft water works well with detergent, you can save as much as 50% on your soap.
When your clothes don’t come out sparkling clean, the culprit could be the hard water in your plumbing. You can remedy this when you decide to install a water softener in your home. Call a professional so they can help you with the installation.
Fewer Stains on Appliances and Utensils
The minerals found in hard water may leave some stains on your cutlery, plates or cups. ikt can be very unsightly and you’ll need to clean them again which takes time. You won’t have to worry about this problem when you decide to install a water softener in your home. There will be no sediment build-up on your appliances, utensils, and other household items with soft water.
Lower Utility Bills
One of the biggest benefits of installing a water softener in your home is the reduced energy consumption. First, your water heater will not have to work harder to give you heated water. Also, you won’t have to use more water in the shower. Do make sure that you always call a professional in the installation of your water softener.
Softer Fabric and Healthier Skin and Hair
Are you aware that hard water can dry out your hair and skin? After installation of a water softener, you’ll notice that your hair and skin will look better and you won’t have to use more water when bathing. Also, it’ll make your fabric even softer.
While water softeners can be very beneficial for homes, they also have their downsides. However ā when you think about the benefits of installing a water softener in your home, the pros will always outweigh the cons.
A water softener may remove minerals but it’s not going to remove the contaminants in the water. If you live in a contaminated area, you’ll need another system to help you eliminate the contaminants in the water. Don’t worry, a licensed plumber can give you the best solutions on how to deal with this effectively.
Another disadvantage is the taste of water. There are people who actually prefer to have the mineral in the waters. Soft water doesn’t taste bad, just a little different. If you don’t mind this then you won’t have other issues with your water softener.
We would recommend that homeowners decide to install water softeners in their homes. Apart from the obvious benefits, your pipes will really thank you. It’s one of the best ways to avoid leaky pipes.
You do need also to maintain your water softener so it stays efficient. Below are some tips to help you maintain them.
- Use good salt and check it regularly. It would help if you refilled the brine tank with salt every two months but it’s best to also periodically check it. Regularly check it especially when your water softener is more than 10 years old. Refill it when the water level is low. When refilling, make sure that you use good salt.
- Clean the brine tank. Make sure that you scoop out the remaining rocks before cleaning them. Clean the tank with water, brush and a detergent.
- Watch for a build-up of crush in the tank as that can affect the efficiency of your water softener.
- Get help from a professional if you have other issues.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need a plumber in Dalworthington to help you with pipe repairs or installations? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our licensed plumbers are committed to providing only the best plumbing services in the area. We are available at your most convenient time. When it comes to reliability, we always exceed expectations. Call us today for an appointment.