Plumber Tips: Do I Need Water Main Repair? | Arlington, TX
The water main, usually located underground, is the primary pipe that connects to your home’s plumbing. You need to take care of it to avoid costly repairs and replacements. This article will talk about the signs that you may need water main repair, what you need to do as a homeowner, and how to take care of your pipes. Please get in touch with a plumber in Arlington, TX for other concerns.
Signs of a damaged water main:
Recurring Clogs
Drain clogs can be stressful as they are unsanitary and can also lead to other problems such as water damage or pest infestations. One of the most common causes of clogs is the buildup of dirt or debris in the pipes.
There are several ways to get rid of a drain clog. If it’s a minor clog, you can try pouring boiling water down the drain or use vinegar and baking soda solution. Please avoid using heavily advertised chemical-based drain cleaners as they are harmful to your pipes. You may get seriously injured too when you’re not careful using these products. If possible, use a plunger or drain snake as they can also clear clogs. Be careful when using a drain snake, though, because you could end up damaging the pipe walls if you don’t use it properly.
Contact a plumber for professional drain cleaning if you still can’t get rid of the clog using the solutions suggested above. Our professionals are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment to help us diagnose the problem and resolve it permanently. In addition, we have drain cameras that can help us determine the severity of the problem — this tool also helps us find the best solution to eliminating the clog.
Drain clogs can be solved by using a plunger or a drain snake. However, if the problem is in the main water line, you will likely encounter the same problem. If you still get frequent clogs after fixing it with a plunger, we suggest you contact a plumber in Arlington, TX, immediately for a thorough inspection. Our professionals can determine the root cause of the problem and help you resolve it efficiently and effectively.
Higher Water Bills
Plumbing leaks and inefficient appliances contribute to a higher water bill. Another reason is a damaged main water line.
If your bills have suddenly skyrocketed, try doing a leak test. First, check your water meter and take note of the reading. The next step is to ensure that no one else uses the faucet or shower for at least 30 minutes. Go back to the water meter and compare the new reading with the old one. If the numbers change, there is a leak in your plumbing. We highly suggest you call a licensed plumber in Arlington, TX, for professional leak detection. Plumbers can help you find the exact location of the leak.
Another test that you can do is a toilet leak test. Pour a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait for at least 15 minutes. Check the toilet bowl for any changes in the water. There is a toilet leak when the water changes color. Contact a professional for assistance.
Don’t forget to check all of your appliances and see if they are still in excellent shape. You can ask for a plumber’s assistance on this, especially when you have a water heater tank. Check if there are water spots in the ceilings or walls, as that could indicate hidden leaks in your plumbing.
If you’ve already exhausted all the possible causes why your bills are higher and you still can’t find the problem, the issue could be the main water line. Contact a professional at the soonest possible time for help.
Noisy Plumbing Fixtures
Garbage disposals and washing machines make noises. Your pipes may also make some noises, but they shouldn’t be loud enough that it disrupts your sleep or quality of life. When you have older pipes, the noise could indicate pipe corrosion — and it’s best to contact a plumber to help you remedy this problem.
If you’re certain that your pipes and fixtures are in good condition, and yet you still hear noises, the problem could be your water main. We highly suggest that you get in touch with a professional for help. Our plumbers are licensed and highly experienced with water line repair and replacement. We can help determine the root cause of the problem and help you fix it permanently.
Slow Water Pressure
High water pressure can severely strain the pipes and may even lead to leaks. Slow water pressure also indicates another problem — there could be a blockage in the water main like a tree root or a clog.
We highly suggest that you don’t plant any trees near your water main. Tree roots are attracted to moisture — if there is a small crack in the pipes, they can penetrate the pipes in search of moisture, and this can severely damage your pipes. Please make sure that you care for your pipes to avoid costly replacement.
Pooling Water
Do you see puddles of water in the yard, just above the water main? If there’s no rain, but that area of your yard is wet, there could be damage to the water main. It’s best to contact a plumber in Arlington, TX, for a thorough inspection of your plumbing system. A professional may recommend water line repair or replacement depending on the problem.
We want to stress that you only hire highly qualified professionals for this. Avoid hiring unlicensed plumbers and don’t DIY repairs either, as it can be dangerous. For your safety, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth.
Discolored water could also indicate damaged water main, as that would mean that something is infiltrating your water line. We highly suggest that you contact a professional immediately.
Cracks in Your Home’s Foundation
Don’t waste any more time if you suspect the problem could be in your home’s foundation. Please contact us immediately so we can do a proper inspection. Please don’t wait until it’s too late when you have no choice but to go for a complete replacement. Calling a plumber in Arlington, TX, at the soonest possible time could save you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.
If you notice any signs of mold or mildew on the bottom level of your house, we also suggest that you contact a professional for this. Mold can damage your home’s structure and also pose some health risks. Call a plumber for an inspection to provide you with the best solutions.
Best Things To Do When Water Main Is Damaged
First off, you need a reliable and trusted professional to help you inspect the water main and properly diagnose the problem. An experienced professional can permanently fix the problem and avoid long-term damage to your house.
Contact a Licensed Plumber
A reliable professional will never cut corners with repairs. He’s also fully equipped to ensure that all issues are properly taken care of. Most importantly, he knows how to get the job done right the first time. When you have a damaged water main, please reach out to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing — we have a team of professionals that can help you remedy the issue on time.
Consider a Replacement if You Live in an Old Home
If your home is more than 50 years old, we highly recommend that you don’t just get a repair but a complete replacement. That way, you won’t have to keep calling a plumber for repair as the cost adds up over time. A brand-new water main can completely fix the problem.
Avoid DIY Like the Plague
To prevent further damage to your water main, we highly suggest that you don’t hire unqualified people or do things yourself. Remember, plumbing repairs can be dangerous, especially to those not trained to perform plumbing tasks. You don’t have the right experience or tools to carry out the job. It’s best to always go for the right people instead — contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today. Our plumbers are highly competent with any plumbing problems. No problem is ever too large or small for us; we can always take care of it right the first time.
Caring for Your Pipes
One of the things you can do to avoid problems with the water main is to take care of your pipes. Below are some of the things you can do.
Install Drain Guard – To prevent clogged drains, please make sure that you install drain guards in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sink. These fixtures can efficiently catch food, debris, and other dirt that go down the drain.
To properly manage food waste, we also recommend that you consider installing a garbage disposal. And please, never through grease or oil down the drain as they can cause blockage.
Get Professional Drain Cleaning – As homeowners, it’s your responsibility to care for your drains. In addition to being mindful of what you throw in the sink, make sure that you properly clean it with boiling water or vinegar and baking soda solution. Avoid using chemical-based drain cleaners as they are not good for the pipes. Most importantly, call a plumber in Arlington, TX, for professional drain cleaning. With our tools available, our team can effectively help you clean the drain pipes, including its walls.
Replace Old Pipes – If you still have old pipes installed in your home, we highly suggest that you contact a professional today for an inspection. We can help you determine whether it’s best to get new plumbing pipes than keep your old ones. Galvanized steel pipes usually last from 20 to 50 years, depending on maintenance. Copper pipes can last up to 50 years, while brass pipes last about seven years. If you want plumbing pipes that last even longer, consider getting PVC drain pipes.
Consider Removing Trees – While trees can be helpful, especially when you live in a storm-prone area, they may not benefit your plumbing pipes. Why? Even just a tiny crack in the pipes can attract tree roots. It’s only going to penetrate your pipes and severely damage them. If there are trees near your water main, kindly contact a professional to help you remedy the problem.
Get Professional Inspection of the Sewer Lines – To save costly repairs and replacements, contact us today for a sewer inspection. We’ll let you know if there are issues that need to be addressed at the soonest possible time or if your sewer pipes are in good condition. Don’t worry; we have the right tools to get the job done.
Take Care of the Toilet – Do you have little children at home? Please educate them on how to properly care for your toilet. Only flush human waste down the toilet to avoid problems down the road. Otherwise, it’s going to damage your plumbing and your water main.
Regulate the Water Pressure – Please ensure that the water pressure is not higher than 80 psi. Get a pressure regulator to help you resolve your water pressure problem. You can also contact a professional for further assistance.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Are you having problems with your water main? Please contact a plumber in Arlington, TX, as soon as possible. We at Benjamin Franklin are always ready to help! All our plumbers are fully insured, licensed, and highly trained to carry out the job. Our truck is fully equipped, so we’ll take care of the problem immediately if something comes up. There’s no need for you to schedule another appointment as we’ll work hard to resolve the problem within the day.
Over the years, we’ve managed to build a reputation for being a punctual and reliable professional. You can always count on us, especially during emergencies. We’ll never let you down; we guarantee you that. Contact us today, and we’ll quickly dispatch a plumber to your location. What are you waiting for? Call us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth now for an appointment.
