A leaky pipe can lead to numerous plumbing problems and must be avoided if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on repairs and restorations. In this article, we’ll talk about what causes pipes to leak, how to avoid them, and why you need to hire a licensed plumber in Dalworthington, TX, for repairs or installations.
What are some of the causes of leaky pipes?
Tree Roots
Contact professionals for an inspection if there are trees near your home’s plumbing. They can check the area and determine if the trees are a potential threat to your home’s plumbing. Remember, tree roots are attracted to moisture and water. A tiny crack in your plumbing pipes is enough for the tree roots to penetrate and cause damage to the pipes. To avoid a plumbing emergency, consider calling a professional today so they can help you resolve your problem. When the tree roots have already caused damage to your pipes, please don’t hesitate to contact a plumber today for assistance.
Shifts in Foundation
Small shifts in your home’s foundation can also create adjustments in the water lines and may lead to a rupture. Unfortunately, this is something you have no control over. What we can recommend though is for you to schedule regular plumbing inspections with a professional in Dalworthington, TX. During the inspection, the plumber can thoroughly inspect your home including the plumbing foundation to ensure that it’s still in good working condition. If there are problems, he will surely provide cost-effective solutions to remedy the problem.
Unprotected Pipes
During the winter, the temperature can drop to below zero. When this happens, homeowners must properly insulate the plumbing pipes so that the water inside them doesn’t freeze. Pipes can expand and burst when water freezes. You don’t want to deal with water damage or it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg on repairs. Leaks can also damage your home’s foundation. To avoid this, contact a professional if you need assistance with winterizing your plumbing pipes and other outdoor plumbing. If you have an old water heater tank, we also recommend that you get an insulating blanket to save energy and money. And don’t forget to insulate your basement and crawl spaces.
High Water Pressure
Low water pressure can indicate leaks in your plumbing. Call a professional immediately if you suspect plumbing leaks. It’s also not good to have high water pressure as that can severely strain the pipes and may lead to leaks and other problems. Purchase a water pressure regulator to help you regulate your water pressure or contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Corrosion
If you still have galvanized pipes installed in your home, reconsider replacing them with newer pipes. Galvanized steel pipes are likely to corrode and may end up with leaks in your plumbing. For installation, please make sure that you only work with a licensed professional for assistance.
The minerals in hard water can also cause pipes to rust and leak. If there is a high concentration of hard water in your plumbing, consider installing a water softener. Contact a licensed professional for installation.
Incorrect Installation
Whether it’s for repair or installation, please make sure that you only hire a licensed professional to avoid problems and more repairs. Don’t attempt to DIY the installation or you may end up with costly plumbing emergencies. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has been helping out homeowners and businesses for several years. Call one of our plumbers and we are more than happy to help.
Ways to Spot Plumbing Leaks
Do a water meter test if there might be leaks in your plumbing. Turn off your water and take note of the numbers that you see in the water meter. Please make sure that no one else is using the shower or the faucet in your home. Check the reading again and compare it with the first reading. There is a leak in the plumbing when the numbers changed. Contact a professional in Dalworthington, TX, immediately for an inspection.
To do a toilet test, simply pour a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait for about 15 minutes. Check the color of the water in the toilet bowl. There is a leak when the water changes color. Call a professional plumber immediately so they can help you fix the toilet and avoid wasting water.
Issues Caused by Damaged Pipes
Homeowners must know how to take care of their pipes to avoid leaks and water damage that will cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Below are the problems caused by leaky pipes. Please make sure that you address them right away by calling a professional in Dalworthington, TX, for assistance.
High Water Bills
Leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water and this is going to reflect in your monthly water bills if not addressed promptly. Get your plumbing pipes repaired the soonest possible time to avoid further damage to your plumbing.
Pests
Clogged drains and standing water can attract pests and rodents to your home. Imagine when your bathroom or kitchen is infested with termites and rodents — they can be difficult to remove or completely eliminate. The only way you can avoid this serious problem is by making sure that your plumbing is in excellent shape.
Mold
Mold doesn’t only damage your home’s structural foundation. It also poses health risks especially to family members suffering from allergies and other respiratory problems. You can avoid mold by properly maintaining your plumbing system. If there is water damage already, it’s crucial that you contact the right professional to help you prevent mold growth in your home.
How to Avoid Plumbing Leaks
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to know where the shut-off valves are located. You need to also inform all your family members where they can find the main valves in case you won’t be home. If there is a plumbing leak, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water supply by turning off the main valve. We even recommend that you install shut-off valves near your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, and plumbing pipes to make it easier for you to turn them off. For installation, please make sure that you only hire a licensed professional in Dalworthington, TX.
Below are some tips to help you avoid plumbing leaks:
Protect the pipes – This is a must, especially during the winter. You can purchase some insulating material at your local hardware and protect exposed pipes including your outdoor plumbing. If possible, slightly open the faucet so that warm water can flow through the pipes. Also, try not to close the cabinet doors underneath the sink so that warm air can also circulate in that area.
If you have older pipes at home, we suggest that you get them replaced with flexible and durable PEX piping. These types of pipes are not only corrosion resistant but can also expand and can withstand lower temperatures. It can help prevent water from freezing inside the pipes. Also, they are more affordable compared to copper pipes and are a lot easier to install and replace. We do suggest that you only work with a licensed plumber for the installation.
Install Leak Detection Devices – Leak detectors are effective at detecting fluctuations in the water temperatures and leaks in the plumbing. They can alert you if there are leaks and these devices can also automatically turn off the main valve to prevent further damage to your plumbing. Speak with one of our plumbers so we can help you determine what leak detection device to install for your home.
Never Ignore Plumbing Problems – Plumbing emergencies don’t occur overnight; they happen when homeowners neglect minor plumbing issues. If there are problems with your plumbing, please contact a professional immediately for assistance. Don’t postpone it to avoid costly repairs.
Hire a Licensed Plumber for Pipe Repair
While all homeowners want to avoid plumbing leaks, sometimes they still do occur. When this happens, please make sure that you only hired qualified professionals to help you repair or install replacement pipes. An unlicensed professional may offer their services at a lower price but they may also likely compromise the quality of their work.
An unlicensed professional may not have the right training and experience to properly carry out the job. This means that they may likely make a mistake. Now, remember, pipe installations have to be completed right the first time. You can’t afford to hire someone not qualified to get the task done or you may only end up with more problems down the road.
When it comes to installing pipes, it’s also crucial to have the right tools and equipment. A neighbor DIY enthusiast may not have all the tools he needs to complete the job and may ask you to purchase plumbing tools — that’s an additional expense on your part. Please contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for we are fully equipped. We have everything we need to complete the plumbing job on time and we can get it right the first time.
One last thing, an unlicensed plumber doesn’t have insurance. If he gets injured while on the job, you will have to take care of the medical expenses.
Below are the things you need to look for when hiring plumbers in Dalworthington, TX:
Credentials
In choosing a plumbing company, please make sure that they have decades of experience in the industry. They must employ licensed and highly experienced professionals to avoid mistakes. Our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin are trained, licensed, and experienced. We can take care of any plumbing job, big or small. We are also highly experienced with pipe repairs and installations. Our team of professionals can install any type of pipe and we can get the job done right the first time.
Insurance
This is important for your peace of mind. When the plumber is fully insured, you won’t have to worry in case there might be accidents as the insurance company will take care of the medical expenses. No need to worry about this though, for our professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing prioritize safety first. We have all the safety tools and equipment that we need.
Professionalism
While skills and experience are important, they shouldn’t be the only things that matter. Please make sure that the plumbers are professional and always on time. Make sure that the plumbing company you hire has superb customer service and will walk you through the entire process. It’s also best when they are knowledgeable about plumbing, to help you make an informed decision about what plumbing appliances or fixtures to install in your home.
Services
Does the plumbing company offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services? It’s important that you can call them anytime, in case there is a plumbing emergency at home. Also, look at the services they offer. Choose a plumbing company that offers a wide range of plumbing services so you won’t have to keep calling different plumbers every time you need a repair, or installation or plumbing maintenance.
Reviews
If you haven’t worked with a plumbing company in the past, consider reading testimonials or reviews online. Talk to friends and family members for any feedback or recommendations. Also, find out how long they have been in business. If they have been providing plumbing services for decades, that means that they have enough experience to properly carry out the job.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need a plumber in Dalworthington, TX? We can help! Our plumbers are licensed and highly qualified to perform any plumbing task. Whether you need repiping at home or plumbing repairs, we can help. Our team of professional plumbers can also help with major plumbing installations, routine inspections, and maintenance. We are available round the clock and our staff is knowledgeable and professional.
Contact us anytime and we’ll quickly dispatch a plumber to your home or business. Also, rest assured that we are never late. Most importantly, we can get the job done effectively and efficiently. Call us today for an appointment.