How Can Plumbing Be Damaged?
Plumbing is a vital component of any home or business. Damage to pipes can lead to a myriad of problems, including the growth of mold, mildew and fungus, ruined carpeting and furniture, rotting of wood floor joists and sub-flooring, as well as electrical and other structural damage.
The best way to prevent a plumbing disaster is to be proactive and address any issues as soon as they arise. Learn how your plumbing can be damaged, so you can avoid the many pitfalls.
Damaged Water Lines
Of all the plumbing calamities that can befall a property, a damaged water line is often one of the most serious. Whether it’s above ground or underground, it can wreak havoc on your building quickly and expose water to pathogens that could potentially pose a health risk for residents.
Water line damage can be caused by several factors, such as corrosion and aging. Corroded or old pipes can develop cracks and breaks over time, which can cause leaks or bursts. Additionally, extreme temperatures can put more stress on in-ground pipes that are susceptible to freezing and thawing.
Leaking water lines also can lead to an increase in your utility bill, as well as extensive damage in your home if it isn’t caught in time. You can help avoid this by having Plumber Doylestown regularly inspect your water line for wear, especially in areas that are exposed to frost and thawing.
Another sign of a damaged water line is if you notice that your water has become discolored or turbid. This can indicate that the water line is corroded and contaminated with mineral blockages, soil, or other contaminants.
You may also notice that your water pressure has suddenly dropped. This can be a result of a pinhole leak, but it could also be a symptom of a damaged water line. In some cases, a damaged water line can even be causing black water to enter your house. This is typically wastewater that contains sewage, cooking grease, soap scum, and other debris, which can cause severe plumbing damage and pose a threat to your family’s health. Black water damage is often twice as expensive to repair than other types of water damage.
Damaged Water Pipes
The water pipes that run throughout a home and property take on a lot of stress every day. They can also become damaged by outside forces, especially when the pipes are underground. When these pipes are damaged, they can cause much more serious issues that go beyond a simple leak. Luckily, there are some ways you can find out about pipe damage before it becomes a problem. For example, you can hear odd noises from your plumbing fixtures or notice a significant increase in the water bill. The best way to catch these signs is by checking the pipes in your home regularly.
Metal plumbing pipes are not designed to last forever, and over time, they will experience wear and tear. When this happens, they can develop corrosion that weakens the walls and joints. This can lead to a pipe break or even burst. In some cases, the corrosion can be caused by a clog that causes too much pressure to build up in the pipe.
Another common cause of broken pipes is shifting soil or ground movement. This can occur naturally or due to seismic activity. Since the pipes are buried beneath the surface, they don’t have a lot of flexibility, and the soil or slab that encases them can move around.
If you are experiencing a water pipe issue, it’s important to act fast and call in a professional plumbers in Delaware County PA for repairs. While you wait for them to arrive, it’s a good idea to start taking photos of the affected areas. You can also try turning on a faucet or sink to release any remaining water pressure and ensure the pipes are fully shut off.
Damaged Fixtures and Appliances
As water passes through tubs, showers, sinks and toilets, it can collect minerals, causing damage to fixtures and appliances. These damage issues are more common than you might think, and many can be prevented with routine checks of your home plumbing fixtures.
For instance, one family left for a three-week vacation and a minor toilet leak grew unaddressed until it was pouring hundreds of gallons into their home every day. That’s enough to destroy irreplaceable personal belongings, ruin flooring and ceilings, and make the home uninhabitable. It would take expensive repairs and water damage restoration to get the home back to livable condition.
Even a small amount of water from leaking pipes or fixtures can cause significant damage over time, particularly in hard-water areas where mineral buildup is a problem. This type of damage can also affect the longevity of plumbing components and appliances, leading to higher repair bills and replacement costs over time.
Some homeowners may try to kludge together a quick fix to a damaged fixture or appliance, but this rarely works and usually leads to bigger problems in the long run. It is much better to enlist the services of a professional plumber.
Checking your bathroom, kitchen and utility room for signs of damage or leaks is a good practice to help prevent these costly water problems. Look for discoloration around pipes, sagging floors and drywall, and other indications of a plumbing issue. You should also be aware of the average lifespan of your appliances and fixtures, so that you can replace them before they’re ruined by water damage. Also, consider checking with your insurance agent to see if you have coverage for non-weather-related water damage.
Tree Roots
A lush yard filled with trees and shrubs adds beauty to your home, but the roots can damage your sewer lines if they grow too close. Roots seek out water and nutrients, and your pipes are an easy vantage point for those thirsty roots to access. Cracks and loose joints offer a perfect opportunity for the roots to penetrate and clog your pipes.
If the roots infiltrate your sewer line, they can clog drains, cause broken pipes and even allow raw sewage to leak into the soil. Thankfully, there are ways to detect tree root infiltration and prevent serious damage to your pipes and plumbing.
One of the first signs of a problem is slow-flowing drains. If your toilets back up and you notice that all of them are gurgling after using drain cleaner, you may have a root blockage in the sewer line. The odor of rotting sewage is another clear indicator that there is an issue with your sewer lines.
Once the roots have entered your sewer line, it is important to contact a plumber as soon as possible. They will send a camera down your pipes to locate the root entry and make repairs as needed. They can also install a root barrier around your sewer lines to stop the roots from entering and damaging your pipes.
Alternatively, you can try to remove the roots by using chemical solutions like rock salt or copper sulfate. However, this method can be costly and requires a lot of effort on your part. If these DIY remedies aren’t successful, your plumber can use a mechanical auger to cut the roots and repair your pipes.
Frozen Pipes
Winter is one of the most common times for pipes to freeze. This can occur due to a sudden drop in temperature, a lack of insulation on the pipe, or an unheated room.
As the water inside of the pipe freezes, it creates pressure that can cause the pipe to burst. This can lead to severe water damage throughout the home or business. Water can damage furniture, walls, ceilings, and floors in the affected area. Water can also seep into and ruin electrical wiring, causing potential fire hazards. It can even cause structural damage to load bearing walls and floors. Leaking from frozen pipes can cause significant problems as well. Water can puddle and flood floors, and can cause mold to grow in wet areas of the building.
The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure that your home or business is properly insulated. This includes insulating pipes that run along exterior walls, or in attics and crawl spaces. It is also a good idea to keep your thermostat turned up and to run hot water at all times to maintain the proper temperature in your home or business.
If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, it is important to shut off the water supply immediately. Doing so will prevent any further damage from occurring and will allow you to call a plumber. You can also try to thaw the frozen pipe by applying heat to the area. This can be done by using a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater. Be careful not to apply too much heat as this can cause the pipe to crack.
Another option is to leave the faucet open on the affected pipe so that water and steam can escape. It is important to remember that it is a good idea to always call a professional to thaw frozen pipes, as it is dangerous if not done correctly.
Plumbing is a vital component of any home or business. Damage to pipes can lead to a myriad of problems, including the growth of mold, mildew and fungus, ruined carpeting and furniture, rotting of wood floor joists and sub-flooring, as well as electrical and other structural damage. The best way to prevent a plumbing disaster…