If you are a homeowner, you must understand that a leaky pipe can cause potential damage. If you leave the cause untreated, it can lead to a foul-smelling home and unnecessary water waste.
The best way to fix a problem like this is indeed, hiring a professional. A water line repair doesn't cost too much if you get it fixed at the right time.
Preventing this kind of damage is not always straightforward, and may need a lot of looking back and forth.
Your next step should be to start working on the leakage as soon as possible. This will help you avoid any further wastage of water and damage to property. Fend off the disaster beforehand if you sense problems like the foul or musty smell, cracked lines, dirty water, and air in the lines.
It is not just a leaky pipe repair and can have much more background to the problem. Here are some of the most common causes of leakage, and their easy solutions:
BROKEN SEALS:
or rubber pipes for external usage. These plastic pipes have a higher chance of breaking because they cannot take too much pressure for long.
If you detect that your pipe is starting to crack, or has edges that are showering, fix it now! The solution is easy, epoxy or pipe putty. You can seal the crack immediately by letting the putty harken for some time. Avoid using the pipeline or restroom and let it dry for a while.
CLOGGED LINES:
Clogged lines are not an urgent threat, but if left untreated, they can become one. Most of us may have seen clogged lines because there is a huge chance that your sewage line has some dirt buildup.
The pressure buildup can cause hindrances which can lead up to blockage and overflow. Preventing a clogged line is easy, by adding hair traps, and strainer to the pipeline that leads out from the system.
If not, there are many easy DIYs and chemical solutions that you can do to fix your clogged line. The best thing to keep on hand is a plunger, which avoids any further cause or damage.
DAMAGED JOINTS:
Longer pipes can only connect with joints. Pipe joints look like human elbows and work similarly. The purpose is to move the water around your vicinity without a problem.
Over time your joints can deteriorate because of high-pressure flow, which can cause them to leak. The easy solution to fix damaged joints is by putting on industrial-grade tape, or putty solution.
The solution yet is only temporary and wouldn't last too long, so it is better to consider replacing the joint. Look out for sounds like ticking or clogging in the pipe. If you do hear some, chances are it needs a replacement!
CORROSION:
If you live in an old vicinity, chances are that the pipelines are not in the best condition. As your plumbing system ages, rust and other forms of corrosion will start consuming the pipes.
The best solution is to consider quality pipes. If you are thinking about entirely changing the system, choose the best quality! Brass pipes can last for up to 70 years and more but they are also very expensive.
The cause of corrosion can also be the unbalanced pH level of water. If the corrosion is on the exterior part of your pipes, you can remove them through the acid basic method.
Simply make a paste of equal parts vinegar, baking soda, and salt and apply to the affected area. Wipe it off after 10 minutes, if not all, most of the corrosion will be gone.
UNDERGROUND MOVEMENTS:
The placement of your house can move through natural disasters. Some of the problems are just not in your hands yet most of them are fixable. If you face any root growth or flooding, the placement of your walls and pipes can shift.
Your pipes can bend, crack or separate altogether, which can result in underground leaks and water wastage. There is no proper solution for this other than to take care of your property and keep a check on the underground utilities.
HIGH WATER PRESSURE:
Your average pipeline can hold a certain amount of pressure, and when the limit exceeds your pipes will break. High pressure could be the reason, your pipeline is losing its strength.
In the worst-case scenario, it can even burst with high pressure. We recommend hiring a certified plumber who can check the pressure and other varying factors. You may have to change the regulator or install a water booster pump to regulate the cycle of pressure.
CRACKING:
If you notice any fixtures, your pipes can start cracking immediately. Temperature changes and thermal expansion is the main cause of cracking, which can get fixed by using PVC glue.
Keep in mind that turning off the water supply is rather important, to then sand down the affected area and using industrial grade glue. You may need to solder the area with epoxy to wrap up the seal.
LOOSE CONNECTORS:
Connectors can loosen up over time but you may find out about them after months or years.
You may face these plumbing issues now and then but you must get them fixed beforehand.
Hiring a professional is a great idea before things get out of hand.
If you notice a massive jump in your bill without extra consumption, consider looking around for possible faults. Any of the factors mentioned above can state a leak that may cause more serious damage.
If you notice any moist or damp smell, consider calling Greenfield, and consult with us. Our professionals are available 24/7 to get your systems working properly.