Plumbing 101: Common Reasons for a Pipe Repair
Homeowners rely on their pipes to keep the home supplied with water. When the pipework fails, homeowners scratch their heads, wondering how to deal with costly repairs and property damage.
Homeowners rely on their pipes to keep the home supplied with water. When the pipework fails, homeowners scratch their heads, wondering how to deal with costly repairs and property damage.
This article will discuss a few common reasons for a pipe repair to help homeowners better care for their plumbing system.
Frozen pipes
Although people assume pipes freeze in colder climates, freezing can occur in areas with a moderate climate. When the water temperature drops below 32 degrees, it begins to freeze. It’s a slow process, and homeowners often miss the warning signs until a pipe bursts.
Freezing usually occurs in remote home areas like attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It’s essential to insulate the plumbing elements properly to keep the pipes in perfect condition. To prevent long-term damage, homeowners who are unsure which is the best insulation option should consult an experienced professional.
Tree roots
Tree roots that have spread underneath the backyard can overwhelm the pipework, especially if the soil is compacted. The pipes face increased pressure and eventually start to leak and crack. They dig through the ground, searching for moisture, and burrow into sewer lines as the roots grow.
Water pipes aren’t built to withstand root invasions. When stray roots get into an underground pipe, they feed on the water and expand until the pipe bursts.
To keep tree roots away from the pipework, ensuring that the trees surrounding the house aren’t planted near underground pipes. Homeowners who suspect their plumbing has been damaged should contact an expert. They have the skills and experience to conduct a thorough visual inspection and determine whether tree roots have degraded the plumbing.
Rust, corrosion, and old age
Old age negatively impacts the pipes’ functionality. Exposure damages the pipes, and they begin to show signs of wear like rust and corrosion. The walls and joints become weaker, making the pipes prone to ruptures.
When corrosion eats away at the metal, the water becomes discolored and develops a yellow or brown hue. Homeowners who see brownish water coming from the faucets should contact a plumber immediately to fix the issue.
Hard water
Water is full of minerals, and as it flows through the pipes, the substances cling to the metal and form thick deposits. An excess of magnesium or calcium is often called “hard water.” Drinking hard water isn’t a significant health concern, but it can be detrimental to the health of the home’s plumbing system.
A foolproof way of preventing hard water damage is installing a filter system that removes calcium and magnesium particles from the water.
Clogging
Some homeowners attempt to resolve clogs using aggressive chemicals, but only a qualified expert can determine what’s causing the problem. Unaddressed clogs result in leaks and ruptures, so always reach out to a plumber to unclog the pipes.
Keep the pipes healthy with professional assistance
Healthy pipes make the home functional and help maintain and improve the quality of life. Homeowners struggling with plumbing issues should contact an expert and schedule an inspection.
MNS Plumbing provides prompt, efficient, and reliable drain cleaning, repiping, drain inspection, and video sewer line inspection services. Call 602-362-4524 to learn more.
