Plumbing problems can be a big nuisance for homeowners and should be addressed promptly to avoid more serious damage. Watch out for signs like low water pressure, sewage smells and discoloration around sinks and piping.
Detecting and fixing leaks early is also key to saving on energy bills and avoiding costly repairs. This article will cover four of the most common issues with home’s plumbing systems:
Water leaks
Pipe leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems and they can cause major damage if not addressed quickly. These issues can include rot, mold growth, wall and ceiling discoloration, sagging floors and ceilings, and an increased water bill.
Leaks can often be caused by poor seals on water connectors and corroded pipes. They can also occur due to excessive water pressure, which can put a strain on the pipes and lead to them bursting or developing weak spots.
You can help to prevent leaks by regularly inspecting your home for puddles and wet spots. It’s also a good idea to install a water softener, especially if you live in an area with hard water, as it can reduce mineral buildup on your pipes and fixtures. It’s also a good idea not to place hazardous chemicals or corrosive materials near your pipes, and to keep tree roots away from your piping. These preventive measures can help
you avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.
Clogged drains
Clogged drains and pipes are one of the most common plumbing issues that can plague homeowners. While some clogs are easily preventable by being vigilant about what goes down your drains, others can be more serious and require professional help to remedy.
Grease, hair, soap scum, and other items build up on the inside of your pipes, often resulting in a clog. You can avoid this by not pouring grease down your drains and using a drain snake on a regular basis.
Toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet because they can cause blockages that lead to water or sewer backups. Using a plunger and/or drain snake on a regular basis can also keep your drains clear of clogs.
A simple clog that affects just one drain is usually easy to fix with a plunger or hand cranked drain snake and some baking soda or vinegar (don’t use chemical drain cleaners, which are hazardous to the environment). However, when multiple drains are clogged at once, this indicates a more widespread problem that requires professional help.
Water hammer effect
The banging noise that occurs when shutting off water faucets isn’t just annoying; it can also be a sign of major plumbing issues. This is due to the water hammer effect, a phenomenon that causes pressure spikes in your pipes due to sudden changes in fluid velocity.
This can be caused by a rapid closure of valves, starting and stopping pumps or even directional changes in your pipes due to pipe fittings. The shock waves created by the sudden changes in fluid velocity generate high-pressure fluctuations that can cause damage to your pipes.
Many home plumbing systems have air chambers designed to absorb the shock when a valve closes. However, over time these can become waterlogged (where the air is replaced with water) and no longer absorb the energy from a halted water flow. The result is a banging sound similar to that of a hammer hitting the walls, which can eventually lead to water damage in your home and costly repairs.
Hard water
Water softeners can reduce problems caused by hard water. While safe to drink, hard water contains dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium that can cause issues for your plumbing system and household products. These mineral deposits can build up on pipes and fixtures, causing clogs and reducing water flow and pressure. They can also cause appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to shorten their lifespan and waste energy.
In addition, hard water can corrode metal plumbing parts and pipes. This happens when the minerals in hard water eat away at the metal, creating small holes that eventually develop into leaks and rusting the pipes over time. These problems can be costly to repair, so it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Water softeners can prevent these problems from occurring by removing the hard minerals from the water before it enters your home. For more information on how to prevent and treat hard water, contact a professional plumber today. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-maribyrnong/ have a lot of reputable plumbers to help you with your plumbing problems.
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