Category: Leak Detection/ Repair

There are different types of leaks that can occur in your plumbing. Some, like leaks that appear on water fixtures such as taps, mean there’s an issue with your fixture that’s not serious but could lead to issues later down the line.

Others, like leaks on your pipes, mean that you may have much bigger problems later that could get very expensive, or even require you to stop using your water.

So why are leaks that you find on pipes so much more serious than those on a tap or a showerhead? And what is it that causes water leaks in pipes? Let’s take a look at the common causes and see what they mean.

Old Pipes

This leak is, in some ways, unavoidable since no one can stop time. All pipes are built with quality and durability in mind, but that still doesn’t mean that pipes can last forever, even though some may last the entire lifetime of two or even three or more families living in a home generation after generation.

Time can eventually cause structural defects even in the best built pipes, such as the cast iron drainage pipes used in early 20th century homes. If your home is over 50 years in age, do you know how old the drainage pipes are?

If they’ve been in use for close to a century, think about getting them replaced with modern PVC drainage pipes if you’re going to renovate your home, before they break and leak raw sewage into your home.

Rust/Corrosion

Time is not the only threat to pipes breaking and requiring water leak repair. Chemical interactions can also play a role. When it comes to metal pipes, rust can make pipes vulnerable.

The right combination of moisture, either through liquid, or humidity, and oxygen on metal can weaken a pipe through rusting. This type of corrosion can even happen to plastic pipes made with modern PVC.

Drain pipe cleaning products, for example, are essentially high powered acid mixes. If you go beyond the recommended amounts, or use them more than the recommended times, you can dissolve your plastic pipe, eventually leading to leaks, and needing water leak repair later.

Check Your Water Pressure

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel refreshed thanks to a high-pressure shower, but turning up the water pressure on all your plumbing is not the way to do it.

This means that you’re now forcing the rest of the plumbing in your home to endure higher than necessary stress, every day, all day, without a break, for the sake or one or two water outlets. This can, unsurprisingly, lead to a break in pipes, which may spring a leak.

The better, more efficient solution is to get a showerhead that pressurizes the water as it hits the “exit point.” This way, only you receive a high-pressure jet of water, as opposed to your entire home’s plumbing system, which doesn’t need or want it.

Quality Of Water

The final factor that can affect whether your pipes require water leak repair is the water quality itself. Certain characteristics such as high pH levels raise the acidic quality of water.

While this means it’s safe to drink, over a period of years of constant exposure to high pH, or even minerals in the water, can lead to structural damage.

Any home in Tyler, TX may spring a leak, but good water leak detection, and prompt water leak repair can stop these small problems from turning into a big, expensive crisis.

Preventing water leaks in your Tyler, TX home isn’t magic or good luck. It’s all about being informed about what kind of preventative plumbing maintenance you need to do.

We’ve put together an easy guide for some basic but highly effective maintenance jobs that can prevent leaks. Here is what we suggest.

Prevent Pipe Corrosion

Copper is an excellent material for pipes because it is durable and very easy to use. However, it is also prone to corrosion. It’s possible that you will need to get your pipes replaced if they are seriously corroded.

It might be a good idea to replace aging copper pipes with PVC. The problem with the “wait and see” approach is that corroded pipes cause leaks.

How do you know if your pipes are corroded? If there is rust or mineral deposits on the outside or if you see discoloration in the water, those are signs.

Ways to Find Leaks

Don’t wait for small leaks to find you. Find them first. Before you start, make sure that you’ve got pipe clamps on hand to stop leaking until your plumber can arrive to fix them.

Look at your pipes and see if there is any water or rust. Are there signs of water damage anywhere, like warped floors, mold growth or discoloration on the walls, ceilings or floors?

Make a note to change out your washing machine and dishwasher connector hoses every 5-7 years because they rupture and break. For extra durability, replace them with braided stainless steel.

Ensure Proper Water Pressure

When your water pressure is running too high, you may have an excellent shower, but your plumbing is taking a beating.

Check the pressure with a gauge; if it is over 60 psi, have your plumber put in a pressure regulator to keep it in the healthy zone at all times.

Leave the Commercial Clog Removers at the Store

If you are trying to dislodge a clog, don’t be tempted by a commercial drain cleaner. It may seem like a quick and easy fix, but you are doing more harm than good.

The acid in those cleaners will attack the clog, yes- but it will also eat away at your plumbing, causing leaks. Instead of buying drain cleaners, buy a plumbing snake.

It’s easy to use and will dislodge clogs without causing leaks. Once you implement these maintenance tasks into your routine, you’ll quickly see the benefits.