Pipe problems are an inevitable part of owning a home or commercial premises. In this article, we will look at some of the common pipe issues and what you can do about them.
Leaks
Leaky pipes can be caused by broken seals, damaged pipe joints, high water pressure, sneaky tree roots, pipe corrosion, incorrect pipe installation, and many other problems. There is nothing fun about leaking pipes. When left unaddressed for long, leaky pipes can wreak havoc on your entire home and end up costing you a lot of money down the road.
Signs you may have a leaky pipe in your home include:
- Unusually high water bill
- Wet or damp floors
- Low water pressure
- Sound of running water
- Hissing, whistling, or bubbling sounds
- Water stains on ceilings
- Mold and mildew
If you notice signs of a water leak in your property, call a professional plumber to find the source of the leak and make repairs.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure can erode your plumbing pipes over time and lead to loosened joints and pinhole leaks. Apart from pipe damage, high water pressure can cause water wastage and lead to shorter appliance lifespans. The normal residential water pressure typically ranges between 40 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi, it’s considered high water pressure. If your home has high water pressure, ensure you check your water pressure regulator to see if it’s in good working condition. Water pressure regulators tend to last about 10 years before replacement is necessary. If fixing your water pressure regulator doesn’t solve the problem, call an experienced plumber to help you fix it.
Rust
Rust is one of the major pipe issues that many property owners deal with. Galvanized steel pipes and cast iron pipes are particularly prone to rust. If you live in an older home, you may have galvanized steel pipes. You’ll know you have rusted pipes if you notice discolored water coming out of your taps, decreased water pressure, leaks, and visible cracks on your pipes. Unfortunately, once pipes begin to rust, they’ll need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Clogged Pipes
Clogged pipes are a common source of frustration among homeowners. This problem is typically caused by mineral buildup in the pipes, flushing the wrong items down the drains, intruding tree roots, food waste, pipe damage, incorrect pipe installation, and many other reasons. Clogged pipes can impact water pressure and cause slow-moving drains and wastewater backups. You’ll know your pipes are clogged if you notice slow-moving drains, wastewater backup, and gurgling sounds when you run water down the drains. When you notice signs of clogged pipes, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to provide you with a reliable solution.
Lower Water Pressure
Low water pressure is caused by corroded pipes, debris buildup in pipes, leaks, water supplier issues, and a failing water pressure regulator. If you have low water pressure in your home and the problem is not caused by issues with your water supplier, you may have to call a plumber to find the source of the problem and fix it.
Call All Star Plumbing for All of Your Pipe Issues
When you’re in need of pipe repair, you can rely on the experienced plumbers at All Star Plumbing to get the job done right. Our plumbers in Robert, LA have the skills, experience, and tools to perform any kind of pipe repair.