Imagine walking into your bathroom only to find that you can’t avoid the puddle of water on the floor because of the water leak. You don’t know what could’ve caused it, but you know it’s a problem that needs immediate fixing.

Effective water leak detection is crucial for identifying and resolving water leaks in homes.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss common causes of water leaks in homes and how to detect them quickly to prevent serious and costly damage. Get your notepad ready for these top plumbing tips and let’s get started!

1. Aging Plumbing Systems

Aging plumbing systems are a common culprit when it comes to water leaks in homes. As pipes age, they can develop corrosion, cracks, or loose fittings, which can lead to leaks. This is particularly true for older homes that may have outdated plumbing systems in need of replacement.

When it comes to detecting water leaks caused by aged systems, it’s important to do regular maintenance and inspections. Keep an eye out for signs such as wet spots on walls or ceilings, dripping sounds, or high water bills. These can be indicators that there is a hidden leak within your plumbing system.

If you suspect a leak, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional plumber who can conduct a thorough inspection.

They will be able to identify any areas of concern and provide recommendations for repairs or replacements as needed. By taking measures to address aging pipes, you can prevent major leaks that can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs.

2. High Water Pressure

While high water pressure may seem like a desirable feature for a home, it can actually put stress on your plumbing system and cause leaks. Excessive water pressure can lead to pipes and fittings weakening over time and result in more leaks.

To prevent leaks caused by high water pressure, it’s important to monitor your water pressure regularly. You can purchase a water pressure gauge from a hardware store and attach it to an outdoor faucet to measure the pressure. The pressure should be between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (psi).

If your water pressure is above the recommended range, it may be necessary to install a pressure regulator. A pressure regulator acts as a valve that limits the amount of pressure entering your home’s plumbing system. By regulating the pressure, you can prevent leaks and improve the longevity of your pipes and fittings.

3. Clogged Drains and Toilets

Clogged drains and toilets are not only frustrating but can also lead to water leaks and other dangers if left unattended. Clogs increase the pressure within the pipes, causing them to crack or burst. This leads to water leaks and potential water damage.

Preventing water damage means that it’s important to address all issues promptly. Avoid flushing items down the toilet that can cause blockages, such as hygiene products, wipes, or excessive amounts of toilet paper. Consider using drain screens to catch hair and debris before they clog your pipes.

Regular home maintenance is key to avoiding clogs and potential leaks. Check your drains and toilets for any signs of slow drainage or unusual noises.

If you notice any issues, use a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the clog. If the problem persists, it’s best to consult a professional plumber who can inspect and resolve the issue.

4. Extreme Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature changes can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and lead to water leaks. When water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack or burst. This is especially common in areas that experience harsh winters or sudden temperature drops.

To prevent frozen pipes and potential leaks, insulate exposed pipes in areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or attics. You can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to protect your pipes from extreme temperatures.

During severe cold weather, it’s also advisable to keep the temperature inside your home above freezing.

You can do this by leaving cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Letting faucets drip overnight can help keep the water flowing, preventing it from freezing within the pipes.

5. Improper Installation or Repair

Improper installation or repair work is another common cause of water leaks in homes. Attempts at DIY plumbing projects or hiring inexperienced plumbers can result in a lot of problems. These include things like incorrect fittings, faulty connections, or other issues that lead to leaks.

When it comes to plumbing work, it’s crucial to hire licensed and experienced plumbers. Professional plumbers have the expertise and knowledge to ensure that everything is installed or repaired up to code.

In addition to reducing the risk of leaks, professional installation or repairs can also save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs due to do-it-yourself mistakes.

If you suspect that your plumbing system has been improperly installed or repaired, it’s best to consult a professional plumber.

They’ll assess the work and make any necessary corrections or repairs to prevent future leaks. They’ll help ensure the integrity of your plumbing system for years to come.

Water Leak Detection Keeps Your Family Safe

Early water leak detection and preventative measures are key to avoiding damage and keeping your home safe and sound. Water leaks can cause costly damage and inconvenience in a home, and it is essential not to let them go unnoticed.

Regular inspection from a professional solves any issue quickly.

If you suspect there’s a water leak in your home or you need assistance with plumbing maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team of experienced plumbers is here to help you with all your plumbing needs. Take action today to safeguard your home against water leaks and ensure the health of your plumbing system!

Learn more about Pathmaker Plumbing:

July 10, 2023

Plumbing issues can be a hassle for homeowners. Whether it’s a clogged drain or a leaky pipe, these problems can cause serious damage if left unaddressed. Fortunately, video sewer line inspection technology has made it easier for plumbers to detect and diagnose these issues quickly and efficiently. In this article, we will explore how video sewer line inspections can detect some of the most common plumbing problems.

What is Video Sewer Line Inspection?

Video sewer line inspection involves using a specialized camera attached to a flexible rod that is inserted into the sewer line. The camera captures high-quality video footage of the inside of the sewer line, which is then transmitted to a monitor for analysis. This technology allows plumbers to see the inside of the sewer line without the need for excavation, making it easier to diagnose and repair issues.

Common Plumbing Problems Detected by Video Sewer Line Inspection

Clogs

Clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems that video sewer line inspection can detect. Clogs can occur due to a variety of reasons, including the buildup of debris, tree roots, and foreign objects in the sewer line. Video sewer line inspection can quickly identify the location and cause of the clog, allowing plumbers to clear it out efficiently.

Cracks and Leaks

Video sewer line inspection can also detect cracks and leaks in the sewer line. These issues can occur due to aging pipes, shifting soil, and other factors. Left unaddressed, cracks and leaks can cause serious damage to the surrounding area and result in costly repairs. Video sewer line inspection can identify the location and severity of the issue, allowing plumbers to take appropriate action.

Corrosion

Corrosion is another common plumbing problem that video sewer line inspection can detect. Corrosion can occur due to the use of corrosive chemicals, high water pressure, and other factors. Over time, corrosion can weaken the pipes and cause them to fail. Video sewer line inspection can identify signs of corrosion, allowing plumbers to take action before the issue becomes more severe.

Benefits of Video Sewer Line Inspection

Video sewer line inspection offers several benefits over traditional methods of diagnosing plumbing issues. These benefits include:

Efficiency

Video sewer line inspection allows plumbers to quickly and efficiently diagnose plumbing issues without the need for excavation. This saves time and reduces the cost of repairs.

Accuracy

Video sewer line inspection provides a high level of accuracy, allowing plumbers to identify the exact location and cause of plumbing issues.

Preventive Maintenance

Video sewer line inspection can also be used for preventive maintenance. By identifying potential issues before they become serious, plumbers can take action to prevent costly repairs down the road.

Conclusion

Video sewer line inspection is a valuable tool for diagnosing and addressing common plumbing problems. By quickly and accurately identifying issues such as clogs, cracks, leaks, and corrosion, plumbers can take action to prevent further damage and save homeowners time and money. If you are experiencing plumbing issues, consider contacting a plumber who offers video sewer line inspection to diagnose and address the issue efficiently.

Learn more about Pathmaker Plumbing:

May 17, 2023

You could save yourself from many expensive plumbing issues just by sticking to certain basics. Unfortunately, most homeowners fail to pay heed to these basics and end up running into huge plumbing bills. Here are five important plumbing mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Ignoring Minor Plumbing Issues

Whenever there should be a minor plumbing issue, give it the attention that it requires. At times, you will be able to fix the issue yourself in just few minutes but at other times, you may have to call a professional plumbing company. Delaying your call to the plumber will only aggravate things leading to unnecessary expenses.

2. Trying To Cut Corners While Hiring Plumbers

Whenever you should hire a plumbing company make sure that you are calling a professional service provider. Do not try to cut corners by calling unqualified plumbers. One of the reasons why people go for such service providers is because they think that they could save a few bucks. However, this could prove to be most expensive mistake that you could make. Imagine losing your insurance and getting into liability issue just because you wanted to save a few dollars. Before you summon any plumber, check their credentials and their license.

3. Failing To Take Winter Precautions

Plumbing companies get more business during and just after the winter. Why? It is simply because homeowners totally ignore the winter precautions that they are supposed to be taking. If you are not sure what are the plumbing precautions that you should be taking during winter you could talk to your local plumbing company to get tips and recommendations. It is also not a bad idea to call your plumber to inspect the entire plumbing system before every winter. If there are no issues, you will be spending only for the visit and if there were any issues, you would have attended to it in a timely fashion before the winter starts and thereby saved your plumbing system from expensive damages.

4. Excessive And Wrong Use Of Drain Cleaners

You need to keep your drains clean but at the same time, if you use excessive drain cleaners then your pipelines will be corroded as drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals to breakdown the dirt and the blockage. You need to be therefore cautious in selecting the right drain cleaners and use them correctly.

5. Choosing Wrong Fittings

In case, you are venturing into your own DIY plumbing repairs, make certain that you are choosing the right fittings. Wrong choice of fittings and size mismatches could result in leakages, which again could prove to be expensive. Rather than running into such issues, it is better that you contact your local plumber who could take care of your plumbing needs.

If you review the above listed most common plumbing mistakes, they could be categorized into two categories namely carelessness and cost cutting efforts. As far as the cost cutting efforts are concerned, you could save a great deal of money by carefully reviewing and selecting the right plumbing companies that offer their services at reasonable fee.

Contact Pathmaker Plumbing for professional plumbing services in Charlotte, NC.

September 14, 2015