Regular maintenance of your plumbing couldn’t be more vital. Even a seemingly minor leak can soon grow worse, resulting in costly repair and potential damage to your property. Fortunately, many leaks can be quickly resolved if they are caught early. Here are a few issues that should be dealt with as soon as you spot them to help you to prevent larger plumbing leaks.
1. Blocked or Leaking Toilets
If your toilet is clogged, not only is it unpleasant and inconvenient, it can also be a health risk. Any form of sewage needs to be drained away from your home to prevent it polluting the indoor air quality and putting you and your family at risk. Watch out for toilets that are gurgling, a sign that your toilet is not draining properly. If you see any signs of water not acting as you would expect or showing up around your toilet you may need to unclog the lines or replace small parts-such as the flange or the wax seal around the toilet’s base.
2. Leaking Pipes
Any form of pipe leak can quickly become a serious problem for your property, finances, and health. Fluctuations in water pressure can weaken the water pipes coming into and running under your home. Over time, the constant movement from it could cause the pipe to burst, potentially leading to flooding and damage to your property. It’s important to fix any damaged water or sewer lines promptly if you hear any water sounds when your water is turned off, feel hot spots on your floor, get a higher than expected water bill, or see water showing up in places it shouldn’t be.
3. Backed-Up Drains
Like a blocked toilet, a backed-up main line drain can be a significant health risk and very inconvenient. Various problems can cause your drains to malfunction, from waste blockages to eroded cast iron pipes or even the intrusion of tree roots. You will need to have your pipes cleared and replace any broken sections, either by tunnelling or penetration, so that waste can drain away as it’s meant to.
4. Gas Leaks
Other than the obvious issues of fire hazzard and risk of home explosion, gas leaks can cause health issues. Gas leaks can cause oxygen to be displaced in the air of your home’s living space, leading to negative health effects. These flu-like symptoms could be mild or could be potentially fatal. That is why carbon monoxide poisoning is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer”. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, NEVER turn on or off a switch or do anything that could ignite the gas. Evacuate and call Atmos and CW Service Pros for help.
5. Common Household Water Breaches
Water leaking from the roof, water coming through your ceiling, or water leaking from pipes outside your home is a sign that your home is in need of repairs. Identify and repair any cracks or holes in your roof or siding as soon as possible to eliminate wood rot from damaging the structure of your house. If you see pipes that go to the outside of your home leaking water, it is time to call for help. These pipes are there to alert you that there is a problem occurring that needs to be fixed, like the primary condensation drain stopped up or the water heater leaking into the pan drain line. Carrying out regular checks by walking around your home may seem like a chore, but it can save you significant time and expense in the long-run. If you find any of the above issues, it is wise to seek immediate assistance from a plumbing leak detections professional in order to quickly and effectively repair the damage before it becomes worse.