Busted pipes, burst water lines, and clogged drains can wreak havoc on your home and make it nearly impossible to live comfortably in your own space. Don’t let this happen to you! While plumbing and drain cleaning services in St. Louis, Missouri are relatively inexpensive and simple to perform, there are still steps you can take to ensure that your plumbing is as safe as possible before there’s an emergency in your home or business. Here are the 7 biggest threats that could ruin your plumbing if you don’t watch out for them.
1) Water leaks
Even if you don’t notice water leaking into your home, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. In fact, most home water leaks go undetected for years until they become more severe. If you suspect you have a leak, test your plumbing and toilets with food coloring or another dye to determine where and how big it is. You can also use water pressure gauges to monitor for leaks in your water supply lines. These are just some of the ways you can find and fix water leaks in your home before they cause major damage.
2) Broken pipes
Broken pipes are by far one of the most common causes of water damage in a home. Broken water lines can lead to extremely costly repairs, especially if they’re left unattended for too long. If you think your piping might be vulnerable to breaking or leaking, have it inspected regularly and hire a professional to fix any potential problems. You don’t want your bank account to break or leak because of faulty plumbing.
3) Clogged drains
It doesn’t take much to clog a drain. In fact, even wet hair from taking a shower can cause an issue if it’s not quickly cleared. You may also experience issues when you clean your kitchen floor or use chemicals in your bathroom that could result in a clogged pipe. While minor blockages are easy to clear with the right tools, larger problems will cause serious damage that needs to be addressed by a professional plumbing repair company. Don’t delay and call today at 314-699-2220
4) Frozen pipes
In cold weather, drainpipes can freeze and crack. If that happens to a pipe connected to your home’s foundation, you may have to call in a plumber to fix it. Otherwise, prepare for your repair bill in advance by adding at least $75 of plumbing supplies to your emergency kit; here’s what they should include: Pipe-freezing antifreeze (at least 1 cup) A wrench or pliers A roll of tape A roll of paper towels Toilet leaks: Toilets are notorious for leaking around their tanks or bowls. The typical repair is less than $100, but if water damage has already occurred, expect a higher price tag. To avoid these problems, install an anti-leak valve on your toilet’s tank or regularly check its water level—and keep an eye out for other signs of trouble like wet spots on floors or ceilings. Water leaks from faucets and pipes: Water leaks are some of the most common household repairs because they often go undetected until major damage occurs underneath flooring or cabinetry.
5) Bad pipe insulation
A faulty hot-water heater is a common cause of burst pipes and can waste up to 40 gallons per day. Even if you don’t think your water heater has been damaged, it’s important to call a professional to make sure it’s safe. Better safe than sorry! Check out our guide on how to choose a water heater for more info on finding and installing a replacement.
6) Overflowing toilets
Overflowing toilets have become a common problem in most households. There could be a number of reasons for overflowing toilets; some of which are still fixable. Leaky water supply pipes: If your toilet is leaking, it might be caused by a cracked or worn-out rubber flapper valve or O-ring. This can be fixed by replacing these parts and adjusting any loose connections that may be affecting your toilet’s water supply. Broken pipe water line: To locate if there’s a broken water line behind your wall you will need to turn off all shutoff valves within 25 feet of where you think it is located.
7) Decaying Pipes & Sewers
Pipes are at risk of decay when they are made from cast iron, copper, lead, or galvanized steel. Corrosion can eat away at these materials and cause water leaks, broken pipes, and costly repairs. To avoid plumbing problems later on, have any corroding pipes replaced right away. You should also have your sewer lines inspected and cleaned at least once a year to reduce blockages and keep them free-flowing. If you smell something strange in your drains, it could be a sign that there’s trouble brewing in your system. If you’re experiencing water damage in your home or if you notice signs of water leaking into walls, floors, or ceilings, call an expert immediately to help identify and fix the problem before it gets worse. Sewer backups can often be prevented with proper maintenance and cleaning of drain lines. Get professional advice about how often you need to clean out drains for optimal performance. Some experts recommend doing so every three months while others say six months is sufficient—it depends on how much household waste is being flushed down drains every day. Regardless of how often you do it, always use caution when working with drain cleaners as some products can cause burns if not handled properly.
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