Whether you’re buying your first home or moving into an older house, it’s important to understand the most common plumbing problems. This will help you make more informed repair decisions and minimize potential damage.
Clogged drains: Grease, coffee grounds, hair, and other detritus can clog kitchen and bathroom drains. Persistent clogs can lead to water waste, increased utility bills, and potential flooding.
- Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are a major problem that can lead to water damage throughout your home. If left untreated, it can also cause mold growth and even rot. If you notice a musty smell in your home or damp drywall around toilets and sinks, call a plumber immediately. They can help you fix the leak and prevent further damage.
Another sign of a leak is if your paint bubbles or the wallpaper starts to peel. This is because the leak allows excess moisture to seep into the wall.
Leaky pipes can also be a big problem if you have an older home. Many of these pipes were installed decades ago and can become prone to leaks over time. This is especially true if the pipes were made from a low-quality material. It’s important to have these pipes replaced if they are damaged. A plumbing company can do this for a reasonable price. It’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.
- Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can be a major nuisance for homeowners. They can lead to the loss of water or, even worse, burst and cause a significant amount of water damage. Pipes located along exterior walls or in unheated areas like attics and crawl spaces are at a higher risk for freezing due to their proximity to cold temperatures. Insulation can also help reduce the risk of frozen pipes in homes, especially if there are cracks or gaps that let cold air in.
The first step to finding a frozen pipe is to look for signs of water not flowing when turned on. Other clues include no hot water or a trickle when the faucet is turned on, whistling and banging sounds coming from plumbing fixtures, and toilets that don’t refill after being flushed. Next, apply heat to the area. You can use an electronic heating pad or a hair dryer but be careful not to use a blow torch as this can potentially cause the pipe to burst.
- Sewer Backups
Sewage backups are not only disgusting, but they can also be a health hazard for your family. Inhaling sewage can lead to illnesses like gastroenteritis and respiratory symptoms similar to asthma. A clogged sewer line is usually a sign of a bigger problem, and the best way to deal with it is to call in the professionals.
The most common cause of a sewer backup is an obstruction in your home’s drain lines. Food scraps, coffee grounds, hair, and so-called “flushable” wipes can all clog
your drains and toilets. Heavy rains can also cause sewer backups if the city’s sewage system becomes overwhelmed during a downpour or quick snow melt. A professional plumber can use trenchless pipe repair methods to fix your sewer lines and prevent a backup in the future. They can also install a backwater valve that will help keep wastewater and sewage from entering your house. This will also save you money in the long run by preventing costly damage to your home’s floors, walls, and furniture.
- Mold
Mold needs a steady source of moisture in order to grow. Mold spores can enter the body and cause respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, emphysema or tuberculosis. Mold can also affect a person’s eyes, leading to fungal eye infections.
A plumbing problem may lead to excessive water or dampness in a house, which creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Signs of excess moisture in a house include dark spots on walls, water stains, wet carpeting or rugs and musty or earthy odours.
To prevent mold from growing in your home, regularly clean surfaces with standard bleach and water. You can also use 3% hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to rinse and reapply as needed, on porous surfaces like grout. Keep a moisture meter or digital humidity monitor handy to monitor indoor air moisture and ensure that it remains between 30-50 percent. It is also important to dry any wet items within 24-48 hours to prevent further damage and rot. For professional help, https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ and sites alike have a lot of resources available.