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Common Issues with Your Pipes

Common Issues with Your Pipes

While most plumbing pipes are built to last for many years, they do not last forever. They can corrode, develop cracks, break, clog and degrade.  

Let’s look at the common issues with plumbing pipes.

  • Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes not only cause enormous water waste but also wreak havoc on your entire home. Leaky pipes can be caused by high water pressure, broken seals, incorrect pipe installation, loose water connectors, clogs, freezing cold weather, tree root intrusion, and many other causes. No matter what’s causing leaky pipes, this problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.

  • Pipe Corrosion

Pipe corrosion may be caused by low water pH, high oxygen levels, high water velocity, and metals in water. Corroded pipes are more prone to clogs, leaks, and even bursting. Besides, pipe corrosion can cause discoloration of water, cloudiness, foul odor, and a bitter taste. If you notice signs of pipe corrosion, ensure you call a nearby plumber to inspect your pipes and provide you with a solution. You can prevent pipe corrosion by ensuring your water pH hovers between 6.5 and 8.5. You’ll also want to monitor water pressure because excessive water pressure subjects pipes to a lot of stress which may lead to corrosion.

  • Cracks

Your pipes can develop cracks due to soil shifting, extreme temperature fluctuations, age-related wear, poor maintenance and high water pressure, and many other causes. Cracked pipes can waste a lot of water and lead to property damage. When you notice signs of cracked pipes, call a dependable plumber to help you with pipe repair.

  • Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes is a common plumbing problem property owners experience when the temperature drops low enough. When the water in a pipe freezes, it expands and creates immense pressure inside the pipe. This can cause the pipe to burst and lead to flooding in your home. Signs that your pipes are frozen include frost on the pipes, no water or very little water coming out of the pipes, and strange smells coming from your drains. Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like those in the basement, attic, garage, swimming pool, exterior walls, and water sprinkler lines are more vulnerable to freezing.

Here are some of the ways you can keep pipes from freezing:

  • Apply heating tape on sections that are at high risk of freezing
  • Insulate pipes in the basement, attic, and garage
  • Let water drip from your faucets
  • Keep your garage closed
  • Keep the heat on so that the pipes can stay warm and prevent any water inside from freezing

Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes can happen to even the most careful homeowners. Some of the common causes of clogged pipes include food waste, grease, oil, fats, paper products, soap, tree roots, mineral buildup, and many more. Clogged pipes can lead to backflow, slow drains, bad odors in your home, and even leaks. To prevent clogged pipes, you should be careful about what you put down your drains. You should also inspect your pipes from time to time to ensure they are in good condition. 

Other common issues with plumbing pipes include low water pressure, high water pressure, tree root intrusion, and bellied pipes.

If you’re in need of broken pipe repair or repiping in your home or office, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to help you out.