Almost every homeowner has to deal with water line repair at some point. Some repair issues are easy to identify while some can remain hidden from sight.
Knowing how to spot a problem can help you avoid extensive damage to your home and possessions. The sooner you can get a plumbing repair professional on the scene the more damage you can avoid.
When you need a repair expert in Long Beach, CA has the perfect professional for the job. Here’s what every homeowner should know about plumbing repair problems and what to do about them.
COMMON WATER LINE REPAIR ISSUES
Plumbers see some of the same problems over and over. They have seen what happens when the problem is discovered quickly and what can happen when the problem remains unchecked. What they have learned from years of experience with water line repair can help you protect your home.
Water main issues often happen due to holes or cracks caused by corrosion from the soil or freezing. Since your water pipes are pressurized, any break in the water main will cause the water to flow out from that point.
Eventually the water will reach the surface above the break. You could see water gathering in the street or your yard outside or in the basement of your home.
Besides causing a lake to form above the problem, a water line repair issue could contaminate the water coming into your home. You should stop using the household water supply as soon as you find out about the issue, for the safety of your family.
Your home has an emergency shut-off valve that can halt the flow of water. You need to contact your utility company for assistance. If they are unable to arrive quickly, you can shut the water off yourself.
Another problem you might be experiencing is a leaking water valve. There are different types and some, like gate valves, are more prone to developing a leak. When this happens, it is best to call a professional for help. A great deal of things could fail if you attempt to fix this yourself and you could cause an even more expensive issue.
DETECTING PLUMBING LEAKS
Early detection is the best way to lessen the damage to your home from a water line repair problem. The longer the water stays in and under your foundation, the more extensive the damage will be.
If you have a water main leak in Long Beach, CA that goes unnoticed, you could end up with severe structural damage. Your walls and floors can be destroyed, along with any coverings on them. Standing water can also be a perfect environment for mold and mildew. Mold can cause severe health problems, especially for those already suffering from respiratory issues like asthma. Additionally, an undetected water main leak can end up wasting a great deal of water that you will find yourself paying for.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a water line repair issue. Since the water will collect around the issue, you need to notice signs of excessive moisture. One huge signal that you have a leak is when you see wet areas on your floor or your walls.
In addition, you may observe a water bill that is higher than you anticipated. These are some of the first things you may notice if you have a problem.
But what about leaks in harder to access areas? The signs may not be quite as easy to spot. These hidden issues could be happening underneath your slab or buried somewhere in your yard. These are the most potentially damaging leaks because they can go undetected for a long time.
So, how can you combat these “invisible” water line issues? Leak detection is a skill best left to the professionals, but there is a way for a homeowner to find out if a problem exists in their plumbing system.
First, make certain that all your water fixtures, including faucets, showers, and outdoor hydrants. As soon as you are sure everything is shut off, check your water meter. If your meter shows that water is still running, you need to call your repair professional immediately. Minutes count when you are dealing with a continual water leak.
WATER LINE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT ADVICE
The sooner you discover a water line problem, the less extensive your home damage will be. Your water line repair professional should be contacted as soon as you realize you have a problem to avoid long-term damage to your property.
Keep the following things in mind when you have a water line issue:
SOMETIMES IT’S BEST TO OPT FOR REPLACEMENT OVER REPAIR
Some homeowners will have a choice of water line repair or replacement. While repair costs are often not as costly than replacement, there are some factors to consider before choosing repair.
If your home was built more than fifty years ago, you should pick replacement over repair. Your home’s plumbing system has already endured years of use and the pipes are getting very old. Repair will probably just be a bandage for a system that will probably continue to produce problems.
Have you ever been having plumbing problems within the past few months or more? If so, you should go for replacement. Repair services may not solve your water line issues.
CHECK BEFORE DIGGING
Make certain that you know where all your utility lines are before any digging occurs. A handful of do-it-yourself jobs end up costing more because of damage to these lines. This is another reason to trust the professionals to do the job correctly.