Plumbing Service: How To Avoid Costly Plumbing Pipe Repairs | San Antonio, TX
One of the things you need to avoid when it comes to your plumbing is a plumbing leak. They are a major plumbing emergency that will cost you a fortune in repairs, replacements, and restorations. In some cases, they can also damage your home’s foundation. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent this from happening. And in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about plumbing leaks, their causes, how to spot leaks in your plumbing, and how to prevent costly plumbing leaks. For other concerns, please get a plumbing service in San Antonio, TX. Our plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing are highly qualified and competent to take care of any plumbing needs.
Causes of Leaky Pipes
Are you wondering what causes leaks in your plumbing? Below are some of the most common reasons why your pipes leak, and knowing its causes lets you completely avoid this problem down the road.
Tree Roots
Are there trees near your sewer lines? You might want to get a plumbing service for an area inspection. Tree roots are attracted to moisture, so if there is even just a tiny crack or leak in your plumbing, these tree roots can infiltrate your pipes and will cause severe damage.
Tree root infiltration can lead to a major blockage — you may start encountering frequent clogs in your plumbing, not knowing that the problem is the sewer pipes. If you suspect that the trees near your home may affect your plumbing, we highly suggest that you get a plumber today. You can avoid costly repairs when you address this problem at the soonest possible time, and not wait for a plumbing emergency that may cost you an arm and a leg.
Temperature
Freezing temperatures can also lead to plumbing leaks. When the temperature starts dropping, we suggest that you begin insulating your pipes and all outdoor plumbing. If they’re not protected, the water inside the pipes can freeze. The pipes can expand and burst which leads to flooding. Now, remember, water damage is very costly and it can damage your home’s structural foundation. Please get a plumbing service in San Antonio, TX, if you need help with winterizing your plumbing.
A few things you can do is to slightly open the faucets so that warm water can circulate through the pipes. This can prevent water from freezing as a result. Try to also open the cabinet doors underneath the sink so that warm air can also circulate inside. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to get a plumbing service. Our plumbers are more than happy to inspect your plumbing system and provide you with cost-effective and permanent plumbing solutions.
Shifts in Your Home’s Foundation
Unfortunately, small shifts in your home’s foundation can also lead to costly plumbing pipe repairs, when not addressed right away. The small shifts may rupture or damage the pipes but you can avoid this with regular plumbing inspection. We highly suggest that you get a plumbing service in San Antonio, for regular plumbing maintenance. Our plumbers can thoroughly inspect your plumbing and inform you if there are issues that may lead to costly plumbing repairs. We’ll also know if there are small shifts that affect your plumbing, and we have just the right tools to help us permanently fix the problem.
High Water Pressure
You need to watch out for low water pressure and high water pressure. Low water pressure can indicate a problem in your plumbing — there might be a possible leak that needs to be addressed. Please make sure that you get a plumbing service in San Antonio, TX, to help you resolve this problem.
High water pressure is also not advised as it can severely strain the pipes. If you don’t correct the problem, this high water pressure can lead to plumbing leaks. Thankfully, a water pressure regulator can help you fix this. And you can buy this at your local hardware store. If you still need assistance though, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing are always ready to help.
Corrosion
If there are higher concentrations of hard water in your plumbing, we recommend that you consider installing a water softener. You can reduce or avoid corrosion in the pipes if you soften the water. If you want more information about this or are ready to install a water softener, please get a professional plumbing service. Our plumbers can definitely help.
Improper Installation
Are you installing new appliances or plumbing fixtures? Always get a professional plumbing service to ensure that the appliance or fixture is correctly installed. Some unlicensed plumbers may cut corners during installation, or miss crucial steps. And if something goes wrong, you’ll have no choice but to hire another plumber because unqualified plumbers don’t give out guarantees.
Poor installation doesn’t just lead to costly plumbing repairs, but they may also completely damage the appliance or fixture. And if the appliance is not efficient, you’ll only end up paying higher bills for it. If you’re buying a new dishwasher or garbage disposal, please get a professional plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.
How to Detect Leaks in Your Plumbing
There are many ways to detect leaks in your plumbing. We’ve discussed them below:
Water Meter Test
If your water bills are higher this month, consider doing a water meter test as there is likely a problem with your plumbing system. It’s easy to do this — simply take note of the numbers that you see in the water meter. Make sure that no one else uses the faucet or the shower, and recheck the water meter after. Compare the new reading with the old water meter reading — if the numbers are different, that means there is a leak in your plumbing.
The next step is to look for these leaks. Check your pooling water near your washing machine, toilet, water heater, or dishwasher. Check underneath the sinks and your basement. Check the walls for any discolored paint or water spots in the ceilings. Mold growth is also an indication that there is moisture or water in the area. If you can’t determine the cause, get a plumbing service for professional leak detection.
Doing the Toilet Test
Toilet leaks may not be inconvenient but you’ll be wasting hundreds of gallons of water. You need to address this problem immediately to avoid wasting water. Your bills will skyrocket if you fail to address this problem.
To do the toilet test, get food coloring and pour a few drops into the toilet tank. Wait for about 15 minutes and check the toilet bowl right after. Has the color changed? If yes, there is a leak in the toilet. Get a plumbing service in San Antonio, TX, immediately to resolve this problem.
Professional Leak Detection
If you’re not sure whether there is a leak in the plumbing or not, call us for professional leak detection. Our plumbers can thoroughly inspect your plumbing. We’ll let you know if there are issues that need to be resolved or problems that may lead to plumbing emergencies in the future. Don’t worry; we’ve been doing this for several years. Our plumbers have been helping out residents and businesses, and have always been consistent with providing exceptional and top-notch plumbing services on every appointment. We’ll never stop until you are 100 percent satisfied with our service.
How to Prevent Plumbing Leaks
There are two types of plumbing leaks to watch out for: obvious leaks and hidden leaks. You easily spot obvious leaks in your plumbing but need to stay alert to catch hidden leaks. One of the signs is getting a higher water bill. Don’t ignore this as it indicates a problem with your plumbing. The best thing you can do is get a plumbing service for an inspection.
Remember, the homeowners’ insurance may not cover water damage, which means you’ll have to pay for everything. Depending on the damage, this may actually cost you a fortune. And not only that — water damage can also lead to pest infestation and mold growth. These two are the last thing you want in your home.
Below are helpful tips to help you avoid leaks in your plumbing. Get a plumbing service in San Antonio, TX, if you have further questions.
Install Leak Detection Devices
These devices are your friends when it comes to preventing leaks. You can install these near your water heater, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washing machine. Leak detection devices can alert you when there are water temperature fluctuations or when it detects a possible leak. They can also automatically shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.
For installation, please make sure that you get a professional plumbing service to ensure that the devices are correctly installed. Also, don’t forget to test them to make sure they actually work.
In addition, consider installing several shut-off valves just in case. Don’t just install them in the basement; make them accessible so that it’s easier to turn off the water supply if there is a risk of flooding in your home.
Also, inform all of your family members that there are several shut-off valves installed in your home. Just in case you won’t be home when an emergency strikes.
Protect the Pipes
As mentioned, protect your plumbing pipes and outdoor plumbing when the temperature starts dropping. It’s the only way to make sure that the water inside them doesn’t freeze. Get a plumbing service if you need assistance with this.
Also, make sure that you insulate the water heater especially if you have older tanks. Insulate the basement and the crawlspaces too to avoid heat loss.
Install Sump Pump
To prevent flooding in the basement, get a plumbing service for sump pump installation. Sump pumps don’t just prevent flooding in the basement but they also protect appliances stored in the area and also prevent mold growth.
But don’t forget to test the sump pump to make sure it works. Pour water into the sump pit, just enough to activate the float switch and turn on the pump. Call us if it doesn’t work so we can inspect it. Also, get spare batteries, in case there is a power outage during a storm.
In addition, you can also consider switching to tankless water heaters to avoid flooding in your home. YOu don’t have to worry about leaks when you don’t store water in the tank. Tankless water heaters require less maintenance and they also last twice as long as the conventional water heater. While they are a bit pricey, you get to save money in the long run because of the energy savings. For installation, just make sure that you get in touch with a licensed plumber in the area.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio
Do you need plumbing service in San Antonio, TX, today? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We offer a wide range of plumbing services to homeowners and businesses. Our team of highly qualified plumbers has been helping out clients for several years already. When it comes to plumbing repairs, there is no task we can’t do. Whether you need someone to fix the drain or the sewer pipes, we can help.
We can also help you make an informed decision if you need help deciding what plumbing appliances or fixtures to install for your home. Contact us anytime and we’ll quickly dispatch a plumber to your location.
In addition, we also offer 24/7 emergency services, to ensure you get the services you deserve. Contact us today for an appointment.
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