Proven Leak Detection in Burlington, NC
A leaky pipe doesn’t just lead to your money going down the drain. If it’s not caught and fixed fast, it can lead to major damage to your home. Even a leak that seems small today can be a big, expensive problem tomorrow.
Unfortunately, detecting a leak - especially if it’s occurring out of sight - isn’t always the easiest thing to do. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common causes of leaky pipes, so you know what signs to watch out for. Read through it, and if you ever think you might be dealing with a leaky pipe at home, give us a call right away for top-tier leak detection and repair services.
Common Causes of Leaky Pipes
Drain Clogs
Every day, you wash hair strands, soap scum, and other dirt and debris down the drain. This debris builds up as time goes on, forming clogs. And slowing the progress of water down the drain isn’t the worst that can come from a drain clog. Left unfixed, a clog can strain your pipes, leading to leaks.
Leaky Toilets
Did you know that as many as 35% percent of residential toilets leak? Some of these leaks are obvious, while others might be harder to detect. A toilet that’s flushing by itself is probably leaking, as is a toilet with a damaged seal. Foul smells are a key sign of seal damage, so if you smell something foul coming from the toilet, first check the bolts and screws to make sure it’s properly secured and mounted. Then call a plumbing contractor in case you have a leak.
High Water Pressure
Of course, you have no control over the pressure of the water coming into your home. But keep in mind that your pipes are built to withstand water pressure of up to 80 psi, though the ideal water pressure is closer to 60 psi. If your neighborhood is in a hilly area or if you have tall buildings or fire hydrants near your home, it’s worth consulting with a plumber to find out what your water pressure is and what steps you can take to mitigate higher than ideal pressure.
Too Much or Too Little Acid in the Water
Remember the pH scale from chemistry class? This is a scientific measurement showing how acidic a substance is. Water is supposed to sit right in the middle of the pH scale at 7, but in practice, household water typically has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Water that’s too acidic or not acidic enough can damage your pipes, causing leaks. Buy pH testing strips at your local hardware store to find out the pH of your water, and if your water’s pH level is outside the proper range, consider installing a water treatment system to correct it.
Old, Worn-Out Pipes
All pipes degrade naturally over time. Even if you insulate them, eventually your pipes will develop small pinholes (and small leaks) over time. If your pipes are old, make sure to have them checked over regularly and replaced if they develop an issue.
Tree Roots
The roots of every tree are on a mission: find water and route it up the tree. Unfortunately, when the water source the tree roots find is one of your pipes, you’re going to have a problem. Tree roots can wrap around pipes, crushing them, or find a way inside and cause clogs. Either way, you’re going to need to call a plumber.
What to Do If You Spot These Signs
Finding out that you have a leak or that you’re at risk of developing one is only the first step. Once you determine a leak is likely, you need to take swift action to limit damage to your home and your wallet.
The simplest and easiest thing to do is give Johnny's Plumbing Repair Service Inc. a call. Our team has been providing leak detection and repair services since 1978. Whether you need drain cleaning to take care of a troublesome clog, pipe replacement to swap out a corroded pipe, or toilet repair to fix a leaky commode, we’ll take care of it quickly.
We serve Burlington, NC and would be honored to add you to our list of satisfied customers. Give us a call today to learn more and schedule an appointment!