Common Plumbing Disasters and How to Avoid Them

Think you’re all thumbs when it comes to fixing things?

If you’re into preventing problems before they occur, then this is a must-read.

We’ve outlined some of the most common plumbing disasters – not to cause panic – but to help you take steps to keep small problems small and prevent significant expenses and inconvenience.

Frozen Pipes

We live with it every year – the fear of frozen pipes. So what can you do to prevent it? Insulate pipes in parts of your home where they may be exposed to freezing temperatures and think about using pipe sleeves as needed. Keep the temperature of your home warm enough to avoid the potential freeze for exposed pipes — even when you’re not there  — can be well worth the peace-of-mind you have that you won’t come home to a major problem.

Water Heater Problems

Has your water heater checked annually? If it’s eight to ten years old, it could be nearing the end of its life span. So if it’s not operating efficiently or is having problems, consider replacing it before it stops functioning at an unpredictable time. Being without hot water – especially during the cold winter months – can throw your family out of sync for many days.

Know Where Your Water Main Shutoff Is Located

In case a disaster happens, it’s essential to know where the main shutoff is to your water supply. You’d be surprised at how many homeowners aren’t sure where it is or if it’s functioning correctly. If you need to turn it off, you want to be able to act quickly and make sure you have access to the main shutoff.

Slab Leaks

This is a leak inside the foundation of your home. The important thing is to know the signs to look for, which include:

-Significantly higher water bills when your usage has not changed

-Sound of running water when fixtures are not being used

-Moisture under the carpet

-Discoloration or cracks on the walls or ceiling

-Floor or baseboards that appear to be warped from water damage

Sewer Blockage

It may be obvious, but some of the signs to look for include;

• Backup in a toilet that was functioning correctly and is not clogged
• Bathtub filling up with water when it is not being used
• Foul odors
• Strange noises from sinks or toilets
• Large trees with potential roots that have invaded your sewer line

Water Backflow Problems

This happens when contaminated water comes into your home through your pipes due to a pressure change that reverses the normal flow. This can occur for various reasons, but it’s a severe problem because of the risk of contamination. The cause is not due to a clog (which may be your first instinct), but a change in the pressure of your system.

Potential reasons for a backflow include:

• Broken water main in your area
• A large amount of water being released from a fire hydrant
• Other events that create a significant change in the municipal water pressure

A backflow prevention device can help protect you from potentially contaminated water entering your home. There are various prevention devices available and can be installed by a professional plumber.

Time for a plumbing checkup? Give the experts at Agentis a call, we’re ready to help.