After many years of domestic usage, water supply lines and drainage pipes are subject to corrosion threats and continuous hydrostatic pressure. In order to prevent costly property damage and large-scale water waste due to catastrophic pipe failures, homeowners need know when to contact a plumbing contractor in Ball Ground, GA for professional water line inspection and repair services. The professionals at Performance Plumbing advise homeowners to keep a watchful eye out for these critical warning indicators, which point to the urgent need for water line maintenance.
Significant Decrease in Water Pressure
Water pressure at taps, showers, and fixtures that gradually drops is usually a sign that the internal water supply pipes are getting more and more constrained and narrower due to partial obstructions, debris buildup, or mineral scale building. Usually, the pressure declines gradually at first before getting faster as the flow becomes more and more obstructed. Water pressure that gradually drops should not be disregarded, as it typically signals the impending full blockage of a line.
Developing Rust Spots on Exposed Pipes and Fittings
Additionally, look for signs of rust buildup, flaking paint, discoloration, or corrosion on any visible metal pipes, pipe joints, elbows, tees, and water shut-off valves. These can indicate larger, potentially dangerous deterioration problems that may also be present in the inner, concealed parts of piping. Early detection of external corrosion acts as a clear indicator that more serious damage is actively taking place inside pipe walls that are hidden from view. Preventing leaks by taking early measures to address corrosion is crucial.
Pipes Vibrating and Rumbling Due to Flow
As pressurized water passes through water pipes, place your hand there with caution. Excessive vibration, rumbling, and shaking noises coming from the pipe system indicate the presence of internal obstructions, mineral deposits, and general debris accumulation that obstruct regular water flow volumes. When pipes continue to rumble, repairs need to be planned quickly.
Internal Leaks That Cause Stained Ceilings or Wet Drywall
Look for damp areas of sheetrock, peeling paint, water stains, or portions of rotted, mushy, damaged drywall when carefully inspecting the ceilings, walls, and perimeters around plumbing fixtures. These are telltale symptoms of ongoing water leaks coming from subterranean supply lines. Leaky pipes that are not visible can deteriorate a building gradually and catastrophically over years.
Unhealthy Levels of Lead or Other Contaminants in Water
Extensively corroded and deteriorating interior plumbing pipes and connections buried in the walls are probably to blame if recent testing finds worryingly high lead content, bacteria levels, or other toxins present in your home’s drinking water. To completely address the cause of contamination and restore the safety of domestic water, comprehensive repipe services must be arranged.
Significant Unaccounted For Water Loss Due to Leaks
Significant anomalous increases in the amount of water used on a regular basis that are observed on utility bills are sometimes a sign that there is a significant leak in the home’s plumbing system. When the fixtures are off, spend some time listening carefully along the walls or beneath the sinks for any faint sounds of actively running water. Significant drops in water quality or unexplained spikes in demand almost certainly indicate leaks that need to be fixed.
Main Water Lines That Are Older Than 75 Years
When a house’s original main water lines have been in continuous use for 75 years or more after they were first installed, it makes more sense and is less expensive to replace all of the pipes instead of doing patchwork or pipe lining. Older pipes just deteriorate inside over decades to the point where epoxy liners find it difficult to properly cling to and reinforce.
Before catastrophic pipe failures result in serious water emergencies and disastrously flooded properties, problems can be identified and addressed early through water line inspection and repair. You need to get your water line inspected and repaired by a plumber if you see one or more of these symptoms. Get in touch with Performance Plumbing to arrange a time.
