This week is Fix A Leak Week, making it the most opportune time to provide some very helpful information about various types of plumbing leaks. It’s estimated that 10 percent of American homes have leaks and approximately 1/6 of the U.S.’s clean water supply is leaked through its distribution system. The EPA has calculated that enough water to annually supply 11 million households’ is leaked each year!
Harris County uses the most water in the state of Texas, doubling Dallas, in second place. A 2013 Houston Chronicle article revealed that more than 15 percent of Houston’s water supply was wasted due to leaks. Wasted water, whether it’s from leaking pipes or leaking fixtures (such as faucets or running toilets), is not only an issue of water consumption, but a financial issue, as well. Water leaks can increase your home’s water bill by 10 percent or more. And leaks to underground sewer lines can taint the surrounding soil and water supply, making them an extremely dangerous environmental issue.
Signs your home or office has a water or drain pipe leak:
- Increase in water bill
- Blistering wallpaper or paint on walls
- Mold or mildew
- Musty smell
- Stained wall or ceiling
- Low water pressure
- Strange sounds in bathrooms or near pipes Cracks or heaves in the foundation Potholes or sink holes
- Wet spot in yard
- Sewer odors
- Slow drains
Click here to learn more about some of these signs.
If your home or place of work is experiencing any of these problems, please contact us immediately!
Pipe leaks can be extremely destructive and expensive, so long-term repair or rehabilitation options will provide the most benefits, as well as a ROI on the investment. We have had clients who have spent thousands of dollars per year on small Band-Aid-type fixes for leaking pipes, only to have the problems continuously occur and drain their wallet. However, the below solutions, all of which we offer, are the most common and effective pipe system repair services.
Begin with leak detection services
Even if there are physical signs of a leak, it is important to check the entire piping system for more leaks. We are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that can find the location(s) of pressurized or non- pressurized pipe leaks. Our leak detection services include pneumatic and hydrostatic pressure tests, video inspections and other diagnostic tools that can trace and inspect the interior of pipes. Finding leaks or warning signs of eroding pipes can help prevent catastrophes in the future.
Repipes, the traditional fix
Repiping is a process that involves tearing out the aging pipes and replacing them with brand new pipes. This method is ideal when the pipes are exposed, if only part of the pipe system needs to be repaired or if other repair options are not attainable. Disadvantages of a repipe project include that the project is lengthy, messy, disruptive and creates additional expenses.
Reroutes can be less expensive and invasive than repipes
Reroutes are chosen when a repipe is not feasible or desired. Since repipes are usually destructive (and often quite expensive), reroutes are a less destructive option, because a reroute project means that the failing pipe system is left in-place and then new pipes are installed, often through the attic, outside or in less invasive places.
Pipe lining technologies are the least destructive and invasive solutions
All metal pipes eventually corrode or erode and ultimately fail. A metal pipe system can begin to show signs of failures, such as leaks or discolored water, in as little as two years after being installed. The best way to prevent failures and greatly extend the useful life of the pipe system is to invest in a pipe lining technology. Pipe lining is performed on the existing pipes in-place, which requires little to no destruction to the property, little to no disruption and very fast project turnaround time. Pipe lining also protects clean water from leached metal toxins, discolored water, low water pressure, clogged drains, root intrusion and other common problems.
Each property is unique, therefore not all repair options may be feasible. TDT Plumbing’s expert team will skillfully investigate the failing pipe system, then list possible courses of action. Let us help you. Please contact me, Vic Caso, to learn more about how we can help!