Well-maintained pipes provide clean drinking water and keep water waste at a minimum. Maintaining pipes through regular inspection, drain cleaning, and maintenance can help prolong the life of plumbing systems and avoid costly repairs. Here are signs of hidden drain or pipe leaks and how plumbers fix the issue:
Contents
Signs of Hidden Drain or Pipe Leaks
While small leaks might not be immediately noticeable, they can gradually increase utility costs. Higher bills with no obvious signs could also come from a broken underground pipe. Monitoring your water usage and looking for abnormalities, such as running water noises or odd damp spots, can help find leaks before they escalate. Other signs of hidden drain and pipe leaks include:
1. Mold or Mildew Growth
Leaking pipes will create a damp environment for mold spores to thrive. Once mold starts growing, it grows quickly and can spread through walls, floors, and other surfaces. Mold may trigger allergic reactions, irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma or allergies. Mold growth is even more likely in areas such as basements or bathrooms, where ventilation is poor. To prevent mold infestation and provide a healthy living environment, it’s necessary to control leaks and moisture.
2. Damp or Discolored Walls
Damp or discolored walls are clear signs of water leaks. Water stains show up as yellow or brown patches. Paint or wallpaper can bubble and peel due to persistent dampness. You may see some walls with streaks of water running down them or that feel soft to the touch. Over time, leaks behind walls may seep through drywall or plaster, causing cosmetic and structural damage.
3. Musty Odors
Mold, mildew, or standing water in a hidden area can cause musty odors. It often grows behind walls or under the floor, and you will smell a damp, earthy scent. Excess moisture in the air, often from undetected leaks, manifests as stale or stuffy air in basements or bathrooms. Musty odors may also result from moldy carpets, upholstery, or insulation that has absorbed water over time.
How Plumbers Fix the Leaks
Plumbers test pipes by pressurizing them with water or air to detect leaks. If the pressure drops, it means there is a leak. This method will locate leaks in water supply lines or inaccessible pipes. Here are other ways plumbers fix leaks:
Video Inspection
Video inspection systems are used by plumbers to view the interior of pipes for leaks or blockages. Small, flexible push cameras can be run through standard household plumbing, allowing real-time images to be captured. Large underground sewer lines may require specialized cameras to view the systems. Industrial or commercial plumbing systems employ robotic crawler cameras as remote-controlled devices. Plumbers use these specialty cameras to deliver high-resolution images and video feeds, enabling them to locate and diagnose issues quickly.
Pipe Relining and Replacement
Pipe relining is a method used by plumbers to insert a flexible liner with a resin coating to reline damaged pipes. As the resin hardens, it forms a new, durable inner pipe, sealing the leaks. This is beneficial for small cracks or leaks.
Slip lining is the process of inserting a smaller pipe into a larger pipe and sealing the gap. Pipe bursting involves breaking the old pipe while pulling a new pipe through the same space. Pipe replacement can be used when the pipe is too damaged.
Drainage Improvements
Plumbers will implement several types of drainage improvements to resolve issues due to poor water flow. A French drain helps to divert water from areas that are prone to flooding. Catch basins (or surface drains) can help remove excess water from driveways, yards, or patios. Rainwater is carried away from the home’s foundation by downspout extensions to prevent water damage. Drain cleaning will also prevent water accumulation and minimize the possibility of foundation or basement leaks.
Use Drain Cleaning Services
Hidden leaks in your home’s plumbing system may result in long-term problems. Plumbers offer various solutions to fix or replace broken and leaking pipes. They can use sealants, pipe lining, video inspection, and other methods to repair your system. Find a reputable plumber in your area to get help with hidden pipe leaks today.
