A plumbing inspection can help prevent problems in the future. It can also identify issues and give you an idea of their cost.
Hidden leaks can cause expensive damage to your Alpharetta home or business. They can also be breeding grounds for mildew and mold. The longer they go unnoticed, the worse they will become.
Water Leaks
Whether in a sink or shower, in the yard, or in the pool, water leaks are expensive and can damage your home. The average household wastes 10,000 gallons of water every year from leaks.
The first thing a homeowner should do when suspecting a water leak is to check the home’s water meter. Write down the numbers, turn off all water faucets and appliances, and return in an hour to see if the meter reading has changed.
Then check for puddles around toilets and sinks, in basements or utility rooms, and beneath appliances like the dishwasher, clothes washer, and water heater. Puddles, if left unattended, can grow mold that ruins structural materials and spreads airborne spores that compromise indoor air quality.
Clogged Drains
A significant clog in your main sewer line can prevent drains around your home from working correctly. According to a plumber in Alpharetta GA it could be a sign of this issue if you notice gurgling when you flush the toilet or run water in a sink.
All the drain lines in your house lead to this enormous pipe that sends the waste away from sinks, toilets, and tubs. If it becomes clogged, destruction will return to your home and cause additional damage.
To avoid this, check your pipes regularly with a snake or a bent wire clothes hanger. Also, try using baking soda or vinegar instead of chemical drain cleaners. These products can be complex for your pipes and may even leave behind acidic sludge.
Water Heaters
Most home water heaters last a decade or more but can suffer from wear and tear and corrosion over time. This is especially true if you don’t perform regular maintenance.
Anode rods help prevent corrosion and extend the life of your unit. These rods are relatively inexpensive to replace, and you can usually do it yourself. However, you must be able to access the water heater and remove the insulation around the anode rod.
A faulty dip tube can cause cold water to enter the tank from the top instead of flowing down to the bottom, where it’s reheated. This can lower the overall water temperature and reduce hot-water supply availability. A professional plumber in Alpharetta GA will cost an average of $150 to fix this problem.
Sewer Lines
A sewer line is a pipe that carries waste from toilets and other drains to either a septic tank or the municipal sewer system. If it becomes damaged, a sewage backup can occur within the home and cause severe water damage.
Homeowners can usually tell that their sewer lines are in trouble by noticing a strong, foul smell coming from the house. They can also check the local government’s sewer line maps to locate their line.
While sewer lines are typically made of durable PVC, older ones may be composed of clay, cast iron, or fiber. Regardless of the material, homeowners should only attempt to repair or replace their buried pipes with professional assistance. This task requires years of education, hands-on experience, and specialized machinery.
Water Quality
According to a plumber in Alpharetta GA, even a tiny leak in your pipes can contribute to mold and mildew growth, which promotes allergies and other health issues. A plumbing inspection can identify and fix these problems before they become major.
Changing climate patterns and new pollutants like personal care products and pharmaceuticals are creating challenges to water quality. These contaminants can affect our drinking water, local rivers, lakes, aquifers, and coastal waters.
While the nation’s water supply has improved over the years, it is still essential to be mindful of potential contaminants and take precautions when handling your drinking water. Boiling your water can help remove dangerous elements and make it safe to consume. It can also be helpful to run cold water for a few minutes before using it.
