Our plumbing systems are the unsung heroes of our homes. Without effective and reliable plumbing, simple necessities like taking a shower, using the toilet, and cleaning the dishes would become impossible. And it’s not just that good plumbing keeps our homes functional: it also keeps our homes safe, because the types of issues that can arise from bad plumbing can threaten our health and our homes. That’s why it’s so important to maintain your plumbing system, say the experts at Pipe Surgeons. Even with today’s powerful modern plumbing technologies, a neglected home plumbing system can eventually fail and create a serious disaster in your personal space. Here are three such disasters that you definitely do not want to have!
Backflow
When your plumbing system works properly, it has two basic responsibilities. One set of pipes sends fresh, clean water to your sinks, showers, and even your toilets. Another set of pipes takes the water away again, collecting its load from drains and flushing toilets and delivering it to the sewers, where it joins a whole lot of other people’s gross water.
Hydro jetting is an innovative, eco-friendly way to clear the pipes of the worst obstructions and clogs. It uses highly-pressured water to force any debris and clogs out from the pipe without the need for chemicals or manual labor.
Backflow, unfortunately, is exactly what it sounds like: it means the water in your pipes starts going to the wrong way. Specifically, we’re talking about the wastewater pipes. This is a serious problem, because sewage flowing into your home can cause dire health problems, not to mention a disgusting mess that is costly to fix. If you don’t want sewage emerging from your drains, then you definitely want to keep up with your home’s plumbing needs.
Leaks
Leaks are common plumbing problems, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not among the worst problems you can have. While leaks can be quick fixes when they’re detected, the ones you miss can slowly cause serious damage to your home — while also getting worse and potentially leading to serious flooding. Anyone who has seen a cave or a canyon understands the power of water over time, and those same principles are at work in your home. If you have a leak in your wall or in a low-traffic area of your home, it could cause serious water damage and perhaps even structural damage before you spot it and are able to fix it.
Poorly installed pipes
One possible cause of leaks is worth mentioning specifically. The installation of the pipes themselves is a serious undertaking, and if home builders don’t take the task seriously, you could be left with a leaky and dangerous plumbing system. That’s why experts agree that poorly installed pipes are one of the things to look out for when you’re shopping for a home. Avoid this plumbing issue if you can, and call a plumber immediately if it’s too late!
How to avoid plumbing disasters in your home
These types of plumbing disasters are pretty horrifying, but you don’t have to live in fear. Avoiding plumbing problems doesn’t require you to know the intricacies of modern plumbing systems or the laundry list of risk factors that professional plumbers do. All you have to do is hire a professional plumber — and be proactive about how you do it.
Occasional repairs are no substitute for regular maintenance. If you want to catch problems early and fix them while they’re still manageable, you need to work with a plumber to set up regular inspections of your plumbing system’s key features. Spending a little bit on maintenance now will help you avoid spending a whole lot more when disaster strikes your neglected system!