Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip…Drip. Are you annoyed yet? If you aren’t, you should be. Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric wants to make sure you realize water leaks, even the small ones, are a big deal in your Lubbock, TX home. Over time the dripping can cost money in larger water bills and eventually expensive home repairs.
How it Happens
How often do you actually look, really look, under your kitchen and bathroom sinks? When the sink or drainpipes are leaking, water can be present for a long time without you knowing. The results are damage to items stored under the sink, the drywall, and the cabinetry. The moisture can also cause mold which presents health risks and can be costly to remove. There are some common causes for water leaks and many of them can have a simple fix.
Nuts & Screws
It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Some plumbing issues are nothing more than a compression joint, nut, or screw that has worked loose. The fix is often as simple as grabbing a pair of pliers, wrench, or screwdriver to tighten things up.
Broken Seals
Just about every plumbing joint or connection has a rubber or plastic seal of some sort. Over time the seal can dry and shrink, or it can break. The result is a joint that leaks even though the joint is screwed together tightly. If you see a leak at a joint, the seal is the most likely culprit. Many seals, especially in low pressure drain lines, can be repaired by a handy do-it-yourselfer. If the seal is in a pressurized water supply line, it may be better to call in the experts from Armstrong.
Clogs Can Also Cause Leaks
What happens when you have a clogged drain or one that drains very slowly? Think about it for a minute. The wastewater stays in the sink longer and sits in the slow-moving drainpipe longer. The result is a buildup in pressure caused by the standing water and longer water exposure to those joints and connections we just talked about. The additional stress can cause water leaks. The moral of the story? Don’t treat a clogged or slow draining sink as a minor annoyance you can just ignore. The problem needs to be fixed either by the homeowner or by a professional plumber.
Water Pressure Problems
Although less common, water pressure that is too high can also strain pipes and cause leaks. High water pressure usually indicates a more complex problem within your water supply and requires the skills of a plumber. It may require the installation of a pressure reducing valve on the main supply line coming into your Lubbock, TX home. As a general rule-of-thumb the water pressure in a house should not exceed 80 pounds-per-square-inch (PSI).
Ready to Help
Don’t risk damage to your home by ignoring water leaks or any other plumbing problems you might have. Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric is just a phone call away…just like we have been since the business was founded in 1934. For more great home comfort information, be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
