Posted by William Heinselman on
Wasting water is not exactly on anyone’s to-do list for the day-- especially during this season of drought in California. You could be wasting water right now only to realize it when you receive your monthly water bill and notice the spike in your usage and payment. This is likely to happen if you have a leak in your sewage system.
Leaky pipes are generally a tell-all sign that your sewage system needs some care and attention. Sometimes the leak in the pipe may require minimal fixing; however, in many cases, it can require extensive repairing. In either case it is important that you make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Causes of Leaky Pipes
Hair, grease and sediment are the likely factors that clog pipelines; however, pipe leaks are often due to weakened, fragile and older piping. Below are five factors that can cause a pipe to leak.
- Corrosion
This is likely to occur for a few reasons including chemical reactions, water quality and age. Once a pipe begins corroding it will only get worse with time.
- Rust
This is one of the most common forms of corrosions which often occurs in older steel pipes-- PVC and copper pipelines are less likely to rust.
- Cracks
These types of leaks are more rare with modern plumbing fixtures; however, they are rather common with older sewage systems and should be repaired as soon as possible since they cause the most water waste.
- Increased Pressure
While many pipes are able to withstand a significant amount of pressure, pipes are still able susceptible to leaking under the duress of high pressures.
- Weak Joints
The joints of your pipe are likely to weaken over time and can incur leaks. If you have low water pressure, you likely have a leak in a pipe joint.
The Repairs
If you are experiencing low water pressure, a spike in your water bill or wet spots, chances are the piping in your sewage system is leaking. Leaky pipes can result in the formation of harmful and unhealthy hazards including:
- Toxic mold
- Mildew
- Easily transferrable spores
- Pest infestations
You can take preventative measures by contacting a professional plumbing contractor in Sacramento to conduct a leak detection. Since it can be difficult to detect a leak while it is happening, professionals can take preemptive measures with leak detection and leak location to prevent water damage from happening.
The biggest obstacle is deciding when to repair and when to replace your pipeline. Generally, this is dependent on the extent of damage the pipe has incurred that is causing it to leak. Trenchless technology is a way of pipe repair and replacement that doesn’t require digging massive holes in your yard and additional landscaping fees.
There are a variety of ways to repair or replace your leaky pipe using trenchless technology. Any type of trenchless renovation uses air pressure and fiberglass Perma-liners to cover, repair or replace damaged pipe lines. Some trenchless technologies include:
- Cured in place pipe (CIPP), resolves leaks due to old pipes
- Sectional point repair, repairs for small leaks and minor damages
Find a Sacramento Plumbing Contractor
If you are experiencing a leak in your pipeline, you should contact a professional plumber to get your sewage system back to running. There are plenty of professional plumbing services available in the Sacramento, California area, but try to hire the one who is best equipped for the repair and is honest.
