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How Do You Know You Need A Water Line Repair? | Conway, SC
When you refer to water lines, you can have one of two things in mind: one is the pipe system that drives fresh, clean water into your home, the other is the pipe system that drives waste away from it. For practical purposes, we will use the first definition in this article. In other words, when we speak of water line repair, we mean the pipes that bring the water into your home that you use to wash, shower, and everything else. Once that point has been cleared, let’s find out the how, what, and why of water line repair.
Why Does a Water Line Break?
Just like anything else, water pipes age and weaken with time. As they do, they tend to develop cracks and fissures that can lead to bigger leaks when exposed to the pressure of the water coming through the main line. Additionally, certain garden pests and human mistakes can cause water lines to tear and leak, a problem that often goes unnoticed until it starts causing other types of issues in your home. Water lines are usually made out of copper, plastic, galvanized iron, and other materials. How resistant your pipe system is will depend on the materials used and the amount of pressure they withstand. Even so, the risk of a leak is always present, especially in areas like Myrtle Beach and Conway, SC, due to weather variations and variations in ground stability.
What Are the Signs of a Cracked Water Line?
One of the most obvious signs of a cracked water line in need of water line repair is also the only one that people notice. We are referring to an unusual increase in your water bill. If you find you aren’t using any more water than you normally do, but your bill is growing, it may be time to have your water pipes inspected. Remember, this is the one thing you shouldn’t ignore because doing so can result in costly damage to your home. Oftentimes, it’s best to invest some money in a timely repair rather than having to deal with the long-term consequences.
There are several other signs that can point to a leak in your water line, including unusual puddles in your yard or basement. If you don’t have a basement, the water may appear anywhere on the ground floor. A simple way to tell there may be a leak is watching your water meter with all faucets turned off. If no water is being run in your home but your meter is still running, you very likely need a professional water line repair service. This last sign can also help you figure out leaks if you already suspect a leak. If you are having to deal with increasing bills and standing water where there shouldn’t be any, turn off all your faucets and go take a look at the meter. This should tell you if you need immediate help.
What to Do if You Detect a Leak in Your Water Line?
While your first reaction to detecting a leak in your water line may be to fix it yourself, your best bet will always be to call in the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach for the area’s foremost water line repair service.
While you wait, try to shut off the valve, especially if there is flooding outdoors. This valve is normally located near the water meter in the street. If the flooding is taking place indoors, close your home’s water supply valve, which should be located where the water line enters your house. If you can’t find either one, make sure to let our pros know. We at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach are the Conway, SC area’s foremost experts at water line repair, and we have the tools needed to get the flooding to stop right away, so don’t hesitate, if your water line is in need of inspection or repair, give us a call today and we will be happy to lend a hand.
Can Water Line Repair Be Prevented?
With a good maintenance schedule and a little work, most people can avoid costly water line repair, Conway, SC. To keep your home’s pipes in good working order, make sure you keep the following actions in mind.
- Schedule an annual inspection of your water line, especially in the areas where the highest pressure is applied, such as the connection to the water main.
- Make sure to replace or repair any old or worn pipes. An annual inspection should let you know which ones could become a source of trouble in the future.
- Invest in a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) if you live in an area with consistently high water pressures that could damage your pipes.
- Keep your trees trimmed and their roots away from your water line. Many times the pipes are damaged by growing tree roots and falling branches.
- Invest in pest control. Certain garden pests can wrangle their way into water pipes during the hot months. Keeping them under control can help your water line remain in good shape for a longer time.
A Final Note
Keeping your water line in good working order can help you save a lot of money over time and will keep your home’s structure in a healthy condition. If you have doubts about your connection to the city’s water system, don’t hesitate to give the public utilities office a call to ask any questions you may have about the type of pipes, pressure, and even the age of your connection.
If you suspect your water line may be in trouble or in need of repair, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach a call and schedule an appointment today! Remember that scheduling an inspection and making any necessary repairs in time can save you a ton of money in the long run. So, give us a call and let us get your water line repair and any other plumbing needs you may have in tip-top shape before you find yourself standing in a puddle in your living room. Because at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach we know what pipes are all about, we will be happy to schedule your inspection today!