A burst pipe is one of the most common home water disasters. The homeowner is alerted to the situation, shuts off the water supply, and calls a water clean up company for help. However, broken pipes can pool water under the sink, basement, or crawl space. Keeping a close eye on your water bill is a meaningful way to prevent a major water disaster.

Plumbing problems

Home water disasters often occur from plumbing problems, which are harder to detect because pipes are often hidden in walls. Common plumbing problems include leaking toilets. They can also be caused by worn-out or faulty household appliances, such as washing machines. Refrigerators and dishwashers can also develop leaks. Moreover, improperly maintained air conditioners can accumulate moisture that acts as a breeding ground for mold.

The average American home wastes about 10,000 gallons of water a year due to leaks and other plumbing problems. While many leaks can be repaired with simple DIY techniques, others require a professional plumber. Hiring a plumber as soon as possible can prevent an unpleasant plumbing disaster in your home and save you a lot of money. Burst pipes and overflowing drains can result in thousands of dollars in damage.

Broken pipes

Broken pipes can cause extensive damage to your home and are often a symptom of another problem. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t discover the problem until the pipe has burst, so identifying the underlying cause can help you avoid a future leak. For example, freezing water can increase pressure in lines; once this happens, the ice can expand and break a pipe. To prevent this from happening, make sure your pipes are winter-proofed.

Older pipes are especially prone to bursts, which is especially true of copper pipes. This is because the water from these pipes is acidic, which causes them to degrade faster than other materials. Using an inexpensive hose bib gauge to check water pressure is an excellent idea. Most hardware stores sell them for $10. Regular readings will be around 50 to 80 PSI, but install a pressure-reducing valve if the gauge reads more than 80 PSI. Another cause of burst pipes is human error. People hanging things near exposed pipes can cause stress, leading to cracks or ruptures.

Clogged drains

Clogged drains can happen in several ways. First, avoid flushing things down the drain altogether. Instead, add additional objects or chemicals to the drain. If you find your gutters clogged, call a water clean up professional immediately.

When a drain gets clogged, it can be challenging to clean it. You may use a drain cleaner or use a cleaning auger. However, make sure to remove all excess dirt first. Grease and oils can cause severe blockages in the drain system. Also, you should avoid using hot water to clean the drain, as it can damage the pipes.

Clogged drains can lead to flooding and sewage backup in your home. It can also damage your septic system and sewage line. Therefore, you should check your gutters regularly to prevent clogs from affecting your home.

Clogged dishwashers

If your dishwasher is clogged, you may not be able to drain the water properly. In these cases, you may have to call a plumber to fix the problem. If you have a home warranty, your warranty company may cover the repair cost. To find out if your home warranty covers the cost of dishwasher repair, contact the company and request an appointment with a qualified contractor.

The draining valve or motor may be faulty if the dishwasher does not drain properly. If this is the case, you should replace the dishwasher draining valve or replace the motor. If the draining valve is still not working, you may want to try a homemade cleaning solution by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour the solution into the bottom of the dishwasher and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, run the dishwasher on the highest temperature setting to remove any remaining liquid.

Sewer system failure

If your sewer system fails, it can lead to a backup in your home. This can cause significant damage to your property, and it can also be a health hazard. If you notice that your pipes are clogged or your drains are overflowing, you should contact the local government to help you get them repaired.

A clogged pipe can slow down a drain or stop draining altogether. If the problem is confined to a single tube, you may need to use a snake line to clear the clog. However, this method can damage the components of your system, so it is best to seek professional help. In addition, you should have your system inspected annually.