Clogs and leaks are among the most common household and commercial plumbing problems, and as with other issues, time is of the essence. Both problems develop slowly, making them hard to detect until they have gotten out of hand. The sooner you find and correct them, however, the less likely they are to cause serious pipe and water damage. Roto-Rooter thus places a premium on quick detection, using a combination of advanced technology and common sense to identify clogs and leaks in their early stages. We then provide speedy repairs, saving you from the costs and inconveniences of extensive plumbing damages.
How can I detect a clogged or leaky pipe?
To catch a clog or leak in its beginning stages, you have to recognize the early warning signs. Seemingly minor changes in your plumbing system indicate that the pipes are not working as well as you might have thought; though these changes can be hard to notice, once you train yourself to look for them, you should be able to pick them up. Key signs include:
- Reduced Water Pressure- Clogs often begin as mineral or debris buildups that reduce but do not completely block the flow of water. Likewise, leaks start small and slowly expand over time. Both issues cause small changes in water pressure. If you find that water isn’t flowing as fast out of your sink or shower head as you are used to, it’s a sign to start looking for deeper damages.
- Visible Leaks- Once you’ve identified a change in water pressure, check the pipes in your house for visible leaks. Leaks start small and often are as minor as a slight increase in moisture near the seams, so make sure to inspect your pipes carefully. If you cannot find a leak, that suggests the low pressure is due to a clog, a sewer line problem, or some other issue.
- Mildew & Mold- Leaks wet your floor and walls, making it easier for mold, mildew, and other fungi to grow. If you find these growths near a sink, toilet, or other appliance that uses water, inspect it thoroughly for leaks.
- Cracks In The Foundation- Internal leaks may cause water to build up in your home’s interior, putting pressure on the foundation.
- Unexplained Water Use- If your water meter is running when no one is home or your water bill goes up for no clear reason, odds are the excess water use is due to a leak.
- Drain Speed- In its early stages, a clog in the pipes leading from your drain may cause water in the drain to empty more slowly than usual. If only one drain is slow, this indicates that only that drain is clogged. If multiple drains slow down at the same time, you may be dealing with a clogged sewer line.
- Gurgling & Backwash- A clogged sewer line will cause your drains to make gurgling sounds even when there is no water running through them. It may also cause debris and sewage to wash up through the drains.
You may be able to diagnose most household and office plumbing problems on your own, but complex problems call for advanced diagnostic methods. Roto-Rooter performs camera line inspections and other state-of-the-art diagnostics on all commercial and residential buildings.
When should I call a plumber in Denton County?
As a general rule, you should never try to repair a clog or leak if you’re not sure what is causing it or don’t know the specific steps to fix it. Minor problems, such as leaks due to broken seals or clogs caused by hair in the drain, are easy enough to diagnose and repair, but few home or business owners have experience with sewer line clogs or misshapen pipes. If you try to fix a plumbing problem you don’t understand, you’re likely to make it worse. Far better to let professionals do the job right.
Even if you know what the problem is and how to fix it, calling a plumber may still be the best option. Consider the value of your time; if a plumbing problem takes two hours to fix, what else could you be doing with those two hours? An experienced plumber will be able to do the job much faster than you, so even if you know what to do, let professionals handle lengthy or complex jobs.
Finally, even if you haven’t detected a problems, you should call a Roto-Rooter plumber from time to time for a professional inspection. Our team will survey your pipes for leaks and clogs, as well as for outdated equipment, structural problems, and other issues that can lead to future plumbing problems.