Unattended dripping pipes in your Grand Junction, CO home can cause water damage, higher electricity bills and even health risks. It’s important to fix them as soon as possible. You’ll find it easier to take immediate action to avoid more significant problems by learning the typical reasons for dripping pipes and how plumbers fix them.
Leaky Faucets
A leaking faucet is one of the most common reasons for water to drip from pipes. This is usually attributed to the cartridges, O-rings, or worn washers in the faucet mechanism. Turning off the main water supply to the faucet is usually the first step a plumber takes. The next step is to take the faucet apart so they can look inside. They’ll replace the worn parts, which can include the washer, the O-ring or even the complete cartridge, based on the kind of faucet and the level of wear. To be sure the leak is no longer an issue, the plumber will test the faucet after reassembly.
Cracked or Corroded Pipes
Pipes can corrode or develop fissures over time, particularly in older houses or places with hard water. Because of these problems, water may start to drip from the afflicted regions. The severity of the damage dictates the course of action. Epoxy pipelining or patching chemicals are temporary solutions that plumbers sometimes use to remedy tiny cracks or localized corrosion. Nevertheless, it is usually necessary to replace the broken pipe portion. This entails removing the damaged portion of the pipe and replacing it with a new one using fittings or couplings. It may be necessary to replace larger portions of the pipe in situations of severe corrosion.
High Water Pressure
Pipes can burst at joints or vulnerable areas if your plumbing system is under constant stress from high water pressure. A plumber will start by utilizing a pressure gauge to evaluate the water pressure in your home. They will put a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) on the main water line if it reaches an excessively high level, usually more than 80 psi. This valve, by controlling the water pressure that enters your property, can help keep your pipes and fixtures in good repair. After installation, the plumber will check the pressure at different locations throughout the home and adjust the PRV to reach the ideal pressure range, which is typically 40 to 60 psi.
Pipe Joint Damage
As time passes, leaks can occur at the joints where pipes connect. This is particularly prevalent in places that are prone to vibrations or movement. The specific joint and the level of damage determine the manner of restoration. A plumber may attempt to seal small leaks in threaded connections by tightening the connection or by adding pipe joint cement. Repairing a badly broken joint could require cutting out the affected area and replacing the fitting. When resoldering a soldered joint, the plumber must first desolder the joint and then clean the pipe ends. In some cases, they may choose to use push-fit fittings for a more flexible and expedited repair.
Faulty Seals
Leaks can occur when the seals surrounding fixtures, including toilet tanks or shower heads, deteriorate with time. Draining the tank, removing the defective seal, cleaning the region and installing a new seal are the usual procedures for a toilet tank. This may necessitate the replacement of the fill valve, gasket between the tank and the bowl or flapper. Plumbers will also remove equipment, such as shower heads, and clean the connection point before reattaching them with new plumber’s tape or sealant. This ensures a watertight seal.
Clogged Lines
Dripping pipes might be the result of blocked lines. This is because any obstruction-induced increase in pressure can allow water to escape through numerous tiny holes or cracks in the system. The plumber will use tools like camera inspections to try to find the blockage. After they’ve found what’s causing the clog, they can remove it using an auger or a plumbing snake. It might be necessary to use hydro jetting for more difficult-to-remove obstructions. This process requires the use of water at high pressure to unclog the pipes. After unclogging the pipe, the plumber will check for any further leaks that the obstruction may have caused.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots have the potential to burrow into subterranean pipes, creating fissures and eventual leaks that could show up as water dripping into your house. To confirm a root incursion and pinpoint the afflicted location, the plumber will most likely utilize a camera inspection. For minor incursions, they might clean the roots using a mechanical auger with a cutting head. More serious cases may require chemical treatments or hydro jetting. Repairing or replacing the damaged piece of pipe does not require substantial excavation when using trenchless pipelining or pipe bursting techniques.
If you’re dealing with water dripping from pipes in your home, Home Comfort Services can help. We also offer AC repairs, swamp coolers, heating tune-ups, drain repiping and duct cleaning. Call us now to schedule a pipe repair and other plumbing services in Grand Junction.
