4 Common Plumbing Issues Found In Orinda, CA HomesJuly 14, 2023
4 Common Plumbing Issues Found In
Orinda, CA, Homes
How To Avoid Some Common Plumbing
Issues In Your Home
If you have a plumbing issue in your Orinda, CA, home, you are not alone. Every day, many homeowners deal with the headache caused by plumbing issues in their homes.
Plumbing issues in the East Bay area are not uncommon. Due to the age of the area and numerous other environmental issues, many homeowners find that plumbing issues are things they deal with routinely.
But what are the most common plumbing issues seen in the area? And can you avoid these issues? Check out these four common issues and services you may want to consider to avoid becoming a victim of these issues.
1. Leaky Water Pipes
A common problem in many homes is leaky water pipes. Depending on the age of your pipe, you could be dealing with deteriorating pipes that will spring leaks as they age. Given the age of many homes in the Orinda, CA, area, aging pipes can become a huge hassle.
Not only will leaky pipes lead to decreased water pressure, but they can also cause a lot of damage to the home itself, especially if the leak goes undetected and has a chance to bleed into the subfloors of your home.
Unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid leaks from happening. The key is to make sure you notice signs of leaks in your home so you can call in the professionals at the first sign of a leak.
The signs of a leak in your home include the following:
- Decreased water pressure
- Hearing drips of water
- Increased water bills
- Signs of mold growth near water lines
Leaky water pipes need to be appropriately repaired to avoid future leaks. Luckily, leaky pipes can become a thing of the past with the right plumber on your side. If you are dealing with aging pipes that have led to these leaks, having all these replaced may be your best decision.
2. Roots Growing Into Drain Lines
There are tons of trees in the Orinda, CA, area. And while these trees are beautiful, they can wreak havoc on your drain lines.
The roots of the trees in the area have been known to infiltrate the drain lines and clog them slowly. In severe cases, homeowners have noticed their wastewater returning to the house or flooding their front yard. It is a smelly mess no homeowner wants to deal with.
Preventing roots from growing into your drain lines may be beyond your control. If trees are already established near your drain lines, the potential damage is already there, and you can do nothing about it.
However, if you are planting trees in your yard, try to avoid planting any near your drain lines, and remember that the roots of trees often spread several feet beyond what most people expect.
Signs you may have roots already taking over your drain lines include the following:
- Water takes longer to drain out of sinks, tubs, and toilets
- You have intense smells coming from your drains
- You hear noises when using the drain line, often described as gurgling from the drains
- You have areas in your yard that are moist, signaling waste is leaking into the ground
When roots take over your drain lines, they will require the assistance of a professional plumber. Rooter services are in place to help remove the roots, opening the line up to allow wastewater to run out. In some situations, the entire drain line may need to be replaced if the roots have managed to break the line entirely, which is a job for a professional.
3. Slow-Running Drains
Many customers call in professional plumbers when dealing with slow-running drains in their homes. It can be annoying and signal a more significant issue when it happens.
The reason for slow-running drains can be anything from a collapsed drain line, tree roots in the drain line, or clogged lines. Knowing why the drain is running slow will determine how it is corrected.
Some of the methods you can use to prevent slow-running or future clogged drains in your home include the following:
- Not pouring grease and other materials down the drain
- Only using the garbage disposal for what it was intended for
- Avoid flushing items that should not be flushed, such as baby wipes
- Have your drains cleaned routinely to help avoid sludge buildup, which can slow water draining
Most homeowners will immediately reach for a chemical to try to open their drain, which can be damaging to your entire system so they should be used sparingly.
4. Discolored Water
Discolored water coming from taps throughout your home could be a sign of rust in the water. But, if you have old pipes, it could be more severe. You could have a lot of chemical buildup in your water due to the pipes. In other cases, it could be that your main water line allows dirt and debris into your pipes.
The only way to prevent discolored water is to ensure you have the right water lines running to and through your home and no cracks in your main water line. Only a professional plumber can determine what issue is present.
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If your Orinda, CA, home has a plumbing problem, we are here to help! Whether your plumbing issue is common or unique, we can handle the job.