2 small plumbing problems and how to fix them

Before calling a professional, remember that small plumbing and leaking issues can sometimes be fixed on your own. Here are some tips to guide you.

1. Look for signs of damp

Moisture in the home can come from two main sources:

Plumber Bristol Condensation inside the house . If you see the plaster crumbling or the wallpaper peeling off in cold, dry weather, chances are that the moisture is due to condensation;

A leak from outside . If the moisture problem manifests itself in hot, rainy weather, then it is more likely that the moisture is coming from outside and that it is due to a structural problem in your home.

Moisture stains on the baseboard, or a mark on the wallpaper anywhere up to three feet from the floor, may indicate a problem with your insulation.

Check the outside to see if there is any visible damage to the insulation. Repair is a professional job.

Upwelling can also occur if, for example, a path or flower bed covers (or overlaps) the insulation, allowing rainwater to enter. In such cases, the flower bed or the path should be lowered, or a channel cut so that it does not touch the walls of the house.

Moisture at the top of the walls can be caused by missing or cracked roof tiles, or leaks or blocked gutters. Contact a professional to assess the cause and have the damage repaired immediately.

2. Unblock a drain located outside

Blockages often occur at the downspout, i.e. at the square drain, usually located outside the rear door:

If the drain is blocked, you may hear a bubbling sound when you empty the kitchen sink;

The grille covering the gutter can become clogged with leaves and debris. Lift it with a garden fork and clean it with a garden hose or scrub it heavily with a stiff brush using hot soapy water;

If the trapped water does not flow immediately, the blockage is at a deeper level. Put on long rubber gloves, put your arm inside, and pick up all debris by hand;

Finish by flushing the drain with the garden hose.

Keep these tips in mind and save money by learning how to remove the source of moisture in your home and unblock your outside drain.

Plan pipe replacement in 4 steps

Before the expensive step of digging under your house to replace the sewer line, do everything you can to keep the existing line active by following these 4 steps.

1. Get visual confirmation

Never let anyone persuade you to spend $ 10,000 or more without clear proof of the problem. Plumbers are well aware of where it is and its cause.

You absolutely must have a video camera sent down the drain to properly assess the condition of the sewage disposal.

Hire a reputable plumber or pipe inspection service to have the inside of the piping examined. Video recording will show you if the pipes are rusty or broken or if tree roots are blocking them.

Besides, you will know exactly where the damage is from the central point. This is important to know because if the damaged pipe is on the other side of your property line, the repair may well fall under the municipal sewer system.

2. Think about your options

Old pipes could turn out to be a real mess requiring replacement, but there are some repair techniques that need to be evaluated first.

Tree roots can be mechanically punctured and root devitalizer applied to stop their growth.

High pressure water jet is a similar cleaning technique designed to remove grease and other soft build-up.

Another solution, but which reduces the capacity of the pipes, consists in cementing a pipe liner on the dislocated or very rusted sections as in the case of steel pipes.

3. Get a second opinion

Even if the first inspector declares that the line is beyond repair, look for a plumbing service that specializes in old sewer lines.   

Some experienced and resourceful professionals will come up with smart solutions that don't require digging under the foundation of the house.

4. Consider different quotes

Finally, you accept your sad fate. At this point, you know exactly where the sewers are on your property.

Can an excavator easily dig? Is the problem under the garage, under the outdoor patio or under your beautiful landscaping?

It will not only be expensive, but you may have to sacrifice elements of your garden.

When you know exactly what to do, get at least three professional quotes to have all the pipes replaced.

These quotes in hand, ask yourself if the expense and inconvenience is justified compared to a new lining of all the pipes.

The age of the house and the number of years you plan to stay there will dictate the best plan.

If you own a home with recurring sewerage issues, every visit from the pipe specialist is like a sword of Damocles. You never know if you'll hear "I'm sorry, we've done everything we can to keep this broken and rusty pipe running." It's time to replace it ”. At least now you will know what to do with this fatality.