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Common Causes for Home Water Leak

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Water leaks – the bane of any homeowners existence. It’s not only irritating – the drip drip sound is enough to drive anyone crazy – it’s also wasteful. A leaking faucet can waste gallons of water per day. In fact, a water leak that presents as a leaking faucet can waste up to 350 gallons of water per year. No matter where you live, this is bad news. You might feel the impulse to ignore a water leak. After all, a tiny leak is easy to ignore. However, water leaks do not go away on their own. If left unchecked, they can lead to further damage. There are many types of leaks and some are hard to identify. Read on to learn more about leaks and their causes.

Supply Line Leaks

Supply line leaks are not the same as faucet leaks. In the case of a supply line leak, the actual water supply line that supplies water to your home is compromised. The supply pipe is usually outside of the house, often buried underground. The supply line is connected to the water meter. If you notice that there is water in the water meter, this could be a sign that you have a supply line leak. Another sign of a supply line leak is if there’s water in the ground above where the line is buried. In this case, the leak is likely severe. If you have a supply line leak, do not attempt to fix this yourself. Call in a professional.

If your water pressure is too high, this can put wear and tear on your pipes. Wear and tear can lead to leaks in the supply line, which can get worse if left neglected. A professional plumber can identify the location of the leak and reinforce the area that’s weak. They can also strengthen or replace other areas of pipe that look like they are close to leaking in order to prevent supply line leaks in the future.

Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are some of the most common kinds of leaks in the home. They are also among the hardest to identify because they are generally silent. They don’t create the noise that leaks from a faucet can create. Because the leak is going directly into another body of water, these leaks can be hard to see and hear. The best way to identify a leak in your toilet is to listen for a sound coming from the valve in the toilet. If the valve makes a sound while the toilet is not being used, this is an indication of a possible leak.

One way to discern whether there’s a leak in your toilet is to deposit dye tabs into the water in the tank. If the colored water begins to show up in the bowl of the toilet within 15 minutes or so, you likely have a leak on your hands. A professional is the best person to fix this problem. They will be able to replace or adjust valves and lines in your toilet so that the leak ceases to be an issue. Loose or worn out parts of the toilet’s plumbing system are usually to blame for the leak. If valves are diminished or damaged, they are likely the cause of the leak in your system. While this is a repair that is easy for a professional plumber to make, it’s not something that you should try at home. If you do, you may find that you do more damage than good. And you may need to pay for more costly repairs in the long run.

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain does not just present a problem on the outside. It presents a problem on the inside, as well. A clogged drain in the sink makes it difficult for water to flow through the pipes. This can lead to internal blockages that put stress on your plumbing system, eventually leading to breaks or cracks in the pipes if left unchecked. If you notice that water is draining more slowly than usual, have your plumber check for clogged pipes. Doing this can help prevent or identify leaks in the plumbing system.

Loose Joints

If the joints that connect your piping are weak or loose, they can cause a water leak to occur in your home. When you have your pipes inspected, make sure that your plumber looks to see if the joints are in good condition. If they aren’t, they may need to be replaced or repaired. One indication of possible weak joints is a banging noise when water is in use. If you are accustomed to hearing this noise, it might be time for an inspection.

Rust

If your pipes are made of metal, they should be checked periodically for rust or corrosion. Over time, metal can be worn down and can develop areas of weakness or breakage. If pipes are rusted, there is an increased risk of a water leak.

Temperature

As with all things, pipes are affected by extreme temperatures. If temperature fluctuates wildly from hot to cold, this can cause undue wear and tear on your plumbing. This can lead to a water leak. Keep this in mind if you are experiencing severe weather conditions. It might be a good idea to have your plumbing inspected after a particularly extreme spell of weather just to make sure that everything is in good working order.

Damage

The damage that can be caused by a water leak goes far beyond inconvenience. Mold growth, structural damage, and electrical danger are all potential results of a water leak that goes unchecked. It’s important to know about the causes of leaks in order to prevent them.

Contact Us

If you notice or suspect a water leak, contact us. At Palo Alto Plumbing, we have the knowledge and expertise to do the job right the first time – every time. Contact us today by calling 650-374-0868. We look forward to hearing from you.

Common Plumbing Myths That Can Cost You More Money

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Plumbing is one of the least glamorous aspects of home ownership, and every time a plumbing issue arises you can expect it to be a troublesome and inconvenient time for everyone in the household. Sometimes circumstances can worsen to the point that repair costs become more expensive because of misconceptions about the plumbing system. Below are some common ones that can cost you money: 

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What Causes Yellow & Orange Resin Beads in Your Plumbing?

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Top Reasons Why Yellow & Orange Resin Beads are in Your Plumbing

If you notice yellow or orange resin beads in your toilet, sink, bathtub or anywhere in your plumbing system, don’t worry too much. These are generally non-toxic and can be flushed out of your plumbing system. Ignoring these beads, however, can be harmful to your plumbing, as they may clog up smaller passages in fixtures and appliances.

In this post, Palo Alto discusses two possible reasons why yellow or orange balls may appear in your plumbing system. We also share a few tips on how to deal with them.

Failing Water Softener Screen

Water softeners typically have small zeolite resin beads, which soften the water through ion exchange. Normally, these beads remain in the water softener in order to perform their job. When the yellow beads in water get out of the softener and reach your pipes, however, this could mean that the water softener screen has been torn or damaged. The beads often end up getting stuck inside water faucet aerators. If you find them in your water faucet filter, check your water softener screen or call a plumbing expert for a more thorough inspection.

Dissolved Water Heater Plastic Intake Tube

The appearance of colored resin beads is a common issue in old water heaters manufactured between 1993 and 1997. These beads clog up water faucet filters and cause water to only be lukewarm. These issues are usually caused by a faulty dip tube in your water heater, which can easily be fixed by replacing the broken dip tube and flushing the water heater.

Ion-exchange water softeners

If you have an ion-exchange water softener in your home, it is not uncommon for the beads to break loose and end up in your plumbing. This usually happens when the softener is overcharged with salt, which causes the beads to become brittle and eventually break apart. If you notice that your plumbing is full of these small beads, it is important to have your water softener serviced as soon as possible.

Damaged Pipes

If your pipes are damaged, all sorts of materials can enter into the piping and eventually make their way into your home’s plumbing. This includes everything from dirt and sediment to small animals and insects. Once these materials are in your plumbing, they can cause all sorts of problems, including clogs and leaks. If you suspect that your pipes are damaged, it is important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Dirty Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your home, it is important to keep it clean. A dirty sump pump can suck up all sorts of dirt and debris, which can then end up in your plumbing. If you notice that your plumbing is full of dirt and debris, your sump pump likely needs to be cleaned.

Failing Septic Tank

If you have a septic tank, it is important to have it inspected regularly. Over time, the septic tank can become full of all sorts of materials, including human waste and detergents. If the septic tank becomes too full, it can overflow and send all of these materials into your plumbing. If you suspect that your septic tank is failing, it is important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

There are many reasons why yellow and orange balls might be in your plumbing. These resin beads are typically small, but they can cause big problems if they are not removed from your plumbing. If you notice yellow or orange balls in your plumbing, it is important to determine the cause so that you can take the necessary steps to fix the problem.

If your current water heater is from 1993 to 1997, it’s highly likely that your unit has already exceeded its life expectancy. Instead of spending your money on repairs, you might want to consider investing in a new water heater. This will eliminate the possibility of the issue recurring and save you from spending too much on repairs. Make sure to replace your faucet and shower head filters as well.

How to Prevent Orange and Yellow Resin Beads from Taking Over Your Plumbing

Do you have an ion-exchange water softener in your home, it is important to keep it well maintained. This includes adding salt to the softener regularly and having the unit serviced by a professional every few years.

If you have a septic tank, it is important to have it inspected regularly and pumped out every few years. This will help to prevent the septic tank from becoming full of resin beads and other materials that can overflow into your plumbing.

It is also important to keep an eye on your pipes and sump pump. If you notice any damage, it is important to have the pipes repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Additionally, if your sump pump is dirty, be sure to clean it regularly.

Following these tips will help to prevent orange beads in water from taking over your plumbing. However, if you do find these beads in your plumbing, it is important to take the necessary steps to remove them and prevent them from causing further damage.

Palo Alto is a trusted plumbing contractor with over 16 years of industry experience. We take care of jobs of various sizes. Whether your project is large or small, you can count on us to meet or exceed your expectations. Call us at (650) 405-1460 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation. We serve customers in Palo Alto, CA.

Plumbing Noises & What They Mean

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A typical home plumbing system that’s functioning properly doesn’t make loud noises, so it’s worth investigating if yours begins to do so. In this blog, plumbing and air conditioning repair service company Palo Alto discusses what common plumbing noises may indicate.