Ever spotted a mushroom growing through the floor under your sink? Or been haunted by the sound of a drip somewhere in your house? How about an odd, sticky stain on your wall that you can’t scrub off? If any of these sound familiar to you, you’ve probably got a plumbing leak.
Leaks can be expensive to fix if not checked regularly, so it’s important to be familiar with the warning signs. If you suspect a leak, we recommend calling a plumber to look at it sooner rather than later. Get in touch with Modern Era Plumbing and Gas Solutions for an obligation free quote and we’ll come take a look for you.
Rust and corrosion
Old plumbing corrodes and rusts with age. PVC plumbing doesn’t, however the fixtures around them do, so it’s important to make sure they are replaced over the years. Good news is that they have a pretty long lifespan.
- Toilets: 4 to 5 years
- Supply pipes: 80 to 100 years (brass, copper and galvanised steel pipes.)
- Drain lines: 80 to 100 years for cast iron pipes and 25 – 40 years for PVC pipes
Cracks
Cracks in plumbing are common in poorly renovated homes. Although these can be repaired, it’s often best to replace them altogether.
Joint leaks
Joints are hidden behind the walls, so aren’t always easy to spot. Joints wear down over time. They can also break if water pressure increases. Keep an eye on your water meter as it should give you an indication of a leak.
High water pressure
Unnecessarily high-water pressure can damage and burst your pipes. You can check and control the water pressure at the outdoor water spigot. You should be able to adjust the pressure there.
Broken faucet
Faucets can be replaced or tightened up pretty easily. You know it’s time to replace your faucet when it is loose, cracked, discoloured, rusted or corroded. If your your tap clanks when you turn it on, the faucet may need to be replaced or tightened.
