Do You Need Water Line Repair Work Done? | Minneapolis, MN
Every plumbing system has two different types of pipe: the water line carries water from the utility company to your home while the waste line takes waste water out to the city sewer. A problem with either one of these lines can be disastrous. If you’ve been noticing clear water coming up through cracks in the floor, your water bill has skyrocketed, or a reduction in water pressure you might need water line repair services. However, you never know without the help of a licensed plumber. If you’ve got a plumbing problem that you think might involve a water line in your Minneapolis, MN, home, here are some of the potential causes.
How Big Is a Water Line?
One important thing to understand when it comes to your plumbing system is that there are pipes of various different sizes in there. The larger the pipe, the less likely it is to get clogged. When it comes to preventing expensive repairs, it’s important to understand just how small your water line is.
The main water line that comes from the street to your home is generally either 3/4″ or 1″ in diameter, while waste pipes can be up to 4” or 6”. The water lines that branch off to individual fixtures and appliances in your home are 1/2″ in diameter. What this means is that your water lines can get clogged up a lot easier due to buildups and other obstructions. As a homeowner, you should always keep an eye out for problems that may require water line repairs.
Burst Pipes
Arguably the most common problem you’re likely to face when it comes to your water line is a burst pipe. Burst pipes aren’t just bad because you have to have new pipes installed, they can cause a ton of damage beyond that. If you ever suspect you have a burst pipe in your home, you should call an emergency plumber as soon as possible.
Burst pipes are most commonly an issue during the winter when temperatures drop. Particularly low temperatures can cause the water inside your pipes to freeze. Water expands a bit when it freezes, which can crack or completely bust your pipes. When the water thaws out again, it gushes through the new opening in your water line until you have a water line repair expert get things patched up.
The good news about burst pipes is that they are preventable. By making sure your pipes and the surrounding area are properly insulated, you can keep your pipes warm enough that they won’t freeze. If you really want to avoid expensive water line repairs, you can have a plumber install heat tape or heat cable to keep your water lines warm.
Old Pipes
Most water line repair calls are a result of a leak or some sort of obstruction in the pipe, but that’s not the only thing that causes water line problems. If you’ve got old pipes in your Minneapolis, MN, home, you never know when you’re going to have a problem that requires professional help.
The worst-case scenario with old pipes is that you’ve got pipes that are so old they’re made of a material that’s no longer used. Plumbing was a lot different 50 years ago, and a lot of pipe materials aren’t used anymore because they tend to break down over time or deteriorate your water quality. If you’ve got old pipes like this, it’s best to have them replaced before you end up with an expensive water line repair bill.
In some cases, your water line might be degrading or allowing things to build up inside of it over time. This can be a particularly big problem if you have hard water in your home. If your pipes are wearing down so bad that they’re leaking, it might be time to have a plumber repipe your home.
A Little Help
You depend on water every day for a variety of things, so simply not having access to water in your home isn’t an option. The good news is, there are only a few different problems you’re likely to encounter when it comes to your water line.
The best way to make sure you’ve always got access to water is with the help of the water line repair pros at Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drain of Minneapolis, MN. Whether you’re considering having your home re-piped or you need us to fix up your water line, give us a call today at 612-340-1444.
