Every home has pipes: While sewer lines bring water out of your home, pipes bring water into it. Certain appliances in your home would not be able to run efficiently or produce water without the use of pipes. They keep everything flowing smoothly.
However, since they are so fragile and easily broken, pipes can sometimes be more destructive than they are helpful. It is important to keep a close eye on your pipes; because with one little ding in a pipe, your home can suddenly become a swimming pool and you'll find yourself in need of emergency plumbing services in your Doylestown home.
Pipes can easily become overlooked because they function constantly in order to keep the appliances that you use daily functioning properly. Also, most pipes are hidden within the walls of a home, which makes them even more susceptible to being forgotten.
There are many things that can go wrong with pipes and cause a plumbing emergency in your home. The second a pipe malfunctions, it can become obvious in many ways. Here are some things that can go wrong with pipes that you should keep an eye out for.
- They freeze.
How this happens:
Since pipes are made of materials such as steel, copper and plastic, they can become cold very easily. In the winter, pipes are very susceptible to freezing. Pipes that are on the exterior of walls, in basements or in attics are the most likely to freeze.
What it causes:
When pipes freeze, they can either burst or stop the water in your home from running.
- They get old.
How this happens:
Believe it or not, pipes have a life span and need to be replaced regularly, whether something goes wrong with them or not. Older pipes usually rust or have a ding in them or an appearance that is different than newer pipes.
What it causes:
If pipes are too old, they can easily burst and either leak or flood a home.
- They get damaged or misused.
How this happens:
Especially if pipes are on the exterior of walls, they can easily get hit or bumped, which can cause dents and other damage. Also, at-home repairs for pipes can sometimes cause them to become damaged.
What it causes:
Just as when they get too old, when pipes are damaged or misused, they can easily burst and either leak or flood a home.
- They clog.
How this happens:
Grease, soap, fat and detergents from appliances such as sinks, showers and washing machines can tend to clog up pipes and cause a build up.
What it causes:
If pipes are clogged, water cannot flow through them smoothly.
Pipes are a very delicate feature of your home and can easily cause permanent destruction. The second a pipe begins to clog, leak or dampen any area of your home, be sure to call Ben Franklin Doylestown right away for Doylestown, PA-area emergency plumbing services.