Welcome back to the Mojica Plumbing and Drain Cleaning blog, and part two of our blog series! As one of the most trusted plumbing companies in Round Rock, we feel it is our duty to keep our clients and readers informed about the different elements in their home that could cause water damage. Identifying potential plumbing issues is the first step in preventing them from ever occurring in the first place.
Last time, we began exploring the common causes of residential water damage and discussed everything from common plumbing problems to clogged floor drains, malfunctioning appliances, to water damage caused by human error. Many of the issues we discussed in part one are usually more apparent, with the exception of clogged floor drains, whereas the issues we will be looking at today may be more inconspicuous when they occur. Here are four more common causes of water damage in the home that you will want to be aware of.
Weather
Weather can affect the plumbing in and around your home and on your property. As we experienced last year, extreme weather such as unrelenting rainstorms and hurricanes can cause flooding which, even if it doesn’t affect your home, may impact the sewage pipes around your home. And while we don’t have to worry too much about cold and freezing temperatures here in Round Rock, communities in and around Austin did experience a rare snowstorm in December. Frigid temperatures can freeze the pipes in your home, causing them to burst in a matter of hours after freezing. This is especially troublesome because it is difficult to prevent such a travesty from occurring. When pipes freeze and rupture, the spewing water can flood and soak the floors, walls, ceilings, and furnishings, resulting in a partial to total loss of property. The best way to prevent pipes from freezing is to have the Mojica Plumbing team inspect your pipes and plumbing in the fall. You can also insulate your plumbing as an additional measure to prevent frozen pipes in case we get another round of wintry weather in the future.
Leaking Pipes and Outdated Plumbing
A leaking pipe is one of the main culprits to blame for water damage in the home, but it is oftentimes damage that you may not even be fully aware of. The pipes in your home are generally concealed by your walls, floors, and cabinets, making it more difficult to recognize when there is a problem with your pipes. For this reason, water from a leaky pipe can trickle into your floorboards, into your ceilings and walls, and other places where you would never notice any water until the damage becomes more extensive. This is incredibly troubling because when pipe leaks go undetected, the constant dripping, moisture, and dampness can not only damage the structural integrity of your home, but it can also cause black mold growth. Black mold poses health risks to you, your family, and your pets. This dangerous mold may cause respiratory illnesses, especially in children and seniors, and among those suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma.
Outdated plumbing systems are often to blame for pipe leaks, although faulty pipes and failing internal mechanisms in your plumbing networks can also be cause for leaks. The best way to prevent leaking pipes is to contact your local plumbers in Round Rock to inspect and repair your pipes, or install new systems to replace your outdated plumbing. Of course, if you notice any water or water damage in your home, you’ll want to call Mojica Plumbing immediately to address a potential leak.
Slab Leaks
You may be wondering exactly what the “slab” is. Many homes are built on a slab of concrete foundation, which is where slab leaks occur — under the slab of concrete. Because these leaks begin underneath the slab foundation, slab leaks can be difficult to detect right away. As a result, depending on the severity and duration of the leak, a slab leak can cause considerable damage to your home that can be costly to repair. While homeowners may not be able to quickly identify a slab leak, our plumbers have extensive training and experience in detecting these issues, so call us to inspect and repair your slab leak right away. Here are some of the most common indicators of a slab leak:
- Damp carpet and warped floors
- Unpleasant, musty smell
- Damage to your foundation like cracks, bumps, and unlevel surface
- Soggy earth and wet patches in your yard
Broken or Damaged Sewer Line
This is a plumbing issue that is pretty much out of your hands, although it is definitely something you will want to be aware of. A broken or damaged sewer line can cause extensive damage to your home and property and poses severe health risks for both humans and pets. A sewer line can be damaged by nearby road construction, cable repairs, or utility maintenance. While these professionals will always take extensive measures to avoid hitting a sewer line, it does happen. Extreme weather like heavy rainfall and flooding can back up sewer lines, causing sewer water to contaminate the surrounding environments, which may include your home. If you notice flooding or gushing water from sewer drains, contact the City of Round Rock or dial the non-emergency line at (512) 218-5500 immediately.
Reach Out to Mojica Plumbing
These are just a few more of the most common causes of water damage that could affect your Round Rock home. If you would like to schedule a plumbing inspection to ensure your plumbing systems are functioning properly, contact Mojica Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, one of the top-rated plumbing companies in Round Rock. Our goal is to keep you and your family safe and comfortable by providing you with the highest quality plumbing services to keep your plumbing systems performing efficiently. If you think your home is at risk from any of these issues that can damage your home and property, and threaten your health and safety, call our plumbing team immediately.
Join us next time to read the conclusion to our three-part blog series focusing on the causes of residential water damage.