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5 Signs You Have a Broken Pipe

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Are you finding water stains on your walls? Do you hear clanking sounds when you run water? If so, it might be due to a broken pipe. This article will explore common causes of broken pipes and a few signs that your living space might have one.

What Causes Broken Pipes?

Broken pipes can be the result of various things. Some of the most common culprits behind them include:
  • Freezing temperatures
  • Old or worn pipe pieces
  • Tree roots
  • Strong water pressure
  • Clogs

5 Signs You Might Have a Broken Pipe

There are Water Stains: One common sign that your home has a broken pipe is that you see water stains on your walls or ceiling. Most of the time, these stains indicate that the pipe is corroded and leaking water. If the pipes are located close to your walls, they will soak into them causing discoloration and potential mold growth. There are Strange Smells or Sounds Coming From the Pipes: If you smell an unpleasant odor or hear loud noises behind your walls, it could be a cracked pipe. The strong odor is usually because of heavy minerals in the pipe that caused it to crack. On the other hand, unusual sounds tend to indicate an obstruction or puncture that is adjusting the air pressure inside the pipe. You Have a High Water Bill: Another indicator that you have a broken pipe is that your water bill is surprisingly high. This shows that there’s a leak somewhere causing the pipe to constantly drip. Because it doesn’t stop, the consistent water flow will rack up your water bill and will continue to do so until it’s fixed. Your Home Has Poor Water Pressure: Poor water pressure often shows there’s a problem with your pipes. While this could be a sign of a blockage, it could also be due to a crack in the pipe causing water to drip out of it. The Water is Discolored: Discolored water is caused by mineral build-up, especially iron and manganese. If you find that discolored water is coming out of your faucet, it could indicate that you have rusting pipes that could be corroding. Broken pipes are a common issue in homes, especially if they are older. If you’re concerned you might have water damage caused by a broken pipe, contact RCS. We offer a 24-hour water extraction service in Sonoma County that will quickly remove water damage. We can also offer tips as to how you can keep your pipes in good condition.

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How Water Damage Affects Your Home’s Structure

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Water damage is a common problem that is often hard to detect. Unfortunately, this issue can cause many issues, including severe structural damage. Below you’ll discover more about how water can hurt your home’s structure and a few ways to prevent it.

What is Water Damage?

Water damage is caused when water puddles around an area soaks into a material. Because it has no place to go, the water will sit. This will cause the area it’s in to deteriorate and could result in mold growth.

How Does Water Damage Affect Your Home’s Structure?

Water damage can affect your home’s structure in a few different ways. One is that it could cause metal pieces to buckle. If too much water coats these pieces, such as fasteners, it could wear them down and cause them to corrode. Another major problem water damage can cause is warped or molded beams. This not only affects your home’s air quality, but can make it dangerous for you to walk in certain areas. Beams are designed to hold up your home. If they’re damaged, they won't provide adequate support. This issue could also make it difficult for you to open your windows and doors. If water soaks into them, it will cause the windows and doors to swell. This will make it harder for you to open and close them.

3 Ways to Prevent Water Damage

Keep Your Gutters Clean: One way to stop water damage is to keep your gutters clean. Blocked gutters can cause water to spill over the sides rather than through the downspout. Because the water is going in places it shouldn’t, it could sneak into invisible cracks causing it to spread through your home’s structure. This is why it’s important to keep your gutters spotless. Ideally, do a thorough cleaning at least twice a year. Watch Nearby Trees and Shrubs: Tree and shrub roots can quickly grow and spread. If these are planted near your home’s structure, you risk their roots spreading into nearby pipes. While they might not seem dangerous, they can be very strong and poke into the pipes causing leaks. If you’re concerned that current trees or shrubs might be a problem, it might be beneficial to remove them. If you want to keep plants near the area, consider planting those with small roots. Install a Water Detection Device: A water detection device constantly monitors the area it’s installed in for water leaks. You can usually connect these devices to your phone so you can stay updated on current conditions. Water damage can result in numerous problems that could destroy your home’s structure. If you’re concerned you might have water damage, RCS can help. Our water extraction service works to remove warped and corroding pieces and dry out areas with powerful fans to prevent further destruction.

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The Dangers of Water Damage

leaking water pipe

Water damage is a common problem in many structures. However, many don’t realize that it can be very dangerous. Below you’ll find more information about what causes it and how you can prevent it.

What Causes Water Damage?

Water damage is caused by numerous things. Some of the most usual sources include:
  • Broken pipes
  • Old appliances
  • Clogged gutters
  • Leaking HVAC units

5 Common Signs of Water Damage

Water damage can be visible, but sometimes it’s not. If you notice these signs, you probably have water damage.
  1. Cracking or bubbling floors and walls
  2. Increased water bills
  3. A frequent musty smell
  4. Mold spots
  5. Your home feels damp or humid

Why Water Damage Can Be Harmful

For many, water damage is mainly a headache because it causes hideous stains. However, water damage is much more harmful. If not fixed, water damage can slowly damage a structure’s foundation. Over time, this could cause it to slightly shift or tilt resulting in cracks. In addition to this, water damage can harbor toxins, including bacteria. Dampness can invite mold to travel through your home which can result in serious respiratory problems, like asthma and itchy eyes. If the pipe is rusted or comes from an outdoor area, it might contain chemicals in it which could travel throughout your home, including in your drinking water.

3 Ways to Prevent Water Damage

  1. Clean Your Gutters: One way to stop water damage is to make sure to clean your gutters. If leaves, twigs, and other debris clog them, they will be unable to do their job. Because of this, it will send water over the sides and could cause it to leak into the roof.
  2. Regularly Check Appliances: You should also make sure to constantly check your appliances, especially those that use water often, like dishwashers and washing machines. By doing so, you’ll be able to spot any problems before they start to spread. Some signs to watch out for include water dripping out of them, low water pressure, and strange noises when the appliance runs.
  3. Monitor the Water Pressure: Monitoring the water pressure can be a great way to stop potential leaks. To help with this, you could invest in a pressure gauge. After turning the water off, tighten the gauge on a faucet and turn the faucet on. The gauge will then measure and display the current pressure. If it’s between 45-55 psi, you have good water pressure. If it’s lower or higher than this, you might need to call in a professional.
Water damage might not seem like a serious issue at first, but it can be. If you’re concerned you might have water damage or want to avert it, contact RCS in Santa Rosa today.. We’ll send out a team to inspect a problematic area or give you tips as to how to prevent leaks.

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Easy Ways to Prevent Water Damage

repair under floor

Water damage is a common problem in many homes around Sonoma County. It can cause serious destruction which can be both costly and detrimental to your health. This article will explore some of the most common water damage problems and a few ways you can prevent it.

Problems Water Damage Can Cause

Water damage can be broken down into three different categories: clean, gray, and black. No matter what type of water damage is in your home, it can be very harmful to a structure’s foundation and your health. Some of the most common issues caused by it include: It can cause such serious side effects because it harbors mold. If not removed, this mold will wear down essential parts of your home and irritate your respiratory system.

How to Prevent Water Damage

  • Regularly Check Your Appliances: Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines use a lot of water. If there’s a leak in their tubes, it could spread into the surrounding walls. Some signs that indicate that they might be leaking include:
    • Puddles of water around the appliance
    • Low water pressure
    • Disconnected hoses
    • There are yellow spots on the walls near them
    • A strong mildew odor
  • Use Water Detection Devices: A water detection device can be useful to stop water damage. You can connect this product to an appliance where it will monitor its water flow. If it senses something is amiss, it will immediately send out an alert. Most water detection devices can be synced to your phone so you can get up-to-date information.
  • Adjust Your Gutters: Many are surprised that their gutters could be the culprit behind their home’s water damage. Gutters are designed to carry water. If they are pointed toward your home, the water will flow near it. If there are cracks in your foundation or walls, the water will seep into them. To prevent this, make sure that your gutters are properly installed and turned away from your home.
  • Have Inspections Done: One of the best ways to prevent water damage is to have regular professional inspections done. This way, you can be sure there isn’t any hidden damage and get it quickly repaired if there is.
Water damage is a serious problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you suspect you might have a leak or want to prevent one, contact RCS. We’ll send a team out to examine and fix the area of concern.

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