Common Pipe Issues and Their Fixes

• Tree root intrusion

Root invasion is one of the leading causes of pipe damage in homes. If you have tree roots growing near your sewer lines or water pipes, it's only a matter of time before the roots find their way into the pipes. Naturally, tree roots grow toward plumbing pipes in search of water and nutrients. They find their way into the pipes through cracks or loose joints. Once the roots are inside the pipes, they will spread rapidly and interfere with the proper flow of wastewater.

How To Prevent Tree Roots in Sewer Line

You should never wait until you have a tree root invasion disaster on your hands to take action. Here's what you can do to prevent tree root intrusion:

• Have a professional plumber install root barriers around your sewer lines to prevent tree roots from growing into them.
• Plant trees at least 10 feet away from sewer lines.
• Avoid growing trees with invasive root systems near your house.
• Replace old sewer lines—keep in mind that invading tree roots find it easier to infiltrate older and cracked sewer pipes. If your sewer line has seen better days, consider repiping with durable materials such as PVC or HDPE.
• Have an arborist prune any roots growing directly toward your pipes. This strategy requires you to keep a close eye on the tree roots.
• Pipe corrosion

Pipe corrosion is an issue you're likely to experience if you have regular steel pipes or galvanized steel pipes in your home. Even copper pipes are moderately vulnerable to corrosion. You'll know your pipes are corroded if you notice discolored water, visible signs of corrosion on the pipes, or an unpleasant metallic taste in the water. If your pipes are already corroded, consider repiping your home to prevent further problems down the line. Get in touch with a professional plumbing service for repiping.

Ways To Prevent Pipe Corrosion

• Install pipe materials that are corrosion-resistant, like PEX, CPVC, or stainless steel.
• Test your water frequently to determine acidity levels.
• Maintain proper water flow (ensure the water pressure is within the acceptable limit).
• Have a plumber add protective coatings or linings to the pipes.
• Frozen Pipes

When temperatures plummet during cold weather, the risk of exposed pipes freezing skyrockets. Some of the pipes that are more likely to freeze include exposed pipes, like hose bibs, sprinkler lines, and pipes in unheated spaces. Even inside the house, pipes running along exterior walls are at a higher risk of freezing. Frozen pipes pose a serious threat to your home's plumbing system. If your pipes have frozen, you can try DIY techniques such as positioning a space heater near the frozen pipes or wrapping the pipes with rags soaked in hot water. If you're not comfortable with thawing frozen pipes yourself, call a trusted plumbing repair service.

How To Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing

• Have a qualified and experienced plumber insulate exposed pipes in your attic, crawl space, garage, or basement.
• Seal air leaks near windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
• Keep your thermostat set to a minimum temperature, ideally no lower than 55°F (13°C), even when you're away from home.
• Disconnect your garden hoses and shut off the water supply to outside faucets.
• If pipes run under your kitchen sink, open the cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes and prevent freezing.
• Mineral Buildup

Mineral buildup is a common plumbing problem, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, scale buildup in pipes can narrow the passage, leading to decreased water pressure and potential clogs. This can affect everything from the force of your shower spray to the ability to flush toilets effectively. If you live in an area with hard water, reach out to a plumbing repair service for water softener installation. A water softener removes the minerals causing hardness in water.

Need Pipe Repair or Repiping? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers professional plumbing repair services that are backed by a satisfaction guarantee. If you're looking for trusted plumbers to fix your plumbing pipes, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Here are some of the services we offer:

• Frozen pipe repair
• Pipe insulation
• Sewer line replacement
• Drain cleaning
• Repiping
• Trenchless pipe replacement

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today for all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs.