April is known for its torrential rainstorms that lead, in time, to lush green grass and flowers in May! Regarding your plumbing during April, it is important to take note of the showers that happen inside your home rather than outside of it. As your local, expert plumbers, our Sweet Team has outlined 3 Common Issues, or issues that appear to be minor, that could be signs of damage to both your plumbing and the integrity of your home.
- Small Leaks from the Spout, Base, or Joints – Minor leaks, that either drip infrequently or with a constant flow, are signs of damage to joints or seals behind the polished finish of the fixtures.
- Depending on where the leak is coming from, the prospect of damage varies. Water from either the spout or handle generally have mitigated spread, landing mostly into the tub. These leaks can be more annoying than damaging.
- Water seeping behind the wall can land on untreated, wooden studs and begin to rot them; drywall can also begin to deteriorate or develop mold. Circulation is limited behind walls and in crawl spaces, making these the perfect places for decay to occur.
- Diagnosis of damage or leaks behind walls can be difficult depending on the setup of your home. Our technicians are trained to diagnose through steps in order to determine if issues exist where unseen. We specialize in providing options for all types of re-pipe, pipe repair, and leak detection. If you are concerned about any leaks from your shower fixtures, give us a call (402) 298-5414.
- Reduced Water Pressure – Sometimes changes in pressure are almost imperceivable; sometimes you can tell that something is wrong with your water supply right away. Generally, if your water pressure changes while using the shower, it means that there is some issue with the water supply to the fixture. Depending on if the pressure is reduced solely to the shower or not, this will help to diagnose what resolution would be best to restore the flow of water.
- Mineral build-up is a major cause of reduced pressure. This can happen anywhere in the line from the city connect to your showerhead. Hard water, or water rich in natural minerals, leaves residue in both galvanized and copper lines which, like cholesterol clogging up your arteries, clogs up the flow of water to fixtures. The more build-up, the less water pressure- they are directly correlated. Depending on where the accumulation is, the amount of line that would need to be repaired or replaced varies. For example, if the build-up is at the neck of your showerhead, only the fixture would need replacement. If our skilled plumbers discover the build-up at the supply line to the bathroom, larger repairs and/or replacements would be required to restore pressure to your shower.
- Leaks in the water line could also be the root of your pressure problems. A leak in the supply line would divert water from getting to your shower. Identifying where the leak in the line can be a timely task, but our plumbers are technically trained to discover the source of leaks no matter where they are. Whether you suspect that there may be a leak or mineral build-up or if you have no idea why your shower water pressure is down, give us a call at (402) 298-5414! We are experts in diagnosis AND resolving water pressure issues, no matter the fixture, no matter the cause!
- Slow Draining or Clogs – The drain in your shower is not designed to hold any water unless plugged, so if it takes longer than usual to drain or is not draining at all that is significant of a blockage in the drain line.
- Clogs in the tub or shower line are often the result of accumulated hair, but not always. Clogs that persist in the drain line and hold water, can cause damage to the piping, joints, and seals, leading to leaks. These leaks, depending on the level of your shower can cause damage to your ceilings, floors, and walls. If you start to notice wet spots or dripping from a ceiling, this is more than likely due to either a leak in either your water or drain piping. If the leak is directly under where your bathroom is, it is more than likely related to either the shower, tub, or toilet drain lines.
- Showers located in the lowest level of the house are often nearly connected to your main drain line, which can be clogged by a myriad of things. Clogs from your laundry line, kitchen or toilet waste, build-up, roots, or breaks in your sewer line can all lead to back-ups or slow draining in your shower. Back-ups from the main sewer line are often unsanitary and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Depending on the cause, we offer a diverse range of solutions, from snaking to hydro-jetting to picoting or repairing or replacing your sewer. Reach out to our office if you are experiencing a backup, leaking, or slow draining in your shower. Our experience drain technician will figure out the cause and give you options for a resolution that will save your home from damage and you from future headaches and costs!
While the rain showers the earth outside, make sure you’re keeping an eye out for any loose water in your home! These 3 Common Issues discovered in your bathroom showers are symptoms of other issues that cause damage and discomfort in your home. We’ve got your back, so you don’t have to stress about what worries April Showers will bring! Call in today to schedule an appointment with our premier plumbing team, (402) 298-5414.