Stop These Top 3 Plumbing Issues From Washing Out Summer Plans!
There’s nothing worse than having to cancel a BBQ thanks to a busted sprinkler or a flooded lawn. Unfortunately, canceled summer fun is all too common when outdoor plumbing issues happen. When it comes to keeping the yard safe for summer fun, homeowners should keep an eye out for these three common plumbing problems:
Problem # 1: Broken Sprinkler System
Signs of a Broken Sprinkler System
Sprinklers give plenty of notice when they aren’t happy. Common signs of sprinkler problems include:
- Low Water Pressure: If the sprinkler has a weak water stream, there may be a leak or clog in the system.
- Spurting Water: Spurting water points to a leak or dramatic change in water pressure somewhere in the system.
- Soil Erosion: Leaking, damaged sprinklers are extremely likely to cause soil erosion near the leak source.
- Fungi: Broken sprinkles are prone to causing over-watering of the yard. When this happens, fungus and slimy growths may form on overwatered areas, including sidewalks and curbs.
Fixing Broken Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems are generally best fixed by a professional. Occasionally homeowners can replace a broken sprinkler head or locate a leak. Still, if a sprinkler line has been damaged or an underlying cause of sprinklers leaking (like water pressure trouble,) a professional plumber will need to inspect the system and make any required repairs or replacements.
Problem # 2: Hose Bib Issues
The hose bib is another term for the exterior faucet that the garden hose attaches to the outside. Most homes have two hose bibs for external water use. Like any plumbing fixture, hose bibs can become clogged or damaged and lead to watering problems.
Signs of Hose Bib Issues
- Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure may indicate a clog or crack somewhere along the water line that feeds the bib.
- No Water: No water leaving the spigot of the hose bib indicates a clog, blockage, or break in the waterline.
- Pooling Water: Pooling water indicates a leaking hose bib, producing puddles of standing water around and near a home’s foundation.
Fixing Hose Bib Issues
The severity of hose bib problems dictates how they are fixed. If it’s just a clog that needs clearing, a plumber can manage that in a few hours. However, if there is a broken pipe involved, repairs may take several days to finish up.
Problem # 3: Sewer Line Damage Nightmare
The most severe outdoor plumbing problem a house could experience is sewer line damage. The home’s sewer line connects the plumbing to the city’s sewer, allowing for proper draining of human waste from a property. When sewer lines are damaged, human waste and other hazardous materials can backflow into a home, leading to dangerous living conditions and damage to the house and its materials.
Signs of Sewer Line Damage
Sewer line damage comes with many signs and warnings that a problem exists. Never ignore these signs; call a plumber as soon as any of them start cropping up.
- Backups: When pipes backup, especially drains in the basement, there’s probably a sewer line issue.
- Mold: Sewer line damage can introduce excessive moisture in and around the home. This can lead to mold building up in the house, especially near drains.
- Slow Drains: Slow and clogged drains are usually thought to be caused by hair, food, and other debris, but a sewer line problem can cause this as well. Sewer lines may bow or dip, making it harder for fluids to drain from the home.
- Dipping Lawn: If the lawn has started to dip in areas around the sewer line, the soil may be eroding to a line leak.
- Foundation Cracks: Foundations crack when excessive moisture and pressure are introduced. Leaking sewer lines can be the cause of that excessive moisture.
Fixing Sewer Line Damage
Sewer lines always need repairing by professionals. Cities usually have ordinances and rules dictating how and who can excavate to get to the sewer line. Plus, homeowners don’t have access to the tools necessary to access the sewer.
Summer should be enjoyed! Don’t let outdoor water systems weigh down the joy of summer - call a local plumbing expert to have any problems fixed quickly so everyone can get back to the summer fun!
About All Clear Plumbing
Since 1952, All Clear Plumbing has provided quality, affordable plumbing solutions for their Belleville, NJ community. Homeowners can rest assured that no matter when they call them, a live person will be there to take the call and help. 24/7 solutions and 100% satisfaction are the pillars of All Clear Plumbings’ business. Call now for outdoor plumbing services!
