Most of us are familiar with common plumbing issues like blocked drains or leaky taps. However, there are some less obvious and uncommon plumbing problems that can cause serious damage if not addressed in time. These issues often go unnoticed until they lead to more extensive (and expensive) repairs. In this blog, we’ll explore some of these uncommon plumbing problems and how DC Advance Plumbing can help.
1. Tree Root Infiltration
If you have trees near your property, their roots could be silently causing havoc beneath the ground. Tree roots naturally seek out water sources, and over time, they can penetrate underground pipes, particularly older clay or concrete ones. The result? Blocked or even broken pipes. If you notice slow drains or recurring blockages, it could be due to roots obstructing your plumbing system.
What to Do: DC Advance Plumbing has the tools and expertise, such as sewer cameras, to inspect pipes for root infiltration. If needed, they can clear the blockage or replace the damaged sections of your pipes.
2. Water Hammer
If you’ve ever heard a loud banging noise when you turn off your water, you’re probably dealing with water hammer. This happens when water flow in your pipes is suddenly stopped or redirected, creating shock waves that reverberate through the system. Over time, these shocks can damage pipes, valves, and fixtures.
What to Do: DC Advance Plumbing can install water hammer arrestors to absorb the shockwaves and prevent damage to your plumbing system.
3. Air in Pipes
Sometimes air can become trapped in your pipes, leading to strange gurgling or sputtering noises when you turn on your taps. This is more than just an annoyance – it can cause inconsistent water pressure and affect the performance of your plumbing fixtures.
What to Do: If air in your pipes is a persistent issue, DC Advance Plumbing can help bleed the pipes and identify any underlying causes that need addressing.
4. Corroded Pipes
Over time, pipes made from certain materials, such as copper or galvanised steel, can corrode. Corroded pipes often lead to leaks, discoloured water, and reduced water pressure. In extreme cases, corrosion can cause pipes to burst, leading to water damage and costly repairs.
What to Do: If you suspect corrosion, DC Advance Plumbing can assess your pipes and suggest whether repairing or replacing sections of your plumbing is necessary to avoid further damage.
5. Frozen Vent Pipes
In colder climates, the vent pipes that help drain wastewater can freeze or become blocked. This blockage can cause unpleasant odours from the sewer system to enter your home, or it may cause slow-draining sinks and toilets.
What to Do: DC Advance Plumbing can assist by safely clearing blocked vent pipes and ensuring your plumbing system is back to working order, even in colder conditions.
6. Cross-Connection Contamination
A rare but dangerous issue, cross-connection happens when clean water pipes become connected to wastewater lines, allowing contaminants to enter your water supply.
What to Do: DC Advance Plumbing can inspect your system for any cross-connection risks and install backflow preventers to protect your clean water supply.
7. Backdrafting
Backdrafting occurs when combustion appliances like water heaters exhaust gases back into your home due to negative air pressure, potentially leading to dangerous carbon monoxide exposure.
What to Do: DC Advance Plumbing can assess your venting system to ensure safe exhaust and prevent backdrafting risks.
No matter how uncommon or tricky your plumbing problem may be, DC Advance Plumbing has the expertise to diagnose and fix the issue promptly. Don’t wait for small issues to become big problems—get in touch with us today to ensure your plumbing is running smoothly and safely.
Need help with an uncommon plumbing issue? Contact DC Advance Plumbing now for expert service and solutions!