Tips From Northern Virginia Plumbers: Leaks

Many people in and around Fairfax, quite often after a minor disaster

, have asked Northern Virginia plumbers just how leaks happen.

Here are a few such FAQs.

Why do leaks happen so commonly at joints?

In practise, with modern systems and materials, such leaks are becoming far less commonplace than they perhaps once were. Even so, this question introduces a fundamental characteristic of water. Any plumber or hydraulic engineer will always, where possible, try to avoid joints and valves. In these cases, there is essentially a gap between two pieces of metal or plastic that needs to be bridged and somehow filled. How you do that depends upon many different factors, but typically it might include standard pressure fittings, some form of jointing compound, or possibly old fashioned welding.

Whichever of these you use it is essentially a point of weakness in the system and something that may, over time, fail. It might be that old compound has deteriorated, an internal pressure washer has failed or a welded joint is starting to come apart. Any of these situations, particularly if the water inside is under pressure, could lead to a leak.

Its perhaps worth noting that a frequent cause of such problems arises from improperly completed DIY-type plumbing projects.

How do leaks happen in ordinary pipes?

According to Northern Virginia plumbers, a classic cause of leaks in some types of metal pipework [in colder climates] is due to freezing and subsequent thawing. Water is unusual in that it expands as it freezes and that might fracture a pipe that has insufficient expansion capability. You typically wont discover that until the thaw comes, when the water will start to exit out of the crack it made in that pipe when it froze.

If you live in an area where sub-zero temperatures are a possibility, it is always sensible to make sure that any external water carrying pipes are fully lagged. Some old iron pipework might be vulnerable to corrosion over time and that might lead to surface level failures and a leak at some time. If the water pressure in the system is higher than the pipe is rated to carry, there is a high possibility of a rupture - but that is rare today and in any case it may more typically happen around joints.

You might also be surprised how often Northern Virginia plumbers discover leaks due to somebody having drilled or hammered a nail through a pipe buried in the wall or behind paneling, being unaware that the pipe was there or that they had actually damaged it.

How can I reduce the risk of leaks in a classic metal pipe system?

Perhaps the most obvious thing is to make sure that the system is regularly maintained.

That might include a complete drain down and flush through of your entire system and its refilling, in the case of sealed heating systems, with a rust and gunk inhibitor. Your Northern Virginia plumbers will be only too happy to give you further advice on this one.

by: Sarah Saadoun

POST COMMENT

Tips From Northern Virginia Plumbers: Water Saving How To Start Out As A Dog Breeder Great Rooms Are Great How To Play Lead Guitar Banners Give Opportunity To Start Big Deals In Days Carpet Cleaning 3 Proven Options For Successful Retirement Tips On How To Afford Brand-new Furniture Getting Paid Through Adsense Program Important Considerations While Choosing An Abortion Clinic Gainesville How To Remove Dark Circles Under Your Eyes Tiny Fast Meal Plan A Style Interested In Slender Quick Background How Light It Is Reduction Plan The Benefits Restaurants Provide