Within the maze of walls and underground, the pipes in your home work hard delivering water and removing waste day after day. But the experts at The Relining Company Australia say that after years of use, wear and tear starts to take a toll. Pipe damage can result in flooding, sewage backups, and mold not to mention costly repairs. Fortunately, there are clear signs indicating when your pipes need to be assessed and relined.
This article reviews the top indicators that your plumbing system may be compromised and due for pipe relining. We’ll explore visible symptoms, scenarios that put pipes at high risk, and steps you can take to get ahead of problems before they cause headaches.
Start by Understanding Pipe Relining
Before diving into warning signs, let’s cover the pipe renewal process we’re recommending – pipe relining. This trenchless method involves coating degraded pipes with a molded epoxy resin liner to essentially create a “pipe within a pipe” without digging. Epoxy liners seal cracks and corrosion, restore flow, and reinforce structural stability.
Pipe relining restores function at a fraction of replacement cost. The process involves:
- Inspector examines pipes via camera to identify damage.
- Sections needing repair are cleared and cleaned.
- Flexible epoxy lining tube is inserted into the damaged pipe.
- Lining material coats and seals the inner pipe walls.
- Once cured, the epoxy lining is watertight and durable.
Armed with an overview of relining, let’s explore signs your pipes would benefit from this renewal process.
Key Signs Your Pipes Need Attention
Watch for these clear indicators that deteriorating pipes need intervention:
Slow Drains – If sinks and tubs drain sluggishly, grime buildup or obstructions may be complicating flow. But it could also signal pipe damage narrowing passages.
Gurgling Sounds – Loud gurgling from drains points to air escaping through cracks or gaps in damaged plumbing.
Bad Odors – Sewer gas smells indoors arising from sink and drain vents signify perforations in waste lines.
Wet Basement or Crawlspace – Standing water collecting in subfloor spaces signals leaks in underground pipes.
Musty Odors – The stench of mildew and mold could mean water leaks are soaking hidden surround materials.
Stains on Walls or Ceilings – Bubbled or stained paint around pipes hints at pinhole leaks.
Low Water Pressure – Weak flow from faucets and showers indicates eroded pipes struggling to convey water.
Higher Utility Bills – A spike in water usage may be due to leaks in damaged supply lines.
Catching problems early using signs like theseminimizes extensive repairs down the road.
Scenarios Putting Pipes at High Risk
Certain home characteristics put pipes at greater risk of deterioration. Be extra vigilant for relining signs if any of these apply:
- Older Home – Pipes have longer exposure to wear from use, soil movement, temperature fluctuations.
- Cast Iron Pipes – This material is brittle and prone to cracking over decades.
- Clay Sewer Lines – Tree roots easily penetrate clay pipes seeking moisture.
- Previous Foundation Repairs – Shifting and settling foundations strain connected pipes.
- Remodels or Additions – Vibrations and alterations to water use patterns stress plumbing.
- High Water Table – Pipes embedded in saturated soil corrode faster.
- Heavy Upper Floors – Multi Storey additions weigh on buried pipes below.
Knowing your home’s quirks provides clues to watch out for.
Prompt Relining Prevents Bigger Headaches
Catching pipe damage early and relining proactively prevents more dire issues including:
- Raw sewage backup – Wastewater backflows bring health risks.
- Water contamination – Leaky pipes allow pollutants to infiltrate potable water.
- Mold blooms – Microbial growth in damp areas causes respiratory issues and structural damage.
- Flooding – Major pipe ruptures result in costly waterlogged repairs.
- Foundation erosion – Leaks wash away supporting soils under slabs or basements.
Don’t wait until you’re facing emergencies to address pipe deficiencies – be preemptive.
Next Steps if You Suspect Trouble
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs described earlier, here are smart next actions:
- Inspect and diagnose – Call a professional plumber to camera inspect suspect pipes and identify issues.
- Understand range of options – Request information on various repair/renewal approaches and costs.
- Address critical issues – Prioritize repairs for serious leaks,drainage problems or foundation risks.
- Budget and schedule – Plan your relining projects in phases if needed.
- Prevent future issues – Consider whole-home inspections and relining for older houses.
With proactive assessments and repairs, your plumbing system can deliver problem-free.
Conclusion
Catching plumbing problems before they escalate saves serious headaches and costs. Heed warning signs like damp basements, foul odors, and sluggish drains. Share concerns about at-risk pipes with plumbers, they can inspect, diagnose issues, and determine if relining is the right solution. With routine maintenance and prompt attention when problems arise, your pipes will keep happily flowing for decades to come.