Unfortunately, because most of the plumbing in your home is hidden, you may not always know that a water leak has formed. Leaks can waste water, damage your home, and increase your insurance premiums. We often get calls from clients needing an emergency plumber due to burst water pipes, when this can be easily prevented with some general plumbing maintenance.
Up to 1,500 litres of water per hour can flood into your home from a burst hose or pipe. That’s a lot of water damage.
One of the best ways to protect your home from future leaks is to look for common situations that cause leaks to develop and deal with them before they turn into a flood.
Here are the top 3 common causes of leaks (and why you may need to call an emergency plumber):
1. Pipe Corrosion
As your plumbing system ages, rust and other forms of corrosion may eat away at the pipes. If you notice any discolouration or warping on your pipes, have a licensed plumber assess the damage right away. If you have an older plumbing system, consider replacing the pipes at high risk of corrosion for newer models.
2. Flexi Hose
One of the most common causes of internal flooding in homes is from a burst flexible water hose, or ‘flexi hose’. The flexi hose is a plumbing connection from the water main to major appliances, sinks and toilets, and has come into the spotlight as one of the top reasons a home is flooded — from water leakages and ruptures to major water bursts. Flexi hoses have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every five years.
3. High Water Pressure
Having strong water pressure may feel nice, but excessive or uneven pressure can strain your pipes. Most pipes and faucets can only withstand up to a specific level of water pressure. Any extra pressure can cause leaks. If you feel concerned about your water pressure, we can measure it for you and install a pressure limiting valve to protect your home and fixture. The most important thing is always prevention.
When you go away
The worst time for water damage to occur is when you’re away and no one is there to switch off the main water valve.
So when you are leaving your home for a holiday turn off the main water valve. If you require the main water valve to stay on (e.g. for automatic sprinklers or a neighbour watering your plants), consider turning off the valves to the most common sources of water damage: the dishwasher, washing machine, sinks and toilets, and keep on only the water sources required.
Franklin Plumbing can check your current Flexi hoses and replace them, especially if they are older than five years.
If we are already on site undertaking works, it is only an additional $45.00 + GST. If any Flexi hoses need changing we can replace them for $20.00 + GST per hose.
Franklin Plumbing
Licensed Plumber Torquay, available for Emergency Plumbing
Franklin Plumbing is a reliable and trusted Plumbing service in Torquay, with a team of qualified plumbers servicing Torquay, Geelong, the Bellarine and along the Surf Coast. We specialise in general maintenance plumbing, emergency plumbing, roof plumbing, gas fitting and hot water heater installs.
Need an emergency plumber straight away in Torquay, Geelong or surrounds? Give us a call or contact us.
