A homeowner’s worst nightmare might involve some sort of water damage--possibly a flood from a burst pipe or damaged walls and ceilings from a slow water leak. No matter what the reason for the damage is, one thing is always true: you can only hope it is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy!

These policies can be very picky about what they choose to cover and it is often disclosed when you sign the documents to purchase the plan. The worst thing you can possibly do when it comes to water leaks is ignoring them in hopes they’ll go away.

They won’t. The longer a pipe leaks water, the more damage that is caused and the less likely your homeowner’s insurance is likely to cover it!

Finding Water Leaks

You don’t have to be a plumber to spot potential water leaks. There are actually a few different signs that you have a slow water leak from one of your pipes. Should you experience any of these, don’t wait around to see if the issue worsens. Instead, call PhD Mechanical, Inc. We can locate the leak and determine if it is best to repair or replace the pipe. Here are a few signs to look for:

• Sounds of running water
• Sky high water bills
• Musty smells
• Visible mold
• Sinking ceilings
• Unexplained wet spots on walls, floors, or ceilings

Finding the exact source of a leak can be difficult, but we offer electronic leak detection. This will help prevent further damage and potentially allow your homeowner’s policy to pay for any damages.

Preventing Broken Water Pipes

Most often, broken or burst pipes occur during the coldest days of winter. The best ways to prevent pipes from bursting due to freezing temperatures include running a small amount of water around the clock, keeping your home warmer than 55 degrees, allowing warm air to circulate by keeping cabinet doors open, and insulating exterior pipes.

If you still run into a broken pipe for any reason, turn the main water supply off. Then call us to locate the break and repair the pipe. Once the pipe is repaired, handling any damages can begin.

What Damage is Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance policies will not cover water damage caused by a leak that was previously known about. This means that if you suspect you have a water leak in your home, be on the safe side and call a professional.

If a pipe breaks suddenly and causes water damage, your homeowner’s insurance will likely pay for needed repairs.

However, if it can be proven that you knew the pipe’s integrity was jeopardized, the insurance company may be less than willing.

Homeowner’s Insurance: A Necessary Evil?

Homeowner’s insurance can be expensive and often left unused; yet as soon as you choose not to carry a policy, you will need it! Having this type of insurance policy can ensure you aren’t left with large repair bills for unforeseeable damages.

Generally speaking, if your home is well-maintained, you will minimize the likelihood of needing the policy. However, nothing is guaranteed and even the best-kept homes still face disaster from time to time. If you suspect that your plumbing has a leak or are worried about the integrity of your pipes, don’t ignore it!

A leak will never stop on its own and pipes that are corroded can break at any time. Call PhD Mechanical, Inc for electronic leak detection and to ensure your pipes are in good working order. Have you had a hard time getting your homeowner’s insurance policy to pay for water damage? Let us know what happened in the comments!

Water leaks can be among the most dangerous situations a homeowner can face. They occur slowly and silently while being difficult to detect. It may be a long time before visible signs of water damage may present themselves. The resulting structural damage could be extensive and require pricey repairs. A leak could also significantly raise water consumption and utility costs.

It's possible to stop the damage by calling a Wayne, NJ plumbing service to conduct water leak detection, but can you prevent a leak before it starts? Before you can take preemptive measures, it's important to understand and identify the problem. Here are some of the most common causes of water leaks homeowners should watch out for.

Extreme Water Pressure

It can be enjoyable and make washing and bathing more efficient, but high water pressure can have a negative impact on your water pipes.

Too much pressure can add stress to the pipes and increase the likelihood of leakage. Every faucet and fixture is also designed to withstand a specific amount of pressure.

If the threshold is exceeded, it can lead to leaks anywhere within your home's plumbing. Contact a specialist to have your pipes examined if you're concerned about the water pressure.

Decay and Rust

Decaying water pipes, including those showing signs of rust, could lead to an overall disintegration of the materials. Some of the symptoms include warping or discoloration of the pipes.

Apart from affecting the water quality, rust can also result in a buildup of minerals and lead to clogs. This can cause all sorts of problems, including water leaks. If you notice any decay or rust, it's best to get in touch with a professional.

As water pipes age and undergo more wear and tear, they become more vulnerable to damage and leaks. The amount of sediment that builds up is also likely to increase, which can lead to blockages and clogs. This may increase the water pressure, which as we already know can increase the strain on plumbing and the likelihood of a leak.

Poor Water Quality

Water quality can have an effect on your plumbing as well. Any contaminants in the water can also impact pipes and appliances. Even minerals, such as those found in hard water, can accumulate and leave behind residue inside every pipe and faucet.

It may be wise to consider installing a water filtration system or water softener. Running clean water through your home's pipes can sustain their life expectancy and decrease the need for water leak repair service. Several different factors may contribute to water leaks in a home.

One thing you can count on, however, is the high price of repairs if any leak goes undetected for long. Homeowners who are worried about water pressure, the state of their pipes or the quality of water running through their plumbing should reach out to a specialist and ask for water leak detection. It may save them from costly repairs and further damage.

Try These 4 Leak Preventing Tips That Will Result in a Healthier Plumbing System!

Have you given much thought to the health of your plumbing system? It’s worth thinking about. That’s because the healthier your plumbing system is, the less likely it is to leak, and no homeowner wants to deal with the aftermath of plumbing leaks.

If you are unfamiliar with your plumbing system and how it works, rest assured learning this kind of preventative maintenance is easy and well worth the time that it takes. Ready to start? We’ve compiled our best tips to help you take care of your plumbing best.

Don’t Use Commercial Clog Removers

When you have a clog, you do everything that you can in a hurry to get rid of it. However, pouring a clog remover down the drain isn’t a good idea.

Drain Cleaners are full of hydrochloric acid, which will break down the clog material, but it is also breaking down your pipes at the same time.

Want an idea that will keep your pipes in better health? Find ways to avoid the need for clog removal, by maintaining your plumbing. Schedule a regular drain cleaning with your Wayne, NJ plumber. Don’t let food matter, hair, grease or other objects fall down the drain.

Keep Your Water Pressure Under Control

When your water pressure is elevated, it puts a lot of strain on your plumbing which could cause it to break and leak.

You should check your pressure regularly to make sure that it is in check. There is a range that is acceptable, from about 45-60 psi. Don’t go over 60 psi though.

It can be helpful to install a water pressure regulator to help with that.

How to Identify Leaks

Be proactive in finding leaks before they develop into something more damaging. You don’t have to wait until you see a flood or severe water damage to realize that you have a leak.

Some common signs to watch for are moisture gathering on pipes, pooling water, rust, mold growth, peeling paint or wallpaper, rising water bills that you can’t explain or a dropping water pressure.

Avoid Pipe Corrosion

Over time, you may experience corrosion in your pipes, which can cause serious leaks, however, this can be slowly prevented.

You can slow down this process by upgrading your copper pipes to PVC. Make sure to check the anode rods in your water heater, because they will rust; that rusty water could cause further corrosion through your plumbing.

For extra leak protection, make sure that the seals around your pipes are intact. That’s a notorious spot for leaks!