Recent storms have wreaked havoc across NSW, and Taree hasn’t been spared. Heavy rain, flash floods, and even hail have caused damage to homes and businesses. But the danger doesn’t always come from fallen trees. Here at JEDI Plumbing, we want to warn you about the hidden threats caused by clogged gutters and aging plumbing.
The Result of Blocked Gutters
Even where fallen trees have not been the prime cause of damage there are still leaking roofs or damaged ceilings often result from leaf-filled guttering that overflows in heavy rain. Unless gutters are kept clear of leaves and debris, any heavy storm will wash the leaves into the downpipes where it can prevent the storm water from getting away. The resulting build-up of water can very quickly cause serious damage as it overflows the gutters and seeps into the home.
Erosion can also be caused by the overflow, with the water flowing under the house, compromising foundations. Water can also find its way under driveways, leading to the concrete breaking up when you drive over it. And then there is all the unseen damage to older plumbing. When stormwater causes backflow in pipes, damage can occur especially if those pipes are getting old.
Hail is another cause of blocked downpipes. There is nothing much you can do about that except to wait until it melts naturally.
Blocked gutters can also cause:
• Weight damage to the gutter
• Rusted out guttering
• Vermin infesting the home
• Fire hazard in dry weather
Hidden Causes of Plumbing Problems
Guttering is not the only important thing to consider in maintaining your home. Plumbing can also be damaged by:
• Severe storms
• Natural earth movement
• Tree roots
• Poor placement
• Water pressure
• Chemicals in the water and
• Aging.
Back in the 40s and 50s plumbing was said to last for well over 50 years, but things have changed. There is not only more pressure than there used to be, but there are also chemicals in the water that can cause the inner surface of pipes to disintegrate slowly over the years. When an event occurs that makes modern metal or copper pipes to work harder than usual, they don’t always stand up to the pressure, particularly if they were poorly installed.
Tree roots too can wind around pipes searching for water, and the pressure of growth can eventually create a hole or a crack. Roots can then grow into the pipe and have even been found growing up into the toilet bowl in very old homes.
Since most plumbing is buried deep in the earth and under the foundations of a building, it is a time consuming and costly affair to dig it up to find the leak or to replace pipes that have worn out.
However, thanks to modern technology this doesn’t have to be the case. The JEDI Plumbing team has special cameras to insert into your pipes to find just where the leaks or blockages are. This allows the pipes to be accessed close to the problem to minimise damage to the garden, lawn or walls and floor of your home. It means that damaged plumbing can be repaired quickly and affordably.
If you are in Taree, we will be happy to check out your plumbing if you think that there could be a problem. It is far better to have it fixed before it escalates into something worse that is more costly to fix.
We invite you to call us today on 0411 774 381.