Just as it sounds, underground plumbing is a piping system for water and sanitary drainage that is set up below ground. The pipes are placed about 750 mm to 1350 mm from the ground level. Most homes use public services lines for water supply and sewage disposal. These service lines need extra care to prevent problems like clogging or leaking of lines. This article highlights some of the essential details to know about underground plumbing:
1) Detecting Underground Pipes Problems
It is hard to detect leaks in underground pipes because you cannot view the leakage from the ground surface. As a homeowner, you can tell if your pipes are leaking through signs such as excess water in the soil, reduced water pressure or a high water bill. You can notice that the ground at a particular area of your home has more water if the grass looks healthy and green compared to other areas. Having a spike in your water bill over a one or two month period can indicate a leak in your water line. Also, if your taps run dry or you lose of water pressure, it can be an indication of a clog or a leak in your water line. For the sewer line, a slow to drain or clogged toilet and sinks can be a sign that the sewer line is clogged. When you notice any indicators of a pipe break, clog, or leak, you should contact a plumbing service provider to locate and fix it. Avoid trying to fix it by yourself because you may end up breaking the whole piping.
2) The Risk of Having Underground Piping System Problems
When there is a leak, the water will be unsafe for drinking since it may likely be contaminated. Also, when water continuously leaks, it causes the erosion of the surrounding soil. The decay can cause a sinkhole beneath your property, which puts your family at risk. People may unknowingly fall into the hole. Broken sewer lines also have detrimental effects such as producing poisonous gas that can may one sick or even lead to death.
3) Maintaining Your Sewer Lines
To prevent your sanitary drainage line from clogging you need to have them cleaned every 18 months. Hiring a plumber when you are experiencing a continuous blockage in your sewer line helps determine the cause. Also, be mindful of what you are disposing of, with time food particles clog your kitchen disposal pipes.
4) The Age of Your Piping System
You should know the age of the water pipes and sewer lines installed in your property. Over time, system lines wear out and start leaking due to the high salinity of soil that corrodes pipes. If the piping in your area has stayed for more than thirty to fifty years, a leak is imminent. To prevent this, you should consider asking the concerned authority for a service lines renewal.
5) The Trees Near Your Home
Tree roots are attracted to the water, oxygen, and nutrients in the water lines. The root will grow around the pipes the squeeze and eventually crush the pipes. However, roots cannot break all underground systems; only those made of vulnerable materials like clay or lead.
