What Causes Water Damage Restoration From Plumbing Pipes?

In a typical Georgia home, any number of factors could cause problems with the pipes. Excessive or uneven water pressure can strain your pipes. The growth of tree roots, flooding and even small earthquakes can shift the placement of your pipes. As the ground moves, your pipes can twist, bend, crack or separate altogether – causing underground leaks. Lately, Atlanta’s unexpected extreme temperature drops can force the pipes to expand and contract, causing them to burst.

Learning more about your plumbing can help you protect your home from water damage:

Water Damage Restoration In Atlanta

Functions of Water Residential Pipes

In general , there are five types of plumbing pipes related to your home

1. Water mains are large pipes that distribute water to different sections of the county. More often than not, they are laid under major roads and highways
2. Communication pipes carry water from the water mains to the boundary of private property. Some companies place a signal to show the end of pipework and the start of the owners’ pipe responsibilities; however, not all properties have this.
3. Supply pipes are smaller pipes that carry water to the property from the company pipes. These pipes run from the boundary of the property to the first water fitting inside the property. Any stop taps along the supply pipe, any water fittings; these are the responsibility of the property owner to maintain and repair.
4. Water supply lines deliver hot and cold water to the sinks, tub, toilet, and shower. This system originates at the municipal supply or other fresh water source, goes through the meter, and is delivered to the house. At the water heater, it splits into two lines—one that carries cold water and the other that delivers hot water from the water heater to the fixtures that require it.
5. The drain-waste-vent system collects waste water from fixtures and waste from toilets and delivers them to the sewer or septic system. Near each of the sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets, vent pipes exhaust sewer gases up and out the roof and provide air pressure so waste can flow freely.

What Materials Are Used Within A Residence?

A variety of materials are used in residential pipes. Five types of pipe are commonly used: PEX, PVC, ABS, copper, and galvanized. But not every pipe is suitable for use in all situations, nor are all types up to code.

Polyethylene cross-linked pipe (PEX) is an affordable plastic tubing that’s popular for water supply lines because it doesn’t leach traces of rust or corrosion into the water as some other types of pipes. It is also simple to install since it is flexible.

More rigid is PVC pipe– commonly used for drain, waste, and vent pipes. Pipe made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is often used with low-temperature and low-pressure, such as a home’s sewage system. Its color-coded construction is another plus for keeping plumbing organized.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is similar but a bit less popular in new construction than it once was.  While it is slightly more durable than PVC in high-impact occurrences it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight.

Copper pipe has been used for decades; you’ll find it around sinks, showers, tubs, and water supply lines. (The metal does not affect the quality of the water.)

Galvanized pipe was once widely used as a lead-free alternative. Over time, galvanized pipes have a tendency to rust.  

After Disaster, Call Serenity 

When pipes leak, rupture or break, you need help with the restoration. The Serenity team specializes in analyzing and cleaning properties that have been impacted by water, fire, smoke, mold, and pathogens in the greater Atlanta area. They deal with the cause of water damage and then restore the home to “brand new” condition. 

Serenity Restoration works with all the major insurers. If it’s not an insurance claim, we’ll work with you on the bill.  If it’s not great enough to warrant a full-blown remediation project, they can rent you the equipment for less than that of the major equipment rental groups.