The most common and reliable pipe material for installation is copper or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). Copper is widely used due to its durability and high corrosion resistance, whereas PEX is slightly more flexible and resists cracks and freezing temperatures. It’s also corrosion-resistant and doesn’t cause hammer issues like copper. The standard sizes of the city’s main supply branches vary from 3/4 to one inch in diameter, whereas our homes range from 1/2 to 3/4 inches.
What Are The Signs You Need Calgary Water Line Repair?
Calgary, AB homeowners will quickly notice if any plumbing issues are at play in their home. From flushing your toilet to doing laundry to running your faucet in the kitchen, changes within your supply pipes will have different ways of manifesting themselves. Watch out for these signs that might call for Calgary water line repair services:
Drop in Water Pressure:
Are you in the shower or doing the dishes, but the water is barely flowing with any force? This could indicate a leak or clog in your supply pipe. Please note that Calgary deals with a decent amount of hard water and it’s common for your pipes to have calcium and magnesium buildup on the interior walls that causes drops in pressure too. These unpleasant buildups can also occur inside your faucet or shower head and cause your cartridge valves to corrode. Once replaced, you can check if the pressure problem persists. If so, you’ll need a professional plumber for water line repair. Calgary, AB homeowners who can’t locate the leak or clog can count on our expertise to diagnose the pressure issue.
Water Leaks
Leaking pipes aren’t always visible and could go undetected for months unless you find puddles and other wet areas. There is no major reason for concern if you spot a loose joint that needs some tightening, but running water behind walls is a clear sign that you need Calgary water line repairs.
Serious hidden leaks include slab leaks or shower head leaks behind tile due to a broken water pipe. In these situations, your professional plumber will run a detailed diagnosis before proceeding with options for water line repair. Calgary, AB homeowners will only receive the best, long-term solutions from our trusted plumbing team.
Discoloration
When you turn on your faucet for drinking purposes, you shouldn’t see any sediment or discoloration. If you do, we suggest that you call 311 to see if the city water is experiencing pollution; otherwise, the other culprit is rust in the pipes or water heater. Although most updated households have switched to copper and other materials, galvanized iron is still in use on some properties. The inside is coated with a thin layer of zinc that can wear off over time and lead to rust. In those situations, water line replacement might be the safest bet.
We recommend that you also pay close attention to your hose bib outside because it connects with your supply line. If you haven’t winterized it by draining it and turning off the shut-off valve, you could have a problem with cross-connections. Vacuum breakers are required for hose bibs to prevent fluid from flowing backward and contaminating your potable water. If you’re unsure whether your hose bib requires water line repair, Calgary, AB plumbers are equipped with the right tools and expertise to find out!
Burst Pipe
When you have a burst pipe in Calgary, it could either show up in the form of basement flooding or leaking pipes behind walls. Common types of burst pipe problems that require urgent repair include:
- Frozen pipes
- Damaged sections or joints
- Corrosion in aging pipes
- Water hammer and pressure-related issues
- Clogs, sediment and mineral buildup
- Pinhole leaks
Musty Smells
If you experience musty smells behind walls and ceilings, you likely have moisture or water damage and may need service for water line repair. Calgary, AB homeowners’ quickest way to identify the root issue is to contact their local plumber.
Increased Energy Bill
If you have an unusually high bill, iit could be related to changes in your own personal habits. However, if you haven’t changed anything recently, it could be an undetected leak. We recommend that you stop using water in every fixture of the home and check your water meter. Wait a good three hours to see if the digits are still moving. If so, you have a leak that requires immediate water line repair.