We Fix Leaks, Repair & Replace Broken Pipes
Bathroom leak repair with bathroom makeover
Dear A-1 Plumbing, Thank you for the immediate response to my stopped-up toilet. Your quickness to respond single-handedly saved my daughter's 13th birthday party.
Pikesville, July 17, 2009
Cindy
AWESOME WORK!!! After going through a lot of trouble to organize a meeting at my home, I was horrified to discover that only three hours before everyone was supposed to meet up for dinner, my bathroom sink was stopped up and it seemed Draino just wasn't getting the job done. A-1 Plumbing came in and took care of the clog, cleaned up after themselves, and the issue was fixed with plenty of time to spare. They're my new go-to guys.
Baltimore 2009
We offer rapid location and repair of a domestic pipe leaks. Remember, quick repair of even a pin hole leak, will prevent wood rot, termites, mold and depreciation of the insured value of your home. Therefore, it is essential that at the first sign of a plumbing pipe leak, (see below), you contact a plumber. A-1 Plumbing of Baltimore assists in all the phases of pipe leak response, diagnosis, location repair and prevention.
Frozen Pipes
When the temperature drops below freezing, exposed plumbing pipes are in danger of freezing. If the water flow from one or more of your faucets slows down or stops all together at a time when the weather is freezing outside that is a sure sign that your pipes are freezing up. If that is happening to you, open up all your faucets all the way and call the plumber.
Pin Hole Leaks
80% of the buildings in America use copper plumbing piping. After many years we are seeing an increasing number of pin hole leaks in these pipes, which results from years of internal pitting corrosion
Signs and Symptoms of a Pin Hole Leak
Most plumbing pipes are hidden behind walls or above the ceiling, so it is sometimes difficult to recognize the presence of a pin hole leak and to locate it. Signs of a pin hole leak include:
- bluish green color on exposed copper pipes
- unexplained increased water usage on the water bill
- moisture or wet spots appearing on walls or on the ceiling,
- termites, (they thrive on the water)
- development of mold (thrives in damp areas)
What Should I do If I Suspect a Pipe Leak?
If you suspect that you have a pin hole pipe leak in the house you should contact a plumber immediately. If you do nothing, the leak will continue, and the water will rot out your home's wood. In time, this will decrease the insurance value of your home. The ready supply of moist wood will attract termites.
What Will the Plumber Do?
If the plumber assesses the situation and determines there probably is a leak, he will try and locate the leak. He may have to remove part of your ceiling or part of your wall in the process of finding the source of the leak.
How Will the Plumber Fix the Leak?
If the plumber finds a pin hole leak, you will have 4 alternatives.
- Solder the leak
- Replace a larger section of the pipe, if he believes the pipe is in danger of developing a leak later on
- Replace all the piping in the home with plastic PVC, (Polyvinylchloride), piping
- Coat the inside of existing pipes with epoxide
Discuss the situation with your plumber and decide which choice is right for you.
Other Types of Pipe Leaks
Pipe leaks may develop as a result of pipes freezing in the winter. Ice inside the pipes expand and cause the pipes to crack, split or rupture. When the water thaws, the leak becomes apparent
Pipes most vulnerable to freezing are outdoor pipes on the northern exposure of the house and pipes in unheated parts of the home.
If the leaking water cannot be contained in a pan then you will have to turn off the water supply at the main. Have a plumber come out to replace the pipe. During the summer months be sure to insulate all of your water pipes that are in danger of freezing during the winter. If you can't do it yourself than ask your plumber to do it for you.
