Scotto's Plumbing

CALL US NOW: (727) 581-5828

TEXT SCOTTOS TO 85100 TO OPT-IN TO RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFERS. 

CALL US NOW: (727) 581-5828

Scotto's Plumbing

TEXT SCOTTOS TO 85100 TO OPT-IN TO RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFERS. 

The Cost of Water Leaks

January 25, 2021
A Leaking Faucet — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing

If a pipe suddenly bursts, spilling water all over your home, you probably won't wait to contact the plumber to start cleaning up the mess. However, slower water leaks are often ignored or go unnoticed because they have little or hard-to-see signs. If you don’t notice these leaks, they can turn into expensive repairs. Keep reading to check out the real cost of water leaks.

Wasted Water

One of the leading problems with water leaks is wasted water, which increases your water bill. A small leak of 10 drips per minute can waste 29 gallons of water a month, while a faster drip can waste 330 gallons of water per month. Not only is that a waste of water, but you must also pay for not using it. This faster leak can add up to $6 or more to your monthly water bill.


Toilet leaks, however, can be much more expensive. If the toilet constantly runs, it can waste an incredible 200 gallons of water per day or 6,000 gallons a month. This can increase your water bill by up to $70 a month. In most cases, you can hear and stop a leaking toilet by ensuring the flapper properly closes. But this may only be a temporary fix that you have to do after each flush.


Water and Mold Damage

Even small amounts of water can cause water damage. If the leak is hidden in the wall, the lack of ventilation may keep the area wet longer, and insulation can absorb large amounts of water.


Fixing water damage is often an invasive process because you may have to remove large portions of drywall. On top of that, your insurance provider may not cover the damage if they can argue the leak was due to a lack of maintenance.


Additionally, failure to fix water damage can lead to mold growth. Not only is mold ugly and smelly, but it can cause some health issues if you already struggle with health concerns like allergies and asthma.


Even if you are not sensitive to mold, some more aggressive molds like black mold can cause complications. On some surfaces, you can kill and clean mold, but porous surfaces like drywall and wood may need to be replaced.


Pest Infestation

Leaking water and water damage also attracts pests. Pests like quiet, dark, safe places like inside your walls. And a leaking pipe is an attractive water supply for them. As a result, they may decide to make your home their home. Common pests attracted to leaking pipes include silverfish, rats, mice, cockroaches, and termites.


In addition, some of these pests (like termites) may burrow into the wood in your wall. If the wood is wet or starting to rot due to moisture, pests can burrow even easier.


If left untreated, pests can spread throughout your home, and they may pose health risks from their droppings, saliva, and fleas.


Fire Risk

Water and electricity don't mix, but your electrical system may be behind the same walls as your plumbing pipes. As long as you maintain both systems, there is no issue. However, a leaking pipe may expose the wires to water. If those wires become damaged, or if the water hits an area with no insulation, the water can create a spark.


A spark won't always lead to a fire, but if there is also a lot of insulation around the area, the spark can ignite it. Similarly, if the area has a lot of moisture, the spark may spread or be strong enough to ignite the drywall or wood.


Water leaks can become incredibly expensive, especially if you ignore them or don’t notice them. If you would like to know more, or if you want to have your plumbing system inspected, contact us at Scotto's Plumbing today.

Tree roots in sewer pipe
August 12, 2021
Sometimes, plumbing problems are caused by things we can see- like a clogged drain or an overflowing tub. However, these aren't always the root of the problem. While these are easy to fix, there is another dangerous plumbing issue that you should be aware of: roots in pipes. It may sound strange, but it's not unusual for roots to find their way into plumbing systems and cause a major headache. Root infiltration into your sewer lines can cause serious problems if not treated quickly and efficiently. Roots growing in sewer pipes can clog drains, back up wastewater, and even completely destroy pipes. You should be aware of the signs of roots in your pipes so that you can take quick action before the problem gets worse. Why Do Tree Roots Grow Into Pipes Tree roots grow into pipes for several different reasons. One potential cause is they are seeking something they need to grow, such as water or nutrients. Another common cause of tree roots growing into pipes is because they are already there! Many older homes have been around for decades, and trees have had plenty of time to grow in them. Roots can easily find their way into a sewer line and cause damage. Tree roots can also get into your system if you recently moved near a mass of trees. Pipes last only about 30 years, so make sure to check for leaks every year. There are numerous colors, shapes and sizes of tree roots. Roots grow every day and can even cause major blockages once they grow large enough to occupy the entire inside diameter of the pipe. Speaking of growing: They can grow about an inch or more a day and can travel through the smallest spaces to get to water. Some roots even split once they get deep enough in search of more nutrients. Even though tree roots don't consume as much water as household items as toilets do, their constant intake is still enough to give you a headache or two. Tree roots suck up water through their pores to survive, much like we do. The difference is that tree roots need more water than humans do. While humans need at least one liter of water per day for survival, trees require anywhere from 10 - 100+ liters of water every day! Signs You Have Roots In Your Pipes There are several signs to look for in the case of roots growing into your pipes. The first sign of root intrusion is if your home has a slowly draining water system. The second sign of a root in your sewer pipes is gurgling sounds coming from your toilet. Another sign is finding patches of grass that are much greener than the surrounding grass. That green grass is likely benefiting from the extra water and nutrients from the intrusion. A sunken area in the yard can often be a sign of a root intrusion. As the roots create a hole in the pipe, the surrounding dirt is washed into the city sewer. While the hole may seem small, they can create mini sinkholes which can be quite dangerous. If you do find an issue with roots in your plumbing system, it's important to call a professional plumber immediately and have the problem taken care of before you end up with a large issue on your hands. Scotto's Plumbing can perform a camera inspection to confirm the presence of roots and remove them. Preventing Roots From Entering Pipes To prevent tree roots from entering your plumbing system again, you should make sure that the trees or plants near your home are not feeding off of your water. There are a few ways to do this: Install a rain gutter to collect rainwater from nearby trees and plants. This will keep them from absorbing any of the water. Create a barrier around your house with a layer of gravel at least 3 inches thick. Be sure that it extends at least 12 inches past the perimeter of your home. The best way to create a barrier is by using four layers; the first two layers should be made up of washed gravel (gravel stones that are clean on one side), while the last two layers should consist entirely of cobble (granite-like rocks). Roots from nearby trees and plants can grow into your plumbing system, which is why you need to keep a close eye on the roots that are coming in contact with or touching your pipes. If you notice any signs of an invasion (slow draining or toilet gurgling), it's time to call in professional help to get rid of them before they cause more serious damage than just some unpleasing odors! Scotto’s Plumbing has been providing quality plumbing service to Pinellas County residents for more than 40 years. Contact us today at 727.581.5828 for all of your plumbing needs.
Stainless Kitchen Sink — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing
March 10, 2021
Do you have a garbage disposal? Read our blog to learn how incorrect usage or neglect could result in immediate or long-term issues.
Clean Water — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing
By Admin January 12, 2021
Are you looking for a water treatment system? Read this blog to determine whether a reverse osmosis system is the best option for your home.
By Admin November 30, 2020
One of the most common causes of home water damage is a burst washing machine hose. Use the tips in this blog to prevent this damage in your home.
Clogged Faucet — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing
By admin October 23, 2020
Have you noticed dripping sounds throughout your home? Consider the following four possible causes of plumbing-related dripping sounds.
By admin September 24, 2020
A slab leak is one of the most urgent plumbing problems that homeowners can face. Learn more about slab leaks, and how repiping can help.
September 21, 2020
Welcome back to The Sunshine State. While you were away, your plumbing system sat dormant, which can cause major problems. Before you throw on your flip flops and hit our sandy beaches, or head out for a round of golf, spend a little time checking the following items: Shut off Valves: To ensure your shut off valves aren’t stuck or leaking, turn them on and off at the toilets, sinks, and washing machines. Run water for several minutes to ensure there are no drain issues or leaks in your showers, tubs, sinks and washing machine. Flush all toilets. Run hot water in sinks and showers. Check water heater tank for leaks Check exterior hose connections for leaks Check ice maker line to it’s connected correctly and not leaking Run garbage disposal Don’t forget to check other plumbing components, like a water softener, utility sink, or reverse osmosis/drinking water system at your kitchen sink. If you have any problems or concerns, give us a call at 727.581.5828.
Woman Using Plunger  — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing
By Admin August 25, 2020
Are you unsure of what hydro-jetting constitutes? If so, discover some FAQ you may have about hydro-jetting to help you prepare for this procedure.
Tankless Water Heater — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing
By Admin July 24, 2020
Tankless water heaters are efficient and easy to maintain, but they are still susceptible to some problems. Learn more about common problems and how to fix them.
Kitchen Sink — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing
June 24, 2020
Sewer line backup is a common problem that affects many homeowners. To prevent large problems, follow these maintenance strategies.
More Posts
Share by: