A properly designed and installed plumbing system should provide a number of perks including cold water, hot water, and waste-water drainage. These are some of the most basic functions of a system. Some plumbing systems are more advanced and provide additional functions as well. But when any system encounters plumbing problems due to design flaws, the effects can be major. Leaks, drainage overflows, and flooding can directly result from design issues.
Some design flaws are quite rare. Others however, can be more common. Here are five of the most common design issues and how to fix them.
Pipe Burrs and Imperfections
If a clog continually occurs in the same place on a drainage line, there may be burrs or imperfections within the pipe that are catching and collecting passing waste materials. Check pipe grade first. If grade is acceptable, consider what wastes go down this line. If this all checks out and the pipe is the correct size, there are probably burrs or imperfections inside. Consider using a camera to verify the pipe’s internal condition. Pipe replacement is often the only true remedy.
Improper Grade
Improper grade, or sloping, can cause wastes to accumulate in a drain pipe. These kinds of system design and installation plumbing problems can often be brought to the installing company’s attention for remedy. If this is not an option, the homeowner will most likely need to replace or re-secure the improperly graded section of pipe. This should be done with close attention to grade, supports, and stressors on the section in question.
Undersized Pipe
When a contractor designs and plans out a new building’s plumbing system, mistakes can be made. A common mistake involves using undersized pipe in places where it should be larger. This can happen with drain or water supply pipes. Undersized supply pipes display symptoms of low water pressure and occasional whistling. Undersized drain pipe leads to frequent clogs and slow draining. In either case, replacement of the undersized pipe is the only tenable option.
Recalled Pipe
Over the years, several types of piping were used in homes and business that was later found to be highly susceptible to leaks and bursting under pressure. One such example is that of Quest plastic pex-piping. After being installed throughout the U.S. This information became known. Contact a local plumber for expert assessment and remedy of recalled pipe or plumbing parts. Free replacement should be offered in any such case of recall.
Warm Water From Cold Spicket
Some plumbing problems involve improper placement of pipes. This is often an oversight in the layout and construction design process. If warm water comes from a source that should be cold, one of two things has happened. Either the lines were crossed going to the water heater during installation, or the hot and cold lines rest against each other, transferring heat without interruption by insulation or distance. Simple adjustments via pipe movement, insulation, or line-crossing can resolve this issue.
These are five of the most common design-related plumbing problems. For help with any such plumbing problems, consult a professional.