Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or a property manager, repairing an unexpected plumbing problem is the last thing you want to deal with. Before a piping problem becomes critical, there are a few common signs to look out for before there is significant water damage on your ceilings, walls, or floors.

The Signs 

Before water damage occurs from a pinhole leak, a build-up of corrosion in your potable water system is likely to have happened and is the culprit behind the leak. These corroding pipe systems eventually lead to future leaks, which can be costly if not properly attended to. Here are a few signs to look for that indicate that you may have a leak that’s just short of causing water damage to your walls and ceilings.

• Low water pressure
• Red or brown water
• Significantly increased water utility bill

Common Problems and Risks 

Aged plumbing can lead to a wide variety of problems that can affect not only your home but also your health. Mineral deposits can prevent a potable system from functioning properly. Minerals can limit water flow, which leads to lower water pressure, and can plug water fixtures like showerheads and faucets. Red or brown water is usually due to minerals leaching from the potable pipes into the water. In addition, pinhole leaks are the end result of a failing potable system, which depending on the size of the leak will cause serious water damage to floors, ceilings, and walls.

The Solution 

There are a variety of solutions to solve a leaking potable system such as repiping or using trenchless technology methods such as epoxy barrier coatings. However, knowing the signs before you experience water damage can ultimately help you save more money and hassle in the long run. Routine inspections will help you assess your pipes, which will give you valuable information about the condition of your pipes and the time frame in which they may need repairing.

In situations where you’re experiencing the effects of a leak, it’s time to act. Though traditional repiping will fix a leak it will not protect your system from future leaks down the road. Epoxy coatings are a long-term solution to not only leaks but to corrosion that is often the catalyst to pinhole leaks. Epoxy coatings can be installed in a number of pressurized water systems. Potable and gray water systems, HVAC systems, fire suppression, conduit piping, and water mains are all applications in which epoxy coatings can be installed.

Avoiding potable plumbing perils such as leaks, low water pressure or a high water bill is possible. Look out for these signs and know what your options in case of a plumbing emergency. Ultimately, the most important factor to keep in mind is knowing and assessing the condition of your plumbing system. Be proactive, not reactive!