Part of St. Louis County, Brentwood has numerous small-family homes, apartments, and condos, many of which were built decades ago and feature older plumbing infrastructure. The humid continental climate stresses pipes, appliances, and fixtures alike, and most homeowners have to deal with plumbing issues periodically.
Whether you have a malfunctioning water heater or a sudden bathroom leak, you have to consider professional assistance. Fortunately, there are companies like hosackplumbing.com that offer emergency support and services for renovation. The team at Hosack Plumbing, Heating & Cooling understands the concerns across Brentwood neighborhoods and has expert plumbers to ensure a fast response. In this guide, let’s learn about some of these usual problems.
- Pipe Bursts During Cold Missouri Winters: Frozen and burst pipes are a regular thing across areas in St. Louis County, including Brentwood. Dropping temperatures can cause water to freeze in exposed pipes, which can then crack due to expansion. Pipes in unheated garages and lines along exterior walls are particularly at risk. Not draining outdoor hose bibs before the colder days can cause freezing and may mean spending on replacement. Plumbers can use controlled heat in some situations to avoid expensive repairs.
- Sewer Line Issues: Many homes in the region have cast-iron or clay sewer lines, which can get damaged over time, regardless of repairs. Internal corrosion (often not visible initially) and misaligned joints must be checked and fixed. Soil in the St. Louis region is known to expand/contract due to moisture factors, which further impacts sewer systems. Symptoms one should not ignore include slow drainage, icky odor, and wet patches in the lawn.
- Tree Root Intrusion: Mature trees across Brentwood have roots that invade pipe joints or cracks, especially in older clay and cast-iron sewer lines. This intrusion can cause frequent backups, pipe breakage, and other issues, and there is typically no alternative to hiring professional plumbers. Plumbing contractors will inspect sewer lines with cameras and may consider mechanical cutting, hydro jetting, and pipe repairs, as required.
- Clogged Drain Lines: Let’s admit that residents don’t think much when throwing things in the sink. Kitchen and bathroom drain often get clogged due to grease and food residue, soap scum, and hair. Even mineral buildup could be a reason for clogging. Initially, plungers and supermarket drain cleaners can be useful, but continuous clogs eventually need professional work. Experts have professional snakes for this and can also use hydro-jetting to flush out pipes.
- Water Heater Breakdown: Many homes in Brentwood still have storage tank units, which lose efficiency regardless of frequent servicing. Given the freezing months in Missouri, usage patterns are usually high, and breakdowns can be problematic. Reasons may include sediment buildup and corrosion. If you have noticed inconsistent water temperatures and drips at the heater base, these are signs that you need to get help.
- Intermittent Water Pressure: Any change in water pressure in one or more faucets needs investigation. Factors may include partial pipe blockages, aging supply lines, and pressure regulator failures. Plumbers check the entire system to find whether the problem is limited to a fixture or needs more attention.
- Fixture Leaks: Even the best fixtures can have problems, and the concern isn’t just about water wastage but also inconvenience. Whether you have a leaking faucet or a clogged toilet, consider getting help from plumbing experts immediately. Technicians can decide whether seal replacement is enough or if older fixtures need to be replaced with better, efficient ones.
Instead of waiting for the above problems, consider asking a plumbing contractor in Brentwood to check your property ahead of winter and in spring. With early diagnosis, you will spend less on repairs and have the time to consider upgrades according to your budget.