4 Common Issues With Shifting Pipes
All of us have heard the floorboards creak late at night only to place the blame on a settling house. But while this might reassure us that ghosts aren’t at fault, a haunted house may be the least of your troubles. A settling house might seem harmless, but a plumbing emergency could be underway if you’ve noticed significant ground shifting.
At Superior Drainage, our team has seen firsthand how ground shifting can lead to serious plumbing problems for Akron-area homeowners. In this blog, we help families better understand how ground shifting can impact their plumbing systems, what signs to look out for, and what they can do to prevent catastrophic damage to their homes.
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When the soil shifts around your pipes and sewer lines, it can loosen the seals and crack them open. Once the pipes are compromised, it’s easy for dirt and debris to make their way into your system and block water flow. If left untreated, this can cause sewage backup and flooding into your home.
Leaking Sewer Lines
Shifting soil can also cause your sewer lines to break open and leak into the surrounding earth. These leaks will further erode the surrounding soil, leading to further stress on your pipes. Also, surrounding tree roots may become attracted to the leak as a nutrient source, leading to tree root infiltration.
Gas Pipe Damage
Sewer lines aren’t the only part of your plumbing system susceptible to breaking. Ground shifts can also cause your gas pipes to become damaged, leading to a deadly gas leak. If you smell sulfur, notice plants dying off irregularly, or see bubbles in your standing water, it’s time to contact a plumbing technician for emergency service.
Cracks in Foundation
One of the most common problems that happen after ground shifting is foundation damage. Cracks in the foundation, slab leaks, and slanted floors all point to a more significant problem beneath your home.
Signs of Shifting Pipes
Knowing when to contact a plumbing professional to address problems caused by ground shifts is essential. The following are just some of the signs to watch out for:
- Cracked walls
- Sewage backup
- Slow-moving drains
- Standing water in the yard
- Sticking windows
- Unusually lush portions of grass
Contact a plumbing professional immediately if you’ve noticed any of these symptoms impacting your home plumbing performance. Waiting too long can cause a serious problem to become downright catastrophic.
Why Choose Superior Drainage?
When you need an expert plumber to resolve issues caused by shifting pipes, Superior Drainage is the only team for the job. Our full-service plumbing company is your one-stop shop for superior plumbing solutions in Northeast Ohio. Offering upfront pricing and 100% satisfaction guaranteed, we are proud to be Akron’s go-to source for top-quality plumbing service.
Schedule expert plumbing service in Akron by calling us at 330-733-3711 or contacting us online.
FAQs
What causes pipes to knock?
As water travels through your pipes, it heats up or cools down. This causes the metal or plastic in your pipes to expand and contract depending on the temperature. The result can cause a knocking sound to erupt from your system.
Why are the pipes in my house shaking?
Three things typically cause pipes to shake in the home, including:
- Loose pipes
- Water hammer
- Water pressure problems
What do loose pipes sound like?
You may have loose pipes to blame if you hear clunking, rattling, or vibrating. It may be that the pipes were never fitted correctly or that shifting soil has caused them to loosen over time.
