The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of new plumbers will surge 21% by 2022, which means there will be more than 80,000 new plumbing jobs. So why is the plumbing industry doing so well? They’re keeping busy with these 5 common sources of plumbing repairs.
1. Leaky Faucets and Plumbing Fixtures
Contractors who specialize in plumbing repairs believe that up to 30% of residential toilets have some kind of leak. And since a single defective faucet dripping once every second will waste 3,000 gallons of water a year (and waste money with the utility company besides), it’s crucial to stop leaks and drips as soon as you find them. And that’s doubly true for Californians or any other region suffering through a drought.
2. Tree Roots
The place where two pipes meet is called the joint or seams, and tree roots love to tap into your water system at the joint of the pipes. In fact, in homes built before the 1970s, it’s the number one cause of plumbing repairs. Tree roots can break and clog your pipes, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.
3. Mysteries
Sometimes the source of a plumbing problem isn’t obvious right away, in which case your plumber will utilize one of the most important tools in the plumber toolkit, the drain camera. When plumbers want to check for clogs, leaks, or broken pipes, they’ll use a sewer snake-like device to feed a camera through your pipes looking for the cause of the plumbing issues.
4. Wear and Tear
Nothing lasts forever, and pipes are no exception. And the simple fact of the matter is if you live in an older home with an older pipe system, eventually your pipes will just give out. They could rust, break, or just reach the end of their natural life. When this happens, it might be time for a total replacement. That’s why Angie’s List says to immediately inspect your pipes if your house is 40 or more years old.
If you’re encountering these or any other common types of plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to contact local contractors for plumbing repairs ASAP!
