Water leak

 I have had three water leaks in my home in the last three months. I am
wondering what is the problem.  The leaks have gone from one side of
the house to the other.  Is the plumber taking me for a ride or is it
worn pipes?  I know my insurance company is going to drop us with the
next claim.  Will it be cheaper to just go ahead and replace the pipes
than continiously filing claims and paying the deductible?   The house
is 13 years old and we have been living in Coastal Georgia for 15
months.  There has been no other problems with leaks until now. The
inspector did not detect any leaks. It seems to be a problem in this
area from what we have heard after we bought our house of course.  Need
answers.

 

Did the plumber explain the leaks to you?  Were they actual pipes,
or was it joints, fittings, or fixtures?  Are you on city water
or are you on your own private well or community water system?
Copper or lead or other type of plumbing?  Have you had your
water tested?

While I have no information from you to give any advice, I can
relate a similar problem that I have seen in central Wisconsin.
The water in some locations there has a low PH number.  As a
result, it reacts with copper over time, and puts many tiny
pinholes in the copper.  You fix it in one place, and another
place a few feet down will leak.  These people were able to
install a neutralizer, which stopped the deterioration.  But
at that point, it was too late, and much of the copper had
to be replaced.  The small line to the ice maker had leaked
a few times before the bigger 1/2 inch copper leaked, so that
was their clue that something was wrong.

-john-

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John A. Weeks III           952-432-2708            john@johnweeks.com
Newave Communications                         http://www.johnweeks.com
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John A. Weeks III wrote:

To the above, I would add, we don't even know if it's water supply line
leaks, sewer pipe leaks, or a combo.

 My husband talked with the plumber and as I understand it, this is a
problem that they have in this area with the water and algae. They have
even suggested that we pour bleach down our drains every few months.
This sounds like something that would eat up the pipes like it would
eat up everything else. I saw a small piece of  the pipes they replaced
and it looks all corrodide and rusted.  Lets put it this way, that
piece didnt look good all all.  I hate to see the rest of the pipes.
Of course I know nothing about plumbing.  The plumber says it is best
to re-route new pipes though the roof.  We are on city water. We have
not had our water tested.  Is it best to go with the plastic pipes
(PVC?) or use copper?  Once we do install the new pipes should we also
add the neutralizer?  The whole thing is giving me a headache.  I need
to make the correct decision now to prevent this from happening 13 more
years down the line.  Thanks for your help.
John A. Weeks III wrote:

 

I don't know if PVC is legal in your area.  I would suggest using
PEX plumbing, which is new on the market in the US, but has a long
track record in Europe.  It is flexiable, very resistant, and
goes together with crimp connectors.  It should last in this
situation.

You still want to get a water filter and treatment system.  Not
only will it improve the water taste and smell, but it will keep
some of the bad stuff out of your body, it will let detergent
work better, and it will be far easier on your clothes in the
wash.  You will probably save more in clothing than what the
system would cost to install.

-john-

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John A. Weeks III           952-432-2708            john@johnweeks.com
Newave Communications                         http://www.johnweeks.com
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