October 23 2019 0comment
leaking water pipe

Leaking water pipes can compromise your home’s foundation

One of the most common reasons we see properties having foundation issues is due to leaking or cracked pipes.  Too much water leaves the ground waterlogged and unstable leading to potentially serious structural damage.

More often than not, there is no major symptom of a major water leak like a flooded driveway.  The symptoms can be quite minor so it’s up to you as the property owner, to keep an eye on areas that seem waterlogged as well as notice any cracking in walls.  In the case of foundations, it’s always better to act sooner rather than later so if you’re unsure, feel free to contact us so we can assist you further.

Where are the pipes?

As mentioned before, it’s generally always up to the property owner to keep on top of any issues relating to water leaks.  Mains water supply, storm water and sewer pipes are all different systems so it’s important to know where these pipes run in your home.

Why do pipes leak?

There are a few common reasons that can cause pipes to have issues.

Damaged Clay Pipes

Although all new homes use PVC and plastic pipes, there was a time where homes were built using clay/terracotta pipes.  Given their age and pressures they have been subjected to, these commonly break or leak at the joints so it’s best to get a licensed plumber to take a look here for you.

Tree Roots

Trees look beautiful above ground, but below ground they can wreak havoc.  The roots search for water so any time they can find a small gap, they will grow and damage the pipes or even cause a blockage.

Stormwater Overflow

When there is wild, wet weather and the stormwater system is overrun, water can overflow and seep on to the soil.  This can waterlog the soil causing stability issues.

For help on the best way to remediate structural issues that may occur as a result of underground water leaks, contact us at BMC Microfine on (08) 9303 9297 or by email – sales@bmcmicrofine.com.au

bmctest