If you've noticed a sudden increase in your water bill or puddles forming in your yard when it's not raining, you may have a leaking or broken water line.

 Water lines can crack or deteriorate from a variety of unavoidable environmental conditions, and most people don't realize that maintenance of the water line, which runs from your house to the street, is the homeowner's responsibility.

 Fortunately, a rapid response can prevent thousands of dollars worth of damage to your property and hazardous backflow.

 At AFM Plumbers.com, we specialize in and frequently perform waterline repairs and replacements, so you can rest assured that your waterline will be service by experienced professionals.

 So whether you suspect you have a problem with your waterline or want to run a routine inspection, we have the expertise and knowledge to get the job done in a thorough, timely and cost-effective manner.

Do you know what kind of water piping is installed in your home? There are many different types of piping used for water systems, depending on the age of your home. Most plumbers currently use CPVC piping for water lines. However, if you have an older home you may have copper, galvanized, pex or even polybutylene. If your home is older, you may want to have a professional plumber check the condition of the water system.

• Copper water systems – Older systems are at risk for pinhole leaks due to the chemicals and minerals contained in your water supply. These types of leaks can usually be repaired, but if the system shows signs of age, wear or has multiple leaks, it may be time to have them replaced.
  
• CPVC water systems – CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is widely used today. Most of the newer homes are piped with CPVC because it is reliable, easy to install, resistant to chemicals and higher temperatures and a cost effective alternative to copper. Using this type of piping has a number of benefits. The insulation provided by this piping can make your water system quieter and will keep the water temperature more stable.
  
• Galvanized water systems – Over time, the metal in the pipe will interact with the oxygen in the water and become corroded making the interior of the pipe rough. Once that happens, mineral deposits build up inside of them, slowing the water flow and decreasing the water pressure.
  
• Pex water systems – Pex (Cross-linked Polyethylene) piping was developed in the 1960’s and is fairly common in the plumbing industry today. It is durable and flexible. It will hold up to extreme temperatures (up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and it is chemical resistant.
  
• Polybutylene water systems - Polybutylene piping was used from the late 1970’s through the mid 1990’s. Over time, chemical and mineral deposits can cause the fittings used to connect these systems to become weak and brittle and eventually causes the system to fail. If your home is piped with poly piping you should have a professional plumber check it for problems and give you an estimate on re-piping your home.
  
• PVC water systems – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) piping is also durable against chemicals. However, it is only rated for temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore it is generally used for the main cold water supply for your home or to exterior faucets.

Of course, no one ever wants to experience a problem, especially not one as damaging or costly as a water leak. To protect your investment and for peace of mind have your home checked by a professional plumber.

 For more information or to schedule a free inspection, please contact AFMPlumbers.com today at 770-685-1196.