WATER STORAGE
Dangers of a Leaking Overflow Pipe
OVERVIEW
An overflow pipe is an important part of a building’s plumbing system that assists in preventing flooding and water damage by diverting excess water away from the central system. Overflow pipes are connected to water storage tanks and are also referred to as warning pipes because they signal when there is an issue with the ball valve within the tank.
When a water tank’s overflow pipe starts to leak, this is a cause for concern. This article will answer the question ‘is a leaking overflow pipe dangerous?’ by discussing the potential hazards and how to identify and fix the issue.
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CAUSES OF A LEAKING OVERFLOW PIPE
Overflow pipes handle excess water that cannot be accommodated within the tank. Therefore when they start to leak, this can cause long-term issues that affect the plumbing system, and the health and safety of the people within the building.
The causes for a leaking tank vary, and the reasons may include:
Clogged Drain
– When a drain connected to an overflow pipe becomes clogged, it can cause a backup of water resulting in an overflow that leads to leaks.
High Water Pressure
– If the water pressure in the plumbing system is too high, it can cause the overflow pipe to leak or even burst. A faulty shower and tap can cause this problem because the high pressure cold water supply pushes the hot water back up the pipes into the water tank, which causes an overflow.
Age
– An old overflow pipe will gradually weaken, and cracks can start to appear. This is a typical cause for concern, and all old overflow pipes have to be inspected, and once they become weak, it is time to install a replacement pipe.
Faulty Ball Valve
– The ball valve within the water storage tank can have a leak that is not visible, and as it gradually fills up, it will no longer be able to function properly and control the water level. A ball valve with a leak will not be able to rise with the water level and switch the water feed off. Another reason could be that the ball valve is stuck, and this can be easily rectified by looking inside the tank and correcting the position of the ball valve.
Homeserve suggests that leaks might not be visible during the day as this is when water usage is at its highest frequency, making it harder to notice if the tank fills up slowly. The best time to inspect for leaks would be in the morning.
IS A LEAKING OVERFLOW PIPE DANGEROUS?
While a leaking pipe may not seem like a significant issue at first, it can lead to several problems, and a leak in an overflow pipe is a warning sign that should not be ignored.
Water Damage
The water damage resulting from a leaking pipe can cost a business or homeowner a considerable sum of money in repairs, and some of the repairs could be structural repairs. Mould thrives in wet conditions, and the water damage caused creates an environment for mould to grow, which can be hazardous to any occupants’ health.
Costs
Excess water usage is the main issue caused by a leaking overflow pipe. As water regulation becomes poor, the water pressure can be too high, increasing your water bill.
Health Risks
Mould is known to cause respiratory issues and can trigger allergies as it grows in damp conditions triggered by a leaking overflow pipe.
Structural Damage
If a leaking overflow pipe is not discovered quickly and fixed, the damage it can cause can weaken the building’s structure, mainly if this water storage tank is in a loft. This can result in further issues in the long term.
The overflow pipe needs to be installed correctly in the beginning, as this can save issues in the future. The results of an incorrectly installed overflow pipe can result in thousands of euros in damages.
How to Fix a Leaking Overflow Pipe
Steps should be taken early when an overflow or warning pipe leak is located. Here are some steps that you can follow immediately after you find a leak:
1. Identify the Cause
The cause for the leak has to be found before anything else. Some issues might be minor and can be fixed without the need for a maintenance team to come in or to do any replacements to the overflow pipe.
2. Turn off the Water
The affected system’s water supply must be off before repairs begin, and this prevents the leaking from continuing and causing more damage.
3. Repair or Replace the Pipe
The type of repair depends on how serious the issue identified is. It can easily be moved into the correct position for minor issues where the ball valve is stuck. Other issues can be more complex and require an expert team to come in and have a look, and this can result in the overflow pipe being replaced.
Inspecting overflow pipes could be considered a low priority for some, resulting in leaks going undetected for long periods. Active inspections of the water storage tanks and the overflow pipes are vital because, initially, it may not seem urgent. Still, the damages caused can cost a business or property owner thousands in the long term, possibly having to carry out unwanted structural repairs.
Contact our team of experts for any advice on overflow pipes to ensure yours is correctly installed.
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