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How to Tell If Your Home Needs Foundation Repair

by Posted in Contractor Services Tagged , , , ,

If you notice small cracks in a home’s foundation walls, this may be an early warning sign that needs to be assessed by a professional. Even these minimal cracks can impact the value of a home.Foundation Repair

A home with sinking or bowing foundations can be significantly more expensive to buy. Significant problems can also affect your loan approval. For professional assistance, consult Sugar Land Foundation Repair Solutions.

When it comes to foundation repair, cracks are one of the most common signs that structural problems are at hand. Generally, any crack that extends across a wall is considered serious and requires professional attention. However, it’s not always easy to know if that crack is indicative of a larger problem. Fortunately, there are some rules of thumb that can help homeowners decide when it is time to call in the pros.

Hairline cracks are relatively minor and usually don’t cause any major structural damage to a home. These cracks are the result of natural expansion and contraction of concrete, and they typically resolve themselves over time. Nevertheless, they can be a sign of moisture problems that should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent future structural issues.

Cracks that are wider than a hairline should be filled with epoxy or polyurethane crack filler to prevent further damage to the structure. This can be done using a caulking gun to force the filler into the entire crack along its length. Depending on the size of the crack and the direction in which it runs, professional installers may use portholes drilled every 4 to 8 inches along the crack to help stabilize it.

Large vertical cracks are a sign of soil settlement. As the soil swells, it puts pressure on foundation walls and can cause them to crack. This can be prevented by installing drainage systems that divert water away from the house’s foundation and by sealing any cracks that admit water.

Horizontal cracks also indicate severe problems. This type of crack usually occurs when a home’s foundation is sinking or shifting. It is typically caused by a combination of soil pressure and water damage. This can be prevented by addressing the root causes of the issue, such as waterproofing and grading.

If you see any of these signs, it is important to contact a foundation repair contractor as soon as possible. A professional will be able to assess the extent of the damage and recommend an appropriate solution. They will be able to provide you with a free, no-commitment estimate on their services.

Leaks

Foundation leaks are a problem that can have serious consequences. Leaks that go unaddressed can cause rot and mold as well as structural damage, so it’s important to call in professionals to fix the problem before it gets worse. The primary source of foundation leaks is excess water in the soil around a home. When the soil becomes over-saturated, it swells up against the foundation walls, exerting pressure that can crack concrete and cause moisture to seep through mortar joints in masonry walls. In order to prevent water from entering the home, it’s important to ensure that gutters are clear of debris and downspouts are extended away from the house, and that the landscape is graded in a way that encourages water flow away from the foundation.

Another common cause of leaks is plumbing problems. If a pipe beneath the foundation bursts or has a major leak, it can lead to high levels of moisture in the ground under the house that can seep into the basement and damage the foundation.

If you have a slab foundation, it’s important to check for puddles around the outside of the home, even if there hasn’t been any rain recently. If the puddles are near specific areas of your home, such as bathrooms or near appliances that use water, this could be an indication that there’s a plumbing leak in those areas. Another potential sign of a leak is an unexplained increase in your water bill. Since leaks are causing the soil to become saturated, it’s not uncommon for that moisture to find its way into your home and can result in higher than normal water bills.

Other causes of water intrusion into the home can include problems during construction and soil that is too loose or too dense for a solid foundation. Construction contractors need to make sure that the soil is properly prepared and compacted before a foundation is poured; it’s also important that they take into consideration the type of soil in the area, as different types of soil are more likely to expand and contract than others.

Shifting Soil

If cracks develop, they may become wider over time as shifting soil presses against the foundation walls. Very thin hairline cracks are usually not a concern but larger ones require an inspection by a professional to determine if the foundation is shifting. A shifting foundation will often result in humps or dips in floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly or bowed walls.

Sometimes a house is built on soil that is not compacted well during new construction. Builders bring in dirt from a different location to fill depressed areas and level the site before building the foundation on top of it. This loose soil has a tendency to compress under the weight of the home, leading to settlement problems. A qualified professional can inspect the soil beneath a home and recommend the best repair method.

Poor drainage is another common cause of shifting soil under a foundation. Water leaking through plumbing pipes softens the soil and causes it to expand and sink under a foundation. This can also lead to leaks that put pressure on a foundation wall and cause it to crack and shift.

Changing weather conditions can also cause soil to shrink and expand. When the weather is hot and dry, expansive clay soils tend to shrink causing the foundation to crack and sink.

When the weather turns cold and wet, the clay soils will swell up, putting pressure on the foundation and causing it to move.

The soil in Texas varies from sandy, well-draining sand to expansive clays with low strength. This makes the state particularly susceptible to soil movement and settling. If the piers under a foundation aren’t extending down to load-bearing strata, flooding or slowly moving groundwater can easily separate a home from its foundation.

If your home has signs of shifting soil, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed by a professional foundation repair company as soon as possible to avoid more extensive damage. A knowledgeable foundation expert can suggest ways to fix the issue including using helical piers, resistance piers and/or push piers that transfer your home’s weight from the shifting soil to bedrock. If the problem is severe, a concrete pile system may be required.

Accessibility

The type of soil your home is built on can significantly increase the cost of a foundation repair. The ideal foundation for your home is one that is well suited to the soil in your area. Foundations that are built on expansive clay or poorly-draining soil can suffer from more severe settlement and require more extensive repairs. This is also true of soil conditions that change over time due to weather changes. These factors can impact the timeline and total cost of your foundation repair project.

Getting an accurate estimate of the cost of a foundation repair requires a visit to the property. A foundation repair specialist needs to see the damage in person and inspect the interior and exterior of your home or structure to get a clear picture of what is happening. They can then take all of the information from their site inspection and come up with a solution for your specific issue.

While it is possible to find some general information on the internet about the cost of a foundation repair, it is important to remember that each situation is unique and may require an entirely different approach. A foundation repair specialist will be able to help you determine the best solution for your situation, which will minimize your overall cost and ensure the results you want.

Keep in mind that there are several ways to pay for a foundation repair, including home equity loans and personal savings. Many contractors offer financing, which can help you save money and allow you to pay off the loan over a period of years alongside your regular mortgage payment. You can also choose to purchase a home warranty policy to cover the cost of certain repairs, including foundation issues.

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How to Handle Emergencies Like Burst Pipes and Leaks

by Posted in Plumbing Tagged , , , ,

drainPlumbing issues can arise at any time. When they do, it is important to know who to call. Plumbers are trained to handle dangerous situations like burst pipes and severe leaks.

They can also deal with clogged toilets and drains filled with hair, paper towels, or other debris. In addition to these skills, they have a license and insurance.

When a pipe bursts, it can spill water all over the house, leading to significant damage and potentially mold and mildew. You’ll need an emergency plumber to come out right away to minimize the impact. While you wait for the plumber to arrive, there are some things you can do to mitigate the damage. For starters, move any furniture or valuables away from the area. This will make it easier for the plumber to access the damaged pipes and clean them up. You should also shut off the water supply as soon as possible, usually at the main valve where the water line enters your home. Make sure to mark the switch so everyone knows to turn off the water. Additionally, it’s a good idea to shut off the electricity, particularly in rooms where there are exposed pipes or if the water is flooding the electrical panel. This will prevent anyone from getting electrocuted if they wade through the water or run into an outlet or breaker box while trying to reach the shut-off valve.

In some cases, you may notice signs of a burst pipe before it actually happens. Puddles of water in multiple areas of the house are a clear indicator. You should also listen for any metallic clangs or groans coming from your plumbing system, which could indicate a problem with the pipe.

If you hear a loud bang or feel your floor shaking, it’s important to call an emergency plumber right away. The pipe is likely leaking or has already burst, and it’s necessary to get an experienced plumber out as soon as possible to avoid more serious damage.

When choosing an emergency plumber, be sure to find one that offers 24-hour service and has a good reputation in your area. You can also ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences with local plumbers. Once you’ve found a reputable plumber, make sure to clearly communicate the details of the situation and symptoms so they can respond quickly. Additionally, it’s a good practice to keep doors open throughout the house to promote airflow and dry out any moisture from the pipes.

Clogged Drains

Drain clogs are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing issues. Water that backs up into your sink or tub, gurgling noises near your toilets, and standing water in the shower are all signs of a serious drain problem that needs to be addressed right away.

Whether caused by cooking grease, hair, dirt, soap scum, or paper products, these obstructions can cause wastewater to build up and flow back into your home’s fixtures. They can also lead to a backup in your sewer system that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.

When it comes to clogged drains, there are several things you can do before calling an emergency plumber. Most of these options involve using simple household tools and chemicals that are safe to use on your pipes. If the clog is in a small drain like the sink, bathtub, or toilet, you can try plunging or using a drain snake to push it through the trap. If the clog is more severe, you can try mixing baking soda and vinegar to see if it dislodges the blockage.

If the clog is in a larger drain, such as the main bathroom or kitchen drain, you may need to shut off the water supply valve and call for professional help. If you notice multiple clogged drains in different areas of your home at the same time, you have a bigger issue that could affect your entire sewer system.

When it comes to finding an emergency plumber, you will want to be prepared with as much information about the problem and your plumbing system as possible. You will also need to have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on the repairs. Make sure to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations and read reviews online before choosing a plumber. In most cases, a plumber will charge an hourly rate for their services as well as a trip fee for coming out to your house outside of regular business hours. This will add up quickly, especially if the problem is severe.

Overflowing Toilets

Few things are more stressful than flushing a toilet and watching its water level rise in an unstoppable, catastrophic way. This is a clear emergency that requires the attention of an emergency plumber as soon as possible to avoid costly water damage.

The first thing you need to do is shut off the water flow to your toilet. You can usually do this by locating the valve under the toilet and turning it clockwise. This will stop the water from flowing and prevent further flooding.

Once the water is turned off, you can focus on tackling the actual clog. If you have a plunger, try using it to break up or dislodge the blockage. If the clog is too large for a plunger, you can try a plumbing snake or auger. These tools have long, flexible shafts that can reach deep into a drain to physically break up or pull out a clog.

It’s important to note that an overflowing toilet is not always caused by a clog. Sometimes, it’s due to a broken pipe or sewer backup. Emergency plumbers can figure out what’s causing your sewer to back up and work with the local city officials to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you have multiple drains in your home that seem to be clogged, it could be a sign of a major problem like a sewage line clog. These issues typically require the attention of an emergency plumber, as they involve dangerous bacteria and potential flooding. To avoid these issues, you can try to prevent clogs by keeping your toilet lid closed, using less toilet paper, and regularly flushing the toilet. You can also invest in a toilet seat lock for kids to help prevent them from stuffing the toilet with toys or other items that can lead to a clog. Moreover, you can have your plumbing pipes checked for any rust or corrosion that may be causing them to break down more quickly. Lastly, you can always have a backup plan for when your primary toilet breaks down by installing a double-flush valve.

Broken Faucets

If a faucet is broken, you might be tempted to call an emergency plumber. However, many faucet repairs are actually simple fixes that can be done in the comfort of your own home.

First, turn off the water supply by turning off the valves underneath your sink. Next, assess the problem. If the faucet is dripping and there are no other symptoms, it probably doesn’t constitute an emergency. But if the handle is stuck or there are other signs of a serious issue, like water spots on your ceiling, you should contact an emergency plumber right away.

Before you contact a plumber, try turning off the water supply valve under the sink and removing the faucet handle. This will stop the flow of water and may prevent further damage to your home.

You might also want to turn off the main water valve in your house, which is often located in a basement or garage. Turning off the main water valve can help you avoid expensive repair costs if there’s a problem with your pipes or a broken fixture.

Once you’ve turned off the water, open all drains and spigots in your home to clear out any remaining water. This can help you find the source of the problem, and it will let you know if you need to call an emergency plumber or not.

If the leak is constant and you’ve tried adjusting the handle, it may be time to replace it. Luckily, this is a relatively inexpensive task. You can buy a replacement faucet online or at a local hardware store. Most plumbing suppliers sell kits that include the washers, ring-shaped rubber seals, and O-rings you need to install a new faucet.

Before you call an emergency plumber, it’s important to check their credentials and experience. There are a lot of scammers out there who will take advantage of homeowners in dire situations. Look for a plumber who is licensed and insured and who has positive reviews from past clients. It’s also a good idea to ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations.