As a building owner, you are aware that repairing your outdoor plumbing system is just as critical as repairing your indoor plumbing system in maintaining the proper shape of your building space. Whether it’s a leaking hose bib, clogged drain, or broken sprinkler head, outdoor plumbing issues can quickly disrupt your yard’s functionality and affect your building space’s overall aesthetic appeal. Therefore, plumbing system repair is critical to ensure proper functioning and prevent water waste and costly repairs. First, you need to know the issues and how to solve them.

The Common Outdoor Plumbing System Issues

Broken Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads are particularly vulnerable to damage due to foot traffic, mowing, and freezing temperatures. Broken sprinkler heads typically result in uneven watering and brown spots throughout your entire building space. To repair the broken sprinkler head, start by turning off the water supply and digging the damaged area to expose the fractured parts.

Replace the broken parts with new ones, ensuring you use the same type and size of sprinkler head as the original. Further, test the entire system to ensure that the whole sprinkler head is functioning correctly.

Leaking Hose Bibs

Hose bibs, also known as outdoor faucets, often develop leaks due to rigorous wear and tear or exposure to freezing temperatures. Specifically, a leaking hose bib can waste water and cause damage to your entire building space. 

To repair a leaking hose bib, turn off the water supply, unscrew the handle, and pack the nuts to expose the whole valve stem. Replace the worn-out packing or O-ring with a new one and reassemble the hose bib. It’s time to test the hose bib to ensure the leak has been fixed.

Broken or Damaged Pipes

The primary reasons for outdoor pipes to break or become damaged are shifting soil, ageing, and freezing. To repair a torn and damaged pipeline, locate the affected area, cut out the damaged section, and then turn off the water supply. Just install a replacement pipe or use pipe repair clamps or sleeves to fix the issues.

Malfunctioning Valves

It is the valves that control water flow in outdoor plumbing systems that can often malfunction due to sudden wear and tear. Malfunctioning valves can usually result in complete water loss and uneven water distribution. However, to fix this malfunctioning valve, turn off the water supply, thoroughly inspect the valve for any damage or debris, clean or replace it as necessary, and then test it for proper functioning.

Sprinkler System Leaks

The sprinkler system is often the source of leaks within the pipes, fittings, or valves, resulting in water waste and reduced efficiency. To fix the sprinkler system leak, locate the source of the leak, completely turn off the water supply, repair or replace the damaged component, and then reattach the system. You should dig around the affected area and often use pipe cutters, connectors, and adhesives to fix the issue.

Frozen Pipes

During the winter, frozen pipes pose a significant problem for outdoor plumbing system repair, especially in cold climates. Since water freezes within the outdoor pipes, it automatically expands and can cause pipes to burst, leading to severe damage to the entire plumbing system and property.

To prevent frozen pipes, insulate the exposed pipes and disconnect hoses before the winter season. When you encounter frozen pipes, turn off the water supply and use gentle heat sources to defrost the pipes. Inspect them for any cracks or leaks. Burst pipes are replaced immediately to prevent any additional damage.

What are the Resolutions to Outdoor Plumbing System Issues

Routine Inspections

To detect any severe issues in the initial stage, conduct regular inspections of your plumbing system. Identify any types of damage, such as leaks, clogs, and broken parts, and repair them immediately.

Check the Water Pressure

Fluctuating and low water pressure within your plumbing system can often indicate a severe problem, such as a faulty valve or a clogged pipe. It is suggested to use a pressure gauge to kindly measure the water pressure and ensure it falls within the recommended range. If the pressure remains too low, you should either replace and clean the filters or call for a professional plumber for further diagnosis.

Perform Regular Maintenance

To keep the outdoor plumbing system of your building in superb condition, regular maintenance is critical. It may require cleaning or replacing filters, checking for leaks, and tightening connections to ensure optimal performance. Strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommended maintenance schedule for individual components of your plumbing system repair to ensure its proper functioning and longevity.

Address Issues Quickly

If you notice issues with your outdoor plumbing system, such as leaks, unusual water pressure, or broken or missing parts, address them promptly. If you ignore minor problems, it can lead to costly issues down the line. Therefore, resolving problems early on saves you money, time, and potential water damage to your entire building.

Consult a Professional Plumber

If you want to resolve your outdoor plumbing system repair promptly, it is best to take the aid of our professional plumbers from Guru Plumbing. Our plumbers possess the experience and expertise to diagnose and resolve outdoor plumbing issues efficiently and effectively. Do consult our plumber for further clarification if the problem appears to be complex.

Bottom Line

Maintenance and repair of your building’s outdoor plumbing system is critical, ensuring the efficiency and functionality of your faucets and drainage systems. Therefore, by following regular maintenance routines, promptly addressing common issues such as leaks and clogs, and implementing effective preventive measures, you can quickly avoid costly repairs and enjoy a well-functioning outdoor plumbing system throughout the year. If you’re facing plumbing challenges and need expert assistance, Guru Plumbing is here to help.