Western Peak Plumbing, Boilers, and HVAC

We price on a per hour basis. When there is a service call for an assessment, to perform work or to create a bid, the cost is $165.00 per hour. This cost will be subtracted from your overall bill if you accept our bid for service.

There are several different ways a pipe can start leaking: Foundation shifts - Small shifts in your home’s foundation (as it settles over time) can create big adjustments in your water lines, causing them to disconnect or rupture. High water pressure - High water pressure leads to damaging wear and tear on your pipes. Water zipping through your pipes at high speeds increases the risk of your pipes bursting. The sudden changes to the direction of water flow can be too much for your pipes to bear, eventually resulting in leaks. Tree roots - Tiny cracks in pipes can release water vapor into the surrounding soil, where tree roots will take notice and burrow their way to your pipes, causing big problems. Corrosion - While not as big of a concern in some of Colorado Spring's newer neighborhoods, many older homes in the area use copper or galvanized steel piping, which can be susceptible to rust. Temperature changes - Extreme changes in temperature (generally from cold weather) can cause pipes to crack and begin leaking. To prevent pipes from leaking in the first place, it is important to make sure that all of these factors are under control. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call a licensed plumber to perform an inspection before a small leak turns into a disaster.

The most common answer is too high of water pressure entering your home. Because of the growth in the Colorado Springs area and different elevations, the water supply is very high at the street. When it enters your home a device called a pressure reducing valve (PRV) reduces the outside water pressure to a level that will allow your appliances and water heater function properly. This is one of the first things we check on our visit.

What is a PRV? A PRV is a device that reduces and stabilizes the water pressure in a home, business or other building to a level typically between 50 and 80 pounds per square inch (psi). The home plumbing pressure reduction is important because the pressure in the Town’s water mains can be much higher. While home plumbing pipes and fittings can function at pressures higher than 80-psi, home plumbing materials tend to last longer and have fewer leaks if used at lower pressures. How do I find my PRV? PRVs are typically installed at a point near where your private water supply line enters the house or building. If you have a crawlspace, the PRV may be installed just inside the foundation wall. If there is no crawlspace, the PRV may be in a closet at the front side of a residence. In a business it is typically in an equipment room. Do PRVs fail? What indicates a failing PRV? Yes, like other devices, PRV’s fail due to age and other factors. If you notice a sudden increase or fluctuations in water pressure, a failing PRV may be the cause. As a first step, contact us.

Saddle valves can still be found in older homes. They are most commonly installed for ice maker lines or under-the-sink water filters. You may see them in hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes. However, they are against Colorado plumbing code. They are an attractive "fix" because they are inexpensive and require little skill. You don't need to solder or use any tools to install a saddle valve. How does a saddle valve work? It gets installed and tightened around a copper water line. The handle is twisted until the pin inside lowers and pierces the copper pipe. The rubber line for the ice maker or water filter is then fastened into the nut. The handle is twisted again until the pin is removed from the copper pipe. Now there is a pinhole in the copper pipe. Once the faucet is turned on, water will flow through the copper pipe, out the pinhole and through the ice maker line. Saddle valves are against plumbing code now because they are prone to leaks. Leaks create corrosion to the rest of the plumbing system. Leaks also cause extensive [read: expensive] damage to cabinets and flooring. Since saddle valves are often located in places where they get bumped or moved, the chance of a leak increases. A professional plumber should replace them with a tee and a valve.

Galvanized pipes have an average lifespan that ranges between 40 and 50 years. However, pipes that are well-built, well-installed, and well-maintained can easily exceed the typical lifespan. Read below to learn more about the life span of galvanized pipes. Galvanized Pipes Are Rarely Used in Modern Construction The heyday for galvanized steel plumbing was prior to the 1960’s. Towards the end of the decade, other materials came into favor and fewer and fewer homes were constructed using galvanized steel pipes. However, sometimes these pipes are still used when building new homes or replacing old plumbing. If your home has galvanized pipes, it is important that you know how old they are. If the pipes are from the 1960’s or earlier, which is likely, they should be nearing the end of their functional lifespan. However, you might not be sure how old your pipes are. In this case, you can figure that they have been there since the house was built, so use the construction year to determine the age of the pipes. Should you determine that your pipes are at least 40-years-old, you should schedule a consultation. Do not automatically replace galvanized pipes due to their age. While these pipes have gone out of style, there is nothing inherently wrong with them. As long as they are holding up well, galvanized pipes will do their job without putting anyone at risk. Proper and Regular Maintenance Is the Key to Extending Their Lifespan The best way to help your galvanized pipes exceed their lifespan is to maintain them. Once your pipes hit the 40-year mark, it is a good idea to have an annual visit from a local plumber. The plumber will check the overall health of your pipes in a detailed inspection. Some things that will be checked are the integrity of the pipes, looking for even the smallest leaks, as well as build up within the pipes and corrosion to the outside of the pipes. If it is possible to correct the problem, your plumber will offer that as a solution. However, the plumber might suggest that the pipes be replaced. At that point, you will need to discuss more modern options with your plumber. Signs of Problems with Your Pipes If you are receiving yearly maintenance from a professional plumber, they should notice the signs of problems before you do. However, it doesn’t hurt to be informed. Below are some common signs that there are problems with your galvanized pipes. Low Water Pressure: As the insides of your galvanized pipes accumulate sediment, the space where water can be accommodated decreases. Since there is less water passing through the pipes at any given moment, the water pressure will be reduced. Hard Water: When water has a high mineral content, it is considered hard water. This occurs when there is buildup in the pipes. Signs of hard water include foggy glassware after washing, mineral deposits on faucets and shower heads, and faded clothing or clothing that takes on a grayish hue. Water Stains: Even if you do not see a leak or wetness, a water stain means that water has been leaking, and the only place this should be coming from is your pipes. This is a major problem, as a small leak can quickly become a bigger one.