UBCNews - Business - Does Your Brookhaven, GA Historical Home Need A Monthly Plumbing Inspection?

Episode Date: November 24, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects every homeowner in Brookhaven – your plumbing system. And honestly, if you're not thinking about it now, you definitely will be when something goes wrong at the worst possible time. Atlanta Plumbers Guild City: Atlanta Address: Serving Brookhaven and the Surrounding Area Website: https://atlantaplumbersguild.com

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects every homeowner in Brookhaven, your plumbing system. And honestly, if you're not thinking about it now, you definitely will be when something goes wrong at the worst possible time. Right. And that's exactly what we want to help people avoid. Monthly plumbing checks and regular inspections might not sound exciting, but they're your best defense against costly repairs down the road. So let's start with the big question. Why is prevented? maintenance especially important here in Brookhaven? Great question. Brookhaven has a significant number of older homes. These houses often have outdated pipes that are prone to corrosion and leaks. I actually inspected a home in Beckenridge Club last month, where the homeowner had no idea their

polybutylene pipes were a ticking time bomb until we found a soggy spot near the water meter. Polybottaline. That's one of those materials that seemed fine at the time, but turned out to be problematic, right? Exactly. Homes built from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s may have polybutylene pipes, and they're notorious for developing pinhole leaks. When those fail, you're looking at significant water damage.

Regular inspections can identify these issues before they escalate into major problems. Mm-hmm. Makes sense. And I imagine our clay-heavy soil and humid summers don't help matters either? Definitely. The climate here in the southeast with the humidity and soil composition can contribute to corrosion of plumbing, especially in crawl spaces or underground lines. Plus, tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, causing blockages and potential damage.

In neighborhoods with larger lots and mature trees, this is incredibly common. Tree roots in your sewer line? That sounds like a nightmare. What are the warning signs homeowners should actually be looking for? So we've established that inspections matter, but you also need to know what to watch between those professional checks. First, leaks. And I don't just mean obvious puddles. Leaky faucets and fixtures can waste water and increase utility bills. If you notice a sudden spike in your water bill, that's often the first clue. What about things you can see or hear? Low water pressure is a big one. It can indicate pipe clogs, scale buildup, or corrosion inside your line. Unusual noises like gurgling from drains or hissing near gas appliances are red flags.

If your toilet gurgles when you run the shower, that could mean a venting issue or even a sewer line problem. I see, interesting. Dead patches of grass can signal an underground waterline leak. Visible rust or corrosion on exposed pipes means it's time to call someone. And water heater failures, if you're experiencing fluctuating temperatures or no hot water. water, that unit might be on its last legs. One time, I showed up to a house where the owner thought the water heater was just slow to warm up. Turns out it had been leaking into the wall for months. The damage was extensive. Oh, wow, that's brutal. Speaking of water heaters and hidden damage,

those are the kinds of issues that regular system checks really help prevent. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. When plumbing problems strike your Brookhaven home, you need skilled technical technicians fast. Atlanta Plumbers Guild is a locally owned company with over 10 years of experience serving the area. Our certified background checked plumbers focus exclusively on residential work, so your home gets the attention it deserves. From leak repair to water heater service, we provide on-time solutions you can trust. Learn more at atlantaplumbersgilld.com. So picking up on those system checks we mentioned, how do you handle seasonal challenges, especially winter.

Winter is huge. In older Brookhaven homes, water lines were often installed in exterior walls. When temperatures drop, those lines freeze, the water expands, and you get cracks or burst pipes. Insulating exterior walls can reduce that risk, and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing.

So to everyone listening, don't turn your heat off completely when you leave for the holidays? Never. Keep it at least at 55. degrees, seal any gaps or cracks in exterior walls, too. Together, we're going to save you from a flooded basement in January. And trust me, nobody wants to spend New Year's Day mopping up water damage. Ha, yeah, that's not the kind of fresh start anyone's looking for. How often should homeowners

actually schedule these inspections? Ideally, every one to two years for a standard home. A thorough inspection of a one-to-two-story house typically takes between two- and three hours. Professional plumbing services offer system checks that can identify underlying issues you'd never catch on your own. Think of it as an annual checkup, but for your plumbing instead of your health. And what does that inspection actually involve? Visual inspection of fixtures, waterline pressure tests to detect brakes or weak spots, camera inspections inside pipes for blockages or root intrusion, water heater performance checks, and evaluating all fixtures for leaks or corrosion.

It covers all the bases. Have you ever wondered what lies beneath your lawn that could be causing drainage issues? That camera inspection sounds like it reveals a lot. It really does. We found tree roots, collapsed sections, even toys that kids flushed years ago. The camera doesn't lie. Right, exactly. And here's the thing.

Plumbing issues like leaks and clogs can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. What you might think is a minor inconvenience today, convenience today can become a major disaster tomorrow. So what's the cost difference between preventative maintenance and emergency repairs? Staying proactive with plumbing maintenance can save you a lot. Routine inspections can range from one to a few hundred dollars, but emergency repairs can potentially cost thousands depending on the extent of the damage. Emergency plumbing services are available 24-7 from Atlanta Plummers Guild to handle urgent

problems. But you don't want to be in that position if you can avoid it. Make sense. Any final tips for Brookhaven homeowners? Three things. One, know your home's history when it was built what materials were used. Two, don't ignore small signs. A drip today is a flood tomorrow. Three, build a relationship with a trusted plumber before you need one. When you're standing in water at 2 a.m., you don't want to be Googling for help. That's solid advice. Thanks so much for breaking this down for us today. And for everyone listening, take a walk around your home this weekend. Check for those warning signs we talked about.

Your future self will thank you. Absolutely. Stay dry out.