You likely know the consequences of pipe leaking, but do you know what causes them most often? What’s more is that are you aware that there is a fair bit that you can do as a homeowner to prevent the damage and inconvenience of plumbing leaks?
Corrosion Protection
The biggest threat to your pipes is corrosion. When pipes corrode, they get weaker and eventually break. Even a tiny split in a joint or a pipe wall will let a great deal of water out.
Pipes will naturally deteriorate over time, but there are certain things that will speed up the process and cause premature leaks. Make sure that you run water often; standing water will cause corrosion quicker.
Get your water’s PH tested. If it is too high, that could be a problem. If you know that you’ve got mineral dense water, install a purification system at the source.
Water Pressure 101
- Too high water pressure and you are damaging your pipes, creating the environment for leaks.
- Too little water pressure, you have a sub-par shower. Check that your water pressure is in the 40-45 psi range.
- Under no circumstance let it go above 60 though, which is the danger zone.
Leak Detective
Don’t ignore leaks. Even small leaks cause a lot of damage. Signs of leaks are mold growth, peeling paint or wallpaper, the sounds of running water behind the walls and an unexplained increase in your water bills.
Check the connector hoses to your washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker in your fridge. These leak easily and cause major damage. Check out your toilets too, which often are the source of leaks.
Proper Clog Removal
Instead of pouring drain cleaner down your pipes to get rid of pesky clogs, avoid them accumulating in the first place.
Don’t put anything down the drain that doesn’t belong there (i.e., like paper towel, food debris, and wipes).Get your drains cleaned professionally on a regular basis to keep everything working in optimum condition.
Leaks are expensive. Don’t forget that you are not only dealing with fixing water damage and repair bills; your water bill grows with the water waste caused by a leak. Don’t let that happen to you.