Prevent Water Leaks Before They Happen
3 plumbing tips that will help you avoid problems
Posted 06:51 January 10, 2018
Last Updated 06:51 February 08, 2018
Water leaks can spring up anywhere. They can be in your ceiling, walls, slab, irrigation lines, pool, spa, just about anywhere. Wherever water flows through a pipe you have a potential future water leak.
Too much water pressure if one of the biggest causes of water leaks. People tend to prefer strong water pressure in the shower and at the faucets. But if your water pressure is dialed up too high it puts stress on your pipes. As your pipes age, the potential for a leak increases.
If you have a water pressure regulator you can adjust the water pressure in your home. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a $10 water pressure gauge. Test your water pressure and make sure it isn't higher than 80 psi. If it is, dial it down. Ideal home water pressure is between 55 and 75 psi. Different people prefer different settings, but it should be within this range.
If you don't have a water pressure regulator and your water pressure is above 80 psi, contact a licensed plumbing contractor to install one and adjust your water pressure for you. Here at All Trades we're always ready to help you.
Replace old supply lines with new ones of the steel braided variety. They are stronger and have a much longer service life. You should also inspect all your pipes annually. If it's not something you want to do yourself, it's a simple service call for a plumbing contractor. A licensed plumber can easily tell you if your pipes are worn out.
Replace old and corroded shutoff valves in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms with quarter-turn ball valves. They're easier to use, have a much longer service life, and rarely break like traditional shut off valves.
Hopefully these tips will help you avoid some of the most common problems homeowners face when dealing with potential water leaks. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
TIP 1
Too much water pressure if one of the biggest causes of water leaks. People tend to prefer strong water pressure in the shower and at the faucets. But if your water pressure is dialed up too high it puts stress on your pipes. As your pipes age, the potential for a leak increases.
If you have a water pressure regulator you can adjust the water pressure in your home. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a $10 water pressure gauge. Test your water pressure and make sure it isn't higher than 80 psi. If it is, dial it down. Ideal home water pressure is between 55 and 75 psi. Different people prefer different settings, but it should be within this range.
If you don't have a water pressure regulator and your water pressure is above 80 psi, contact a licensed plumbing contractor to install one and adjust your water pressure for you. Here at All Trades we're always ready to help you.
TIP 2
Replace old supply lines with new ones of the steel braided variety. They are stronger and have a much longer service life. You should also inspect all your pipes annually. If it's not something you want to do yourself, it's a simple service call for a plumbing contractor. A licensed plumber can easily tell you if your pipes are worn out.
Tip 3
Replace old and corroded shutoff valves in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms with quarter-turn ball valves. They're easier to use, have a much longer service life, and rarely break like traditional shut off valves.
Conclusion
Hopefully these tips will help you avoid some of the most common problems homeowners face when dealing with potential water leaks. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
