Did you know that even the smallest plumbing leak can lead to costly water damage if left unchecked? Beyond just increasing your water bill, the damage can be as minor as staining your sink cabinets or as severe as a foundational compromise due to flooding from a burst pipe.
While not every leak is preventable, there are smart maintenance steps you can take to minimize their chances and protect your home.
Ready to keep leaks—and the damage they bring—at bay? Here’s what you need to know.
Regularly Inspect Plumbing
Begin by regularly inspecting exposed pipes in areas like under sinks, basements, and attics for signs of wear, leaks, cracks, or corrosion. Look for moisture or mold, which often signals a slow leak. It’s also wise to test water pressure—too high a pressure can strain pipes and increase the risk of leaks. Keep water pressure below 80 psi to prevent unnecessary stress on your plumbing.
Maintain Water Heater
Flushing your tanked water heater and descaling your tankless heater at least once a year helps prevent sediment buildup, which often leads to corrosion and leakage. Make it a habit to regularly check your unit for visible signs of leaks or rust, especially at the inlet and outlet valves. It’s best if you can put in place a scheduled plan for professional inspection and water heater maintenance.
Install Leak Detection Devices
Water leak detection systems, such as smart water sensors and flood detectors, are an effective investment to catch leaks early. These devices can be placed in high-risk and vulnerable areas like around washing machines or dishwashers. You can also pair your leak detector with an automatic shut-off valve for a better control and automated response.
Replace Old Pipes
If your home has outdated plumbing, especially if your system still relies on galvanized pipes, now is the time to replace them with more durable materials like copper, PEX, or PVC. If you’re after a more budget-friendly solution, you can also invest in pipe relining, which can effectively extend your ailing pipe’s lifespan. It helps to remember that it’s always better to replace your aged pipes, as they’re only headed to a bigger plumbing disaster and costly water leak repair if not addressed on time.
Know Your Main Shutoff Valve Location
Besides getting easy access in time of a plumbing emergency, familiarizing with your main shut-off valve’s location also makes any issue with it easier to detect. Sometimes, early corrosion can eat up your plumbing fixtures and fittings, your valves included. When your main shut-off valve is damaged, it can result in a water pressure problem– a common culprit and origin of water leaks. Do regular inspections on your valves to make sure they’re properly adjusted, clean, and leak-free.
Be Cautious with Tree Roots
While it’s nice to have some greenery around your house, you must remain cautious with invasive trees. Their roots can invade your underground pipes, leading to cracks and leaks. Regularly check for signs of slow drainage or sewer backups, especially if you have large trees on your property. Installing root barriers or having your sewer lines inspected can prevent this type of damage.
Use Water-Resistant Materials
In high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, consider installing water-resistant materials like tile, vinyl, or concrete flooring. Additionally, apply waterproof caulk around sinks, tubs, and toilets to prevent leaks from spreading into surrounding walls and floors. Consider water-proofing your home as your first line of defense against leaks and water damage.
Promptly Address Leaks
Even small leaks should be repaired immediately to avoid worsening damage. If you’re unable to locate or fix a leak on your own, call a licensed plumber to inspect and repair your plumbing system.
Plagued By Stubborn Leaks? Let Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services Plug The Problem
While these personal plumbing upkeeps form a reliable defense against leaks, professional plumbing services remain your best resolve to such issues, whatever their size. Hence, pairing with a local plumber you can call when your defenses crumble is always advisable.
At Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services, every plumbing solution is designed to get to the root of the problem. You can bank on our vetted solutions to plug any of your leak problems and prevent them from happening again. Our comprehensive services include repair, replacement, and maintenance, perfect if you’re looking for immediate relief or long-term defense.
Call us today and get that brotherly plumbing care you need!
