You may already be aware of the benefits of preventative maintenance. When it comes to your plumbing specifically, you can save a lot of time and money if you take time every month or so to tend to its components.
But do you know what you should be doing to really take care of your plumbing so that you can count on it being reliable? Do you know what you have to do to prevent plumbing system leaks on your Virginia Beach, VA home?
We do, and we are happy to share our knowledge with you. Follow these steps to reduce leaks and take care of your plumbing system the right way.
How to Find Leaks
On the top of your to-do-list is to become skilled at sourcing out leaks. Not only do small leaks present the possibility of water damage, but you are also wasting money because of the wasted water from the leak.
Check all the exposed pipes for signs of moisture and/or pooling water. Check your plumbing fixtures, like your toilets, showerhead, and faucets and attend to any drips or running water.
Don’t forget to check on your water-using appliances, like your dishwasher and washing machine to make sure that the connector hoses are intact. Don’t forget to look outside at hose bibs and around your lawn for signs of leaks too.
Turn Water Pressure Down
What causes water leaks is undue pressure on your pipes. That is precisely what happens when your water pressure runs too high.
No question, it’s great to have high water pressure when you are in the shower or when you are trying to fill your stockpot to cook dinner, but it comes at too great a cost.
Check your pressure. Don’t let it exceed 60 psi. It can be beneficial to put in a water pressure regulator.
Don’t Use the Drain Cleaner
Instead of reaching for a commercial drain cleaner to deal with a clog, look for other options, like a plumbing snake or hydro-jetting.
Commercial cleaners contain high levels of acid, which is why they are so good at cutting through clogs.
However, the acid starts to break down your plumbing and will eventually cause leaks.
Prevent Corrosion Damage
If you’ve got hard water, corrosion is something you need to watch for, because it will damage your pipes and cause leaks.
Consider upgrading your copper pipes to PVC. Don’t let the water run too hot because very hot water breeds corrosion damage.
Another great idea to keep leaks away is to wrap your pipes, especially around the joints.
