Ways to be Mindful of Home Plumbing
Water damage is one of the worst things about homeownership. A plumbing leak can cause untold damage before it can be brought under control. While no one knows when an accident will occur, there are still many tools to reduce the risk of a water leak in the home. If you keep your plumbing in good order, you lower the risk of a plumbing leak and the damage that comes with one.
Keep an eye on the following:
Appliance supply lines
Every water-using appliance has pipes, and 99 percent of the time, those lines are plastic tubing. Therefore, it’s critical to check these lines frequently. Look out for rust, discoloration of the pipe or material, or calcium build-up. If you replace the lines, think about upgrading to flexible stainless steel.
Plumbing pipes and fittings
Pipes are made to last the life of your home if properly maintained. However, outside forces will cause pipes to leak. Earthquakes, rodent damage, air in the lines, and even over-excited repairs of inexperienced plumbing and appliances can cause leaks. So, if you experience any of these issues, keep a watchful eye out for moisture around the pipes.
The water heater
Make sure to follow the maintenance instructions for your water heater carefully. A water heater can inflict considerable damage, depending on its location. A water heater should be examined by a professional plumber every few years or so. If it’s located where a leak would be incredibly devastating, consider purchasing a leak detector.
Drains
Sinks, garbage disposals, showers, tubs, and toilets should be maintained and debris-free. If you have a member of your household who overzealously consumes toilet tissue, consider installing a bidet.
Unsourced water damage
If you observe water damage or moisture on your ceiling, walls, flooring, or other surfaces, call a plumber as soon as possible. Water has ways of working itself into places that would surprise you. When you discover a leak, it isn’t always caused by the closest pipe.
How you can fight back:
Teaching everyone in your home the location of the main water shutoff valve is critical. Additionally, suppose you are in a situation that appears risky, such as the water heater being in the central part of the house or having frequent earthquakes. In such cases, a leak detector can be highly effective.
If you own a smart home hub, you can purchase a moisture detector such as the Samsung SmartThings Water Leak Sensor. It will warn you on your phone and sound a siren and lights if it detects moisture.
Zircon 68637 Leak Alerts also has an alarm and lights, and these units are battery operated. It can also be utilized as a flood alert.
No Worries Rooter of Gilbert offers residential and commercial drain cleaning, leak detection and repair. We recommend Bio-Green drain care for customers who have slow drains caused by buildup in their pipes. Call us at (480) 405-4497.
