April 17th, 2007

Protecting Yourself against Water Leaks

Some of the most common plumbing problems we see can result in severe damage to your home and your personal property. Many times these plumbing problems can be prevented with proper maintenance, preparation, and simple preventative plumbing repairs. Don’t let a plumbing leak ruin your home. Here are some preventative maintenance tips to help you reduce the risk of plumbing leaks:

• Locate water shut-off valves in and around your home and practice using them in advance. Be prepared.
• Check plumbing fixture supply line fittings. Verify they are tight and secure. It’s not uncommon for supply lines to leak or blow off if not secure.
• Replace your washing machine supply hoses every 5 years.
• Check the age of your hot water heater. If it is more than 8 years old, consider replacing it. The average age of a hot water heater is about 13 years, but we’ve seen them fail and leak much sooner.
• When the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, turn your faucets on allowing a constant drip. This may not prevent a pipe from freezing, but it often prevents a pipe from bursting by relieving pressure from the frozen pipes.
• If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water shutoff valve immediately. Do not wait for help to arrive.

Filed under DIY Projects, Emergency Plumbing, Insurance Claims, Leak Detection, Plumbing, Plumbing Fixtures, Plumbing Services, Tips and Tricks