Preventing water leaks in your Tyler, TX home isn’t magic or good luck. It’s all about being informed about what kind of preventative plumbing maintenance you need to do.
We’ve put together an easy guide for some basic but highly effective maintenance jobs that can prevent leaks. Here is what we suggest.
Prevent Pipe Corrosion
Copper is an excellent material for pipes because it is durable and very easy to use. However, it is also prone to corrosion. It’s possible that you will need to get your pipes replaced if they are seriously corroded.
It might be a good idea to replace aging copper pipes with PVC. The problem with the “wait and see” approach is that corroded pipes cause leaks.
How do you know if your pipes are corroded? If there is rust or mineral deposits on the outside or if you see discoloration in the water, those are signs.
Ways to Find Leaks
Don’t wait for small leaks to find you. Find them first. Before you start, make sure that you’ve got pipe clamps on hand to stop leaking until your plumber can arrive to fix them.
Look at your pipes and see if there is any water or rust. Are there signs of water damage anywhere, like warped floors, mold growth or discoloration on the walls, ceilings or floors?
Make a note to change out your washing machine and dishwasher connector hoses every 5-7 years because they rupture and break. For extra durability, replace them with braided stainless steel.
Ensure Proper Water Pressure
When your water pressure is running too high, you may have an excellent shower, but your plumbing is taking a beating.
Check the pressure with a gauge; if it is over 60 psi, have your plumber put in a pressure regulator to keep it in the healthy zone at all times.
Leave the Commercial Clog Removers at the Store
If you are trying to dislodge a clog, don’t be tempted by a commercial drain cleaner. It may seem like a quick and easy fix, but you are doing more harm than good.
The acid in those cleaners will attack the clog, yes- but it will also eat away at your plumbing, causing leaks. Instead of buying drain cleaners, buy a plumbing snake.
It’s easy to use and will dislodge clogs without causing leaks. Once you implement these maintenance tasks into your routine, you’ll quickly see the benefits.
