Easy Ways To Prevent Major Plumbing Leaks From Occurring
Major plumbing problems are expensive to fix. Not only do you have to fix the source of the problem, but the water damage that is done to your property is sometimes irreversible. You would not want to risk that if you can avoid it. The fact is, there are things that you can do to reduce the risk of major plumbing problems. If you want to get some tips on this, read this article thoroughly.
Pipes that are exposed outdoors are at risk of damage. This is especially true during the winter season. If you live in an area where things freeze and winters are harsh, you have a higher risk of your pipes bursting from the freeze. To reduce that chance of that happening, wrap up your pipes when the weather in your area is starting to get colder. Do not wait until there is frost because you should do this before things start to freeze over. Wrapping your pipes early will give you more time to do it.
Periodically, you should go around and check your pipes for leaks. Small leaks can go undetected if you do not pay attention to them. When you see puddles of water concentrated in an area, that means the leak had probably started a while ago. When you checking your pipes, look for signs of wetness. If you see some signs, repair that part of the pipe right away. Small leaks are easier and less expensive to fix. If undetected , small leaks will turn into larger leaks, and eventually end up with the pipe bursting.
For the indoor pipes around your sink, you should check beneath your sinks regularly for any signs of wetness. To make things easier and more convenient for yourself, keep the space under your sink free of clutter. If you usually store cleaning products under there, organize them in a way that can allow you to remove them all at once. This will help you save time as you check your under-the-sink space for any signs of water leaks.
If you see a leak coming from your bathroom fixtures, you may have a worn out washer. Find out how to remove the handle and the stem of your sink fixture. You will see a washer at the end of the threaded stem. Replace the washer with a new one that is right size. If replacing the washer does not fix the problems, then you might have a bigger problem on hand. This may require the work from a professional plumber.
If you have a shower head over your bathtub, and the tub spout still leaks when you engage the shower head, then you may need to replace your spout. Unscrew your old spout and take it to your plumbing supply store to find the right replacement.
This simple tips can help you prevent major problems. The more familiar you get with your plumbing system, the more confidence you will have in dealing with plumbing issues.
