What You Need To Know About Handling Leaks In Your Plumbing
If your plumbing is going to leak, it will probably do it suddenly, unexpectedly and at a time when you are planning a large social event. Luckily, you can avoid this sort of disaster with regular inspection and maintenance. In this article we will share some great tips for keeping on top of your plumbing system so that it does not spring sudden leaks at inopportune moments. Read on to learn more.
The first and best thing you can do to prevent leaks in your plumbing is to locate a good, affordable, reliable plumber when you do not need one. Right now, while your plumbing is not leaking, do an online search to find a good local plumber who has excellent reviews and a great rating with the Better Business Bureau and/or your local chamber of commerce.
Interview plumbers as if you were hiring a job applicant because that is exactly what you are doing. Talk with them on the phone, make appointments to meet with the ones who seem likely. Have them come to your house and look at your system to make recommendations. In this way, you will have at least one plumber in mind if and when your plumbing springs a leak.
In between visits from your plumber, perform routine inspections on your own. Walk around your house and look for leaks in your exterior pipes and faucets. Take your inspection inside and look at all faucets, handles, under-sink pipes, pipes behind toilets and your water heater. Look for water dripping and signs of water dripping, such as water stains and mildew. Assess any damage you find and determine whether you can fix it yourself or need to call your trusty plumber.
To facilitate your inspection, try to keep areas under sinks and around water-using appliances free of clutter. This will make it easier for you to see what is going on with your pipes and connections and easier to deal with any problems that arise.
Be prepared to deal with problems by having a basic plumbing tool-kit on hand and keeping extra washers, plumbing putty and water sealing tape handy for times when you need to make do for a day or two until your plumber can come and perform a proper fix if necessary.
You should also be prepared for the changing of the seasons. Pipes often leak in the wintertime when the weather is freezing cold. This is because ice expands and causes pipes to burst. Before winter comes, check all your under-house pipes and any other exposed pipes to be sure they are properly insulated against cold. If there are any openings around your house where cold air can blow underneath, be sure to seal them up.
When you keep a sharp eye out for plumbing problems and deal with them promptly, you can avoid a lot of aggravation, expense and embarrassment. By getting a good plumber on board before you need on, you will be ready for any plumbing fiasco that may arise. Follow the tips presented here to avoid leaks in your plumbing, save money and protect your investment in your home.
