How to Prevent Plumbing Leaks
The smallest plumbing leaks can be detrimental to your home. If you have a leak, you may notice a musty odor, mold growth in new places, or stains on your ceiling. While Lancaster is fully equipped to handle water leak repair and detection, you can also do your part by trying to prevent them from the getgo. Following are some ways you can help keep them from happening.
Check Your Appliances
All of your appliances that use water have seals over the water connectors to prevent leaks. However, as the appliances are used over time, they can break down, including the seals. When they break down, they are much more prone to leaks. Make sure you check your appliance’s water seals, especially if they’re on the older side. Appliances such as your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, and toilets should be checked. Consider getting them replaced if they’ve been in use for a long time.
Reduce Your Shower’s Water Pressure
While having higher water pressure in the shower is often preferred, it can be harmful because it puts more pressure on your pipes, therefore increasing the chances of a leak. You can easily measure your shower’s water pressure with a hose bib gauge by attaching it to a spigot, or having it done by a professional. The pressure should be between 40-85 psi, and if it’s higher, a plumber can install a pressure reducer.
Insulate Your Pipes
Freezing pipes are another danger that can lead to plumbing leaks. All exposed pipes should be insulated to avoid them freezing over. If the water inside an unprotected pipe expands and freezes, there is a lot of increased pressure, which can cause the pipe to become cracked or even bursting completely. With a crack or burst, there is the opportunity for water to rush out. Making sure you insulate them or get them insulated by a plumbing professional will have you feeling safe and secure that cold pipes in the winter won’t cause any additional problems.
Get Your AC Checked
Your air conditioning produces a good amount of moisture when cooling your home down, and that moisture needs to be removed by a drain pipe. If there is an issue with your unit such as if the condensation line is clogged or the pan is collecting water or the air filter is dirty, you’re at risk for a leak.
Replace Your Washing Machine Hoses
Hot and cold water supply hoses are connected to your washing machine to supply the water used for washing cycles. However, these rubber hoses usually only have a life span of about five years, and after that, the chance for a leak increases. Getting the hoses replaced with strong, braided stainless steel hoses will largely decrease the risk of there being a washing machine leak.
Receive Annual Plumbing Checks
The most effective way of making sure all the plumbing in your home or business is secure and leak-protected is by scheduling an appointment with a plumber. At Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we are pros at leak detection and can help prevent pesky problems before they begin. For pipe leak repair, prevention, and superior overall plumbing in Lititz, PA, and surrounding areas, contact us today at (717) 207-8198.
