Plumbing disasters can wreak havoc on your home. Unexpected leaks, backed up drains, and burst pipes can cause costly damage to both your water fixtures and your home furniture and appliances.
Fortunately, with a few proactive measures, you can minimize the risk of plumbing emergencies, even in high use areas like the kitchen. Our expert plumbers in Maryland have put together our top 7 tips to prevent plumbing issues in your home.
You can start most of these today for peace of mind – at home, overnight, and even away on vacation.
Top Tips to Avoid Leaks in Your Home
1. Install a Leak Detection System like Drop Water Management
Most plumbing disasters happen in the home when no one is around. Frozen pipes burst, leaks build-up, drains clog, and water damage happens overnight. The most surefire way to protect against unexpected plumbing damage is with a leak detection system.
Drop Water Management can be installed by your local plumbing company to send alerts directly to your phone when there is a water issue. This means getting alerts no matter where you are about frozen pipes, leaks, and other water management.
Stay in the know and never worry that something is happening you aren’t aware of – improving quality of life and saving on unexpected water damage repairs with reliable leak protection.
2. Always Use Quality Repairs
When you need to invest in new plumbing repairs or replacements, always work with a professional plumbing company to get the best grade replacement parts available. Quality plumbing fixtures may cost more upfront, but they can save you money in the long run by reducing the risk of leaks and other issues.
When choosing faucet installations, new water or gas pipes, and other fixtures, opt for products from reputable brands known for their durability and reliability. Make sure you get a professional to install all new fixtures to ensure quality control and help with home leak protection.
3. Clear Our Clogged Drains and Pipes
Clogged drains are a common cause of plumbing emergencies that most homeowners aren’t aware of. To prevent blockages in your kitchen sink, avoid pouring grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain. Always have a professional plumber install your garbage disposal and advise on what products you can or cannot put down the drain.
For extra drain and leak protection, use drain strainers to catch hair and debris, and flush drains regularly with hot water and vinegar to keep them clear. If you suspect you have a blockage, get a quote on drain cleaning from your local plumber to reduce the risk of more problems down the line.
4. Insulate Exposed Pipes
In cold climates and harsh winter seasons, frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive water damage, especially overnight. To prevent this, insulate any exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape can help protect your pipes from freezing temperatures.
If you’re unsure what pipes need insulated or how to insulate properly, work with a local plumber to handle all seasonal pipe maintenance to better home protection.
5. Monitor Your Water Pressure
Did you know, high water pressure can put stress on your plumbing system? High water pressure increases the risk of leaks and pipe damage in your home. That is why lowering your water pressure is such an efficient way to help with home leak protection and avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Use a pressure gauge to check your water pressure regularly, and if it’s consistently above 80 psi, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to bring it down to a safe level. This small feature can save you a lot of money in unexpected water damage repairs while extending the longevity of your water appliances.
6. Know How to Shut Off the Water
In case of a plumbing emergency, knowing how to quickly shut off the water can prevent extensive damage to your home. Have your plumber locate the main water shut-off valve in your home and make sure all family members know how to operate it. Quickly shutting off the water in case of an emergency, like a backed-up pipe or leak, can save your home from unexpected plumbing repairs.
Consider installing shut-off valves for individual fixtures for added convenience, especially in busy areas like the laundry room and kitchen. The more options you have to stop water leaks, the better.
7. Address Water Issues Promptly
Don’t ignore minor plumbing issues, such as dripping faucets or running toilets. Even small leaks can waste water and lead to more significant plumbing repairs over time.
If you notice any signs of plumbing trouble, such as water stains, mold growth, or unusual odors, address them promptly call a local plumber or water company to help prevent further damage by setting up a plumbing repairs consult. Odors, stains, and drips are all signs your water isn’t the way it should be and is your first sign to work to protect your home and get ahead on leak protection.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections for Peace of Mind
Following these expert tips can help any homeowner proactively protect their home from plumbing disasters. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your plumbing system is in good condition with regular checks, leak detection, and more. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to avoiding costly and inconvenient emergencies.
Regular inspections by a qualified plumber can catch small issues before they escalate into major problems. Aim to have your plumbing system inspected at least once a year to identify any leaks, clogs, or other potential issues. Request your plumbing inspection today from our local water company in Maryland – where your home comes first.