Does the thought of plumbing leaks damaging your home and your belongings make you nervous? While it is true, leaks can cause a lot of stress and do a great deal of damage, you can prevent a lot of it simply by engaging in some preventative maintenance.
It can seem daunting to know where to start, especially if you haven't done much hands-on work with your plumbing to date. That's why we've put together a list of tasks for you. Follow these and you'll prevent leaks and properly take care of your plumbing system at the same time.
Take Steps to Avoid Corrosion
If you've got hard water (and a lot of people do in Ruston, LA) you'll need to take steps to make sure that those minerals aren't going to cause damage to your pipes.
Unfortunately, when minerals interact with pipe materials, they cause rust, which will weaken your pipes and cause leaks.
If you've got older copper piping, it is recommended that you upgrade to PVC, which is far more resistant to rust.
Putting in a water softener can help remove the harsh minerals from the water, making your plumbing last longer.
Avoid Commercial Drain Cleaners
Dealing with a clogged drain is a real pain, but using a harsh commercial cleaner is not the answer. Unfortunately, the very same chemicals that break up clogs also attack your pipes.
Commercial drain cleaners are high in hydrochloric acid, which will eventually cause your plumbing to leak. Instead, call your plumber to come and help with his plumbing snake or hydro-jetting technology.
Water Pressure Needs to Come Down
Don't put undue strain on your plumbing by letting your water pressure be too high. Although it's convenient because you can have a nice shower or fill your pots quickly to do your cooking.
The speed and strength of that water are hammering against your pipes, wearing away layers. Eventually, your pipes will be so damaged that they will leak. Check your water pressure. If it is close to 60 psi, bring it down closer to 50 psi.
Learn How to Find Leaks
Of all the skills that you could learn to take care of your plumbing, finding leaks is really important.
Usually, finding a leak when it is small means that it can easily be repaired and there is minimal damage.
Some common signs of leaks are pooling water, moisture on pipes, mold growth, rising water bills and the sound of water rushing through the walls. Once you've mastered this list, take some time to learn about other ways that you can save money with your plumbing, like with eco-friendly plumbing fixtures.
