Water damage can be costly. The average price to clean up and repair water-related damage ranges from $1,000 to nearly $5,000. One way to minimize the risk of experiencing water damage is to take steps to prevent plumbing leaks at home. Below, you’ll find a few easy ways to do this.
Prevent Plumbing Leaks by Understanding the Causes
It’s easier to be proactive about leak prevention when you know what causes plumbing leaks. Corrosion is a common culprit, but your household pipes may also be affected by damaged joints, excess water pressure, intrusive tree roots, or loose connections.
One easy way to prevent home plumbing leaks is to be conscious of what you put down your drain. Buildup and debris can weaken joints and cause corrosion. Do not dispose of grease, paper towels, eggshells, coffee grounds, baby wipes, rice, potato peels, or any food products down the drain.
Reduce Your Home’s Water Pressure
A strong, steady stream of water feels great in the shower. However, water pressure that’s too high can damage your pipes and contribute to leaks. Use a water pressure gauge to determine if your home’s water pressure is too high. A normal measure of water pressure falls within 40-80 PSI, with anything above 80 generally considered “high.” Water pressure regulators and reducers can help with this problem.
Drain Cleaning Products are Bad for the Pipes
It’s tempting to tackle a clogged or slow drain by using a chemical product you find online or at the grocery store. However, commercial drain cleaners are extremely corrosive to pipes, especially if you repeatedly use such products.
Excessive plunging also puts pressure on drainpipes and contributes to leaks. If you’re not having any luck with a drain snake or plunger, contact a professional plumber to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Prevent Plumbing Leaks with Landscape Maintenance
Over time, trees, shrubs, and bushes with aggressive root systems can disrupt underground sewer pipes and cause a leak. Because sewer lines use gravity to maintain a steady flow, you may not realize you have a leak until you start noticing sewer odors or other signs of trouble with your drains.
Trees and large bushes should be kept away from plumbing pipes. A landscaper can help with the safe removal of trees or shrubs growing close to underground pipes.
Inspect Water-Consuming Appliances
One other way to prevent plumbing leaks is to inspect your home’s water-based appliances, including the water heater and washing machine. Worn, damaged, or loose connections or defects with pipes or hoses that provide water to the machine can cause leaks.
KO Inspection provides home inspection services to Western Washington. Contact us to book your home inspection.