Plumbing systems, like all other components of your home, do not last forever. As soon as they are installed in the house, the different features of your plumbing start to degenerate, notes First and Main Management team. But this process is so slow that you may not even notice it.
One of the signs that your plumbing system is aging is that pipe leaks become more frequent and severe. This is because of the weakening of the pipes and pipe connections in your home. It is also due to accumulated sediments within the pipes.
However, not all pipe leaks in your home are caused by natural wear and tear. Sometimes, the problem is caused by the water flowing through the pipes. If the water in your area is hard, your pipes are more likely to suffer problems that eventually cause them to leak.
Some plumbing leaks are due to improper installation and amateur plumbing repairs. Substandard materials in your plumbing predispose the system to avoidable problems. Hiring unqualified plumbers for repairs will also make your plumbing prone to leakages.
Natural events are another common cause of plumbing pipe leaks in your homes. Pipes may freeze and burst if exposed to sub-zero temperatures during winter. Soil shifts can also change the positioning of underground pipes, fracturing them in the process.
Lastly, abuse and inadequate maintenance can impact the physical condition and performance of your plumbing. All pipes in your plumbing system will suffer if they are not cared for, but drainage pipes are particularly vulnerable to misuse by the occupants of the home.
How to prevent plumbing leaks in your home
Scheduled inspections
The best time to fix a leak in your plumbing is before it happens. Regular inspections help you find potential leaks early. Create a schedule for inspecting the plumbing, know the main problem areas in your plumbing, and be systematic when inspecting the system. You will save yourself a lot of money, time, and stress if you can find a leak before it happens.
Water pressure management
High water pressure strains your pipes and appliances. High water pressure is sometimes caused by the narrowing of your water pipes due to sedimentation. But the problem may also come from the municipal water supply. To stop high water pressure from harming your pipes, install a “pressure regulator” valve to ensure consistent water pressure at all times. Also, check if there is excessive mineral buildup in the pipes.
Regular maintenance
Poor maintenance is the leading cause of plumbing pipe leaks in the home. If the plumbing is not fixed or replaced as soon as it shows signs of trouble, there is no way to avoid leaks in your home. Damaged/aging pipes or hoses, clogged drain lines, corroded pipes, and worn-out parts in faucets are just a few of the things that need to be taken care of in a plumbing system.
Insulate plumbing pipes
Woodridge, IL is the one place where plumbing pipes should never be left exposed during the cold season. In winter, the rate of pipe leaks in homes increases dramatically, often due to minor oversights by homeowners. Pipes in the unheated spaces in your home should be protected. Gaps in walls that can admit cold air into your home should be sealed; follow standard practices for winterizing your house.
Install a leak detection device
These are sensors that alert you of an emerging leak before it has a chance to cause major damage to your home. If it detects moisture in its environment, a leak detection device will send you an SMS or notification. In advanced models, the device will even shut down the water supply to that part of your home. They are best installed in areas of your home prone to leaks.
Educate your household
By preventing actions that damage your plumbing, you have already won half of the battle of protecting your home from water damage caused by leaking pipes. This means educating the members of your household on the right/wrong way to use the plumbing. It also means teaching them the steps to take if there is a plumbing emergency in your home.
Professional inspections
Periodically – once a year – you may want to hire a plumber in Woodridge, IL to inspect your plumbing. An experienced plumber can identify potential issues you may have missed or underestimated. They can make your plumbing more resilient by advising you on plumbing upgrades that help you avoid pipe leaks in the long term. A competent plumber can provide valuable input that will help improve your overall plumbing maintenance plan.
When looking for a professional plumber for your home, what are the things to look for? Proximity counts; you want a plumber who is within reach. You also want a plumber who is local; and understands the plumbing issues common to the area.
It is essential to pay attention to the plumber’s area of specialization. Are they residential plumbers, and do they have expertise in leak detection services? Lastly, it is a good idea to work with a plumber who offers emergency plumbing services.
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Have a undetected leak in the Woodridge area and need help? Our Woodridge plumbers can help! Contact us today at 708-801-6530 or by form below!
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