Water leaks are more common than you may realize. Most of them can go unnoticed for quite some time, racking up your water bill and causing hidden damage in and around your home. Don’t be a statistic. Become a water leak detection expert by following this easy guide.
Water Quality
Water quality is important for our health, but also for the integrity of our pipes. Hard water problems can cause disturbances with water temperature, and prevent appliances from performing properly.
This is all a result of mineral buildup inside our pipes, producing limescale deposits, weakening the lining. This build-up leads to cracks, leaks, clogs, and backups.
Left untreated, the deposits will choke the flow of water, and wreak havoc on your plumbing’s network. Installing a whole-home water softener can fix this issue, and is worth the investment. This is especially true if you plan on staying in your current home for a while.
Pipes Getting Older
Not everything gets better with age. Old pipes corrode, rust, and weaken over time. The buildup of debris, grease, and other chemicals will interfere with water flow.
Couple that with external interference, such as growing tree roots, and your pipes could collapse. Ask about the age of your plumbing system when moving into a home. It’s better to know what you are dealing with right out of the gate, and whether or not you’ll need to put money aside for future water leak repairs.
Issues with Water Pressure
Unstable water pressure can cause your pipes to weaken, making them more susceptible to leaks. Purchasing both a hose bibb gauge and a pressure reducing valve will help regulate your water pressure.
The pressure gauge will monitor your water pressure, which should sit anywhere from 30 psi to 50 psi. The pressure reducing valve will automatically reduce the pressure when it gets too high. Both can be picked up at any hardware store in Katy, TX, and are inexpensive.
Rust and Corrosion Problems
Age, water quality, and neglect can all cause corrosion in your pipeline. If you see rust or discoloration occur around your pipes, they may be corroded.
This is why annual inspections from a plumber are so important, especially for older homes. A professional can assess the condition of your pipes, and offer solutions to maintain the integrity of your plumbing system.
To recap:
- Know the age of your plumbing system. Ask when moving into a new home.
- A water softener can protect your pipes from harsh chemicals.
- Know where your psi sits, and install a pressure reducing valve to keep your pressure down, and your pipes happy.
- Have your plumbing inspected annually! This imperative if you want to protect against leaks.
Now you can rest easy knowing why water leaks occur, and how to prevent them in your home.
