Water damage in a home often leads to expensive repairs. Inspecting plumbing and making any necessary repairs before small leaks become big ones, will help you avoid costly plumbing system failures.
Water Damage Prevention Tips
■■ Set the thermostat at a minimum of 60 degrees in winter months. Let faucets drip, and insulate pipes to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
■■ Install a house leak detection system as a backup.
■■ After you flush, wait for the toilet valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
■■ Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
■■ Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace it accordingly.
■■ Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
■■ Replace washer hoses with braided steel hoses.
■■ Leaving the house for a period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply to reduce failure risks.
Contact a plumbing professional for an inspection if you see any of the following potential indicators of a plumbing problem:
■■ An increased monthly water bill
■■ Banging pipes
■■ Rust stains
■■ Moisture in the walls or on floors
■■ Signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation
For more tips on maintaining your plumbing system, give our team a call at (360) 414-8754.