One small leak in your home has the potential to turn into a much bigger problem. The good news is that preventing leaks from occurring in the first place isn’t hard to do. Learn about how to prevent household plumbing leaks in this article.
Washing Machine Leaks
Your washing machine uses a lot of water and can produce leaks if you don’t take preventative measures. Check the connections annually. Every five years, replace the hoses. Are you going away for an extended period? Shut off the water when you do. This prevents any possibility of leaks while you’re away from home.
Toilet Leaks
An effective way to prevent household plumbing leaks is to periodically check your toilets. Toilets will overflow if stopped up. They also tend to cause supply line leaks. Here’s what you need to do if you have a supply line leak:
- Locate the leak
- Tighten the fitting with a wrench
- Replace the rubber washers
- Wrap with plumber’s tape
Prevent Household Plumbing Leaks: Drains and Pipes
A clogged or leaking drain causes major challenges for your home’s plumbing. Avoid pouring grease down your drains because it causes the pipes to become clogged. If your property has a sprinkler system, then make sure the sewer drains have backflow preventers installed.
Trees can cause leaks when the roots grow into underground pipes. Make sure trees are planted at least 20 feet away from plumbing pipes and the foundation.
Air Conditioning System
Is your air conditioning unit located in the attic? If so, inspect the area around it periodically for signs of moisture. If you see moisture, there may be a clog in the condensation line. Clogging usually occurs from a buildup of dust, mold, or dirt.
The most effective way to prevent household plumbing leaks due to the air conditioner is to get the unit professionally cleaned and serviced each year. Replace the air filter every three months.
Prevent Household Plumbing Leaks in the Refrigerator and Dishwasher
Perhaps you haven’t looked behind your dishwasher or refrigerator for several years. The pipes that connect these appliances to their water source are located underneath and behind the units. Inspect these areas periodically and look for any signs of leaking.
When you clean the kitchen, pull the refrigerator out. Not only will you be able to clean behind the fridge, but you can check the connections. Do you smell moldy odors in your kitchen? Something may be leaking under your appliances. Discoloration underneath the dishwasher or refrigerator is another indicator of a leak.
It isn’t difficult to prevent household plumbing leaks. Follow these tips and pay attention to any early warning signs so you can prevent major water damage to your home.
Homeworx Services Inc. provides home inspection services to Northern Virginia. Contact us to schedule an appointment.