Leaking pipes are intimidating and can cause more damage than you’d initially think. But there are easy ways that you can prevent your pipes from leaking, and they are far easier than fixing a broken pipe. We’ll go over some of the best plumbing leak repair and prevention tips that you can take to make sure that your pipes will remain intact and will save you money overall.
- Prevent pipe corrosion
- Install a water softener
- Reduce your water pressure
- Tighten the fittings and seal the joints
- Schedule a professional inspection
Keep reading below to learn more about our tips and recommendations for preventing leaking pipes in your Wisconsin home!
Prevent pipe corrosion
The best way to prevent corrosion is to make sure that your pipes are insulated. The items that can help this are called wear pads or pipe shoes, helping the metal not to touch, and creating a buffer. This will help the metal of your pipes to stay more durable longer. There are also protective linings or coatings that you can use to protect your pipes further.
Things like water temperature and pH can also impact your pipes and lead to corrosion. If your water temperature is too hot, it can lead to corrosion. Using cooler water more often will help to regulate this. A pH between 6.5 and 8.5 is recommended to keep your pipes working properly.
Install a water softener
Hard water can make it difficult to clean almost anything, this can be your dishes, laundry, and even yourself while you’re showering. If you have to use more detergent than normal to get your clothes clean or see whiteish build-up on your showerhead or water faucet, it’s likely a sign that you have hard water.
Tests can be done to install the proper water softener for your home. It could be that you want to solve the problems above, ditch the water bottles that you keep buying, or want to change the smell or taste of your tap water. These issues can be solved by installing the right water softener, helping to remove things like chlorine, sediment, iron, rust, and scale.
Reduce your water pressure
You’ll want to make sure that your pipes aren’t about to burst just because you have your water pressure set at a skyrocketing number. Yes, you want your water and you want it quickly, if you are trying to fill the sink for dishes for example, too high of water pressure can cause leaking.
The number that you’re looking for is 60 PSI (pounds per square inch), and you’ll want to make sure that your water pressure is staying below that. If it goes over 60 PSI, your pipes could experience water hammers, leading to leaks. Ideally, your water pressure will be set between 30-50 PSI. If you see that your water pressure keeps getting higher than that, you’ll want to contact a professional.
Tighten the fittings and seal the joints
Take the time to inspect the areas under your sink. Look for any moisture, and if there is some, tighten those fittings to prevent any future leaks. Also, if anything is looking corroded or damaged, call a professional to take a look. Keeping up with your home can prevent larger issues in the future.
A big problem when it comes to leaking pipes is them not being sealed correctly when they were first installed. This part isn’t always easy, and it’s probably best to contact a professional to avoid a headache. A professional can take care of this quickly and efficiently, also checking everything else before leaving.
Schedule a professional plumbing inspection
A professional plumbing inspection might be the best bet if you are seeing issues with your pipes or are concerned with the water that you are using in your home. If you haven’t had to take a look at pipes before and aren’t positive about what you’re doing, it’s easy to miss a small issue that could lead to a big one over time.
A professional plumber will be able to pinpoint any issues that you have currently in your home and will be able to know whether or not you need to fix anything else to prevent leaks in the future. If you are going to take the time to fix or check something, make sure that it is done right!
If you are concerned with your pipes, or water, and want an inspection, call a professional to take a look! At Watters Plumbing we’re always here to help with 24/7 emergency service, leak repairs, and water softener additions/replacements. Let us know how we can be of service!