Leaks are likely the most common threat to your plumbing system. Even a minor, less apparent leak might quickly become a major problem.
If left neglected, you will have to deal with structural deterioration, higher water bills, and rising utility expenses over time.
If it becomes a catastrophic leak, you may encounter unexpected events such as a water heater rupture, a pipe burst, and extensive damage to your walls and floors.
Fortunately, you may simply prevent these leak problems in your house or company before they occur. Here are some of the most effective methods for preventing plumbing leaks.
1. Reduce excessive water pressure
When the water in your system is under high pressure, you may feel terrific, especially when doing laundry, filling a stockpot, or taking a shower.
However, when the water pressure exceeds 60 psi, it roughens your pipes and increases the likelihood of a plumbing leak. It also causes fittings, valves, and joints to work harder, reducing the longevity of your plumbing system.
Our skilled plumbers can assist you in determining the water pressure in your home using a pressure gauge. This device detects water pressure when connected to a faucet or hose outlet near the water meter.
If the pressure exceeds the optimal limit, our technicians will install a pressure regulator or a pressure-reducing valve. These devices will ensure that water flows at an acceptable pressure of approximately 30 to 50 psi.
Also, keep in mind that low-flow shower heads and faucets simply change the amount of water flowing from a fixture; they do not lower your water pressure.
Also Read: Top 5 Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems You Might Face
2. Insulate your pipes
During the cold season, temperatures can plunge below zero for weeks or even months. These weather conditions cause your pipes to freeze.
As a result, the water inside the pipes freezes and expands as it turns into ice. This puts a lot of strain on pipe couplings, which can cause leaks and bursts when the water defrosts.
You can keep pipes from freezing and leaking during the winter by lagging them with insulation. This may appear to be a simple task that you can accomplish on your own, but you should always consult a plumbing professional for a faster and better result.
Our personnel are skilled and well-equipped for pipe insulation. We focus more on areas in your home that stay unheated, such as the garage, basement, and under the sink.
Proper insulation will safeguard your pipes even if your thermostat remains below freezing. You’ll also save money on energy because hot water that passes through the pipes remains hot.
3. Soften Hard Water
Do you have hard water in your household or commercial property? The hard water that flows through your system deposits a white precipitate on your plumbing fittings and other components near pipes.
This residue contains calcium and magnesium, which corrodes pipes and reduces water flow over time. If you’ve seen white buildup on your faucets and shower heads, it could be an indication of hard water.
If a water test report indicates anything higher than 140 parts per million, you have hard water in your system.
Installing a water softener is the most effective way to deal with water that has a high mineral concentration. These devices, which are largely sodium-based, remove excess minerals from water.
Other current electric water softeners use electromagnetic pulses to remove excess minerals in the water without adding sodium. Call our pros to help you install the right water softener for your needs.
4. Schedule Professional Plumbing Maintenance
Another excellent way to prevent leaks in your plumbing system is to schedule professional inspections and maintenance.
Leaks are caused by holes, cracks, or splits in your pipes, but without a comprehensive inspection by well-trained eyes, it is difficult to detect these problems early.
Even if you inspect the plumbing system yourself, you’re likely to overlook important details and find up dealing with water damage.
Working with our well-trained personnel, they will detect even little leaks in concealed spots and correct them before they become a major plumbing problem.
We will look for symptoms of leaks in your plumbing system, such as shower and tub tiles, and investigate behind walls. Our crew will also look for water damage underneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks.
We’ll also provide practical leak prevention tips to guarantee your pipes are secured all year.
5. Use steel hoses in washing machines
Washing machines are likely one of the most common equipment that cause water leaks in most houses. And because this equipment uses a lot of water, even a minor leak can do major damage to your building.
If your washing machine leaks, the cause is most likely a faulty rubber hose. Although you may have chosen these hoses since they are readily available and inexpensive, they tend to erode and develop thin patches over time.
This causes weak places that can readily burst, resulting in water leaks.
Steel hoses feature a rubber core wrapped by braided metal, which provides additional stability. In the event of a burst hose, the auto-shutoff versions will automatically turn off the water supply.
Avoid Plumbing Disasters with Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros
Even little water leaks can have severe consequences in your home or company. When water seeps into the hard-to-see regions, it can cause mold development, wood decay, and other difficulties.
Don’t hesitate to contact Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros to help you prevent plumbing leaks. Our staff consists of highly qualified plumbers who can quickly detect and repair leaks.
We will assist you in implementing the aforementioned methods so that you never have to deal with leaks in your plumbing system throughout the year. All of our plumbers are well-versed in the newest industry trends to ensure they provide the best solution possible, resulting in 5-star satisfaction.
Even better, our company is BBB accredited, so you can rely on us to provide the greatest plumbing services. We offer drain repair, main water line replacement, repiping, trenchless pipe repair, backflow testing, water heater installation, bathroom remodeling, water heater repair, and water filtration services in Columbus, Ohio. Contact Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros today to schedule a service.