Get the Scoop on the Top Plumbing Tips to Prevent Leaks
Plumbing leaks are very common, but many of them can be prevented. You don’t have to be stressing out over a high water bill or ankle-deep in water to begin taking action. With just a few easy preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the chance of leaks in your plumbing system. You’ll save money and minimize the less than enjoyable surprise plumbing disasters, sounds like a win-win to us!
Doug’s is here in Thibodaux to guide you through everything you need to know!
Aim For Gentler Water Pressure
If your water is shooting out of your shower head and faucets, it is under a lot of pressure. This can cause damage to your pipes over time. Eventually, the water might burst through the pipes and create a major leak.
To prevent this, lower your water pressure. You can measure the pressure with a hose bib gauge that you can get at your local hardware store. Is the psi over 85? If so, you might want to call a plumber to install a pressure regulator.
Respond to Hard Water Signs
Here are a few inconvenient signs you have hard water, or water that is loaded with magnesium, calcium and other minerals:
- Scaly buildup around water fixtures.
- Water spots on clean dishes.
- Soap fails to lather properly.
- Appliances that fail prematurely.
These symptoms aren’t the only reason hard water is undesirable. Hard water is also a threat to your pipes. This is because the minerals build up in your pipes, increasing water pressure. As we reviewed in the tip above, water pressure over 85 psi is damaging. A pressure regulator would be a bandaid for this problem. The better solution is to have a water softener installed.
Have a Plan For Freezing Weather
There’s not a lot of cold weather down here, but when there is, it can be very damaging to your plumbing. As water freezes, it expands and builds pressure which ultimately cause valves to break and pipes to crack. You have probably heard about leaving your tap dripping, but you might not know how this works or benefits you. It works because moving water is less likely to freeze.
The cost for this insurance? If you were to leave your faucet dripping all night, it would be well under a dollar. That’s a pretty easy, inexpensive way to avoid a major plumbing hassle and all you have to do is leave one faucet dripping during freezing temps. For best results, the dripping faucet should be the furthest faucet from of your water supply.
We hope these tips will pay off for you in a big way! Call Doug’s at (985) 746-1116 if you need assistance with a water softener, a water pressure regulator or any other plumbing advice.
