How to prevent water leaks
Over time, a household will most certainly be riddled with pesky water leaks—issues that cause the homeowner a ton of hassle while also putting a dent in his or her bank account. The best way to get rid of water leaks is to prevent them from ever being a problem in the first place. Here are some tips and tricks to get your prevention efforts started.
Proper pressure
It is important to make sure that the water pressure is at the right measure—otherwise, water leaks could develop if the pressure is too high. Check the required psi levels found in the building code in your location and compare this against the reading in your pipes (which you can get using a water pressure gauge).
If the water pressure in your house is too high, you may want to check the water pressure regulator. You can easily set this to the proper level in case any adjustment is needed. In case replacement is necessary, make sure you contact a licenced contractor to do the job for you.
Regular inspections
Where there are water supply lines, there are chances of water leaks. Make sure to inspect various areas around your home periodically, including cabinets beneath sinks, your bathroom(s), and the area where you have your washing machine, fridge, or dishwasher.
Check your toilets
Faulty flushing systems is a fairly common problem, but it can go unnoticed especially if you don’t check regularly. If you hear running water in your toilet even before you flush, there might be a leak somewhere or the flush system could be broken in that it continuously flushes. Making sure toilets are leak-free and functioning properly will help you minimize water utility costs.
Maintain your HVAC system
Periodic inspection and maintenance of the HVAC system in your home will also help identify potential problems and prevent leaks. Don’t hesitate to get professionals on the case.
Consider getting leak detectors
If you have some cash to spare, you can put some additional measures into place. One way is through water leak detectors, which will be installed in areas around a home that are prone to water exposure and leaks.
Detectors come in different forms, from simple units with built-in audible alarms to complex water supply monitoring systems that can cover an entire home and even shut down the water supply remotely if necessary.
Steel-braided is the way to go
There’s no problem with copper tube water supply lines as they work fine for most people, though mineral deposits will build up along the lines over time. However, if you can spare the time and extra cost, swap copper lines out for steel-braided options that offer an extra level of strength, durability, and reliability.
Having water leaks in the house is tough, because they are costly, could lead to property damage, and are an inconvenience. Avoid the hassle and minimize maintenance or repair costs by preventing leaks from developing and making sure you can detect them early in case they do pop up.
