Discover the Best Ways to Prevent Water Leaks in Your Home

Our home is a place we can kick back, relax, and unwind after a long day. It’s our special domain, which we clean, decorate, and take care of.

The last thing we want to see when we walk in the door is a puddle of water in the kitchen or a flooded basement. Read below to find out how you can stop leaks before they happen.

Avoid Corrosion in Your Pipes

Corroded pipes are a real problem, and can be expensive to fix. Avoid corrosion in your pipes by following these easy steps.

1. Refrain from using chemical clog removers.
2. Clean your pipes regularly.
3. Use screens in your kitchen and tubs to avoid grit getting into your pipes.
4. Have a water analysis done to check pH, and for high mineral content.
5. Install a water softener.

These are easy and inexpensive ways to prevent pipe corrosion, and give you some peace of mind.

Stop Using Chemical Clog Removers

Over the counter clog-removers don’t always work and can cause damage to your pipes. They carry toxic and harsh chemicals down the drain that can lead to corrosion and leaks.

Use a drain snake to remove clogs instead. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and will save your pipes from future repair. You can pick one up at any hardware store in Independence, MO for about $10.00.

Lessen the Water Pressure in Your Home

If your water pressure is too high, that can also cause damage to your pipes. Average water pressure should sit between 40 and 80 psi, and not exceed 85.

To check if your water pressure is out of whack, pick up a hose bib gauge for $10.00 at the hardware store, and attach it to an outside spigot. Open the line, and monitor the pressure.

If you do have high water pressure, it can be fixed. You can purchase a water pressure regulator, to regulate the pressure, or call a plumber and have one installed for you.

Spotting a Leak in Your Home

The most common areas for leaks to occur are usually right where we can see them, thankfully.

Places like the sinks, tubs, and toilets are easy to spot and fix. Listen for running toilets and look for surface water around your faucets.

It’s the places we can’t see that can become a problem. To check your whole house for a leak, follow these easy steps.

1. Shut off all the water inside and outside your home.
2. Record the water meter reading.
3. Don’t use any water for up to an hour.
4. Check the water meter reading.
5. If the numbers went up, you most likely have a leak and should call a plumber.

There are enough unwanted surprises in life, don’t let leaks in your home be one of them. Follow these tips on prevention, and your home will stay your haven.