It's probably the last thing you think about happening to you in your home - the dreaded water leak. Water can do quite a bit of damage, ruining family heirlooms, priceless family photos and even damaging things such as carpeting/flooring, walls and possibly ceilings and furniture.
Water leaks can happen for a number of reasons, pipes bursting, sewer backups or from leaky pipes. See below for some tips to help prevent a plumbing emergency happening in your home.
Keep Drains Clear
Keep your drains clean and clear by disposing of things properly. Here are some tips specific to areas in your house:
Toilets.
Never flush anything other than toilet paper down your toilet. Even if it says it is "flushable," your sewer system may not be able to handle the excess. This is especially if it is something that doesn't dissolve as quickly as toilet paper does, such as wipes, tissues or feminine products. Toss these items into the garbage instead. If you have a sensitive toilet, use one-ply toilet paper.
Kitchen sink.
In the kitchen, be sure to use the drain cover to prevent food from getting clogged in the drain. Also, never pour grease or oil down the sink, as it can harden in the pipe when it becomes room temperature. Instead, let it cool and then dispose of it properly. Never wash paint down your sink either, as it can also harden in your pipe.
Tub/shower.
Use traps in the shower/bathtub to ensure hair and soap scum doesn't get washed down the drain, clogging it. Using body wash rather than bar soap can cut down on soap scum clogs.
Make Repairs & Perform Routine Maintenance
Preventative maintenance can go a long way with your sewer lines and water pipes. Check water lines to be sure they are tight. Make any necessary repairs, and tighten piping and fittings if any are loose.
If you notice rusting of pipes, be sure to change these water lines to prevent a disaster later down the road. Also change out leaky faucets, shower heads or leaking toilets. If you aren't sure how to make these repairs, contact
Express Electrical Service
for help with your plumbing needs.
Detect a Leak
Detecting a leak can prevent a water disaster in your home. If you notice an increase in your water bill, you could have a leak, although it may not be noticeable at all. It could be under your house in a crawl space, at the outside spigot, under a sink or elsewhere in your home.
- Check all of your water lines to see if you have a leak somewhere inside your home. Feel around fittings and gaskets, and feel around the bottom of sinks, or look for water marks.
- Go outside to see if you have a leak at any of your spigots.
- Check your appliances such as your water heater, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. Be sure there isn't a water leak in or around these appliances.
- Look at your toilet to see if it is running constantly, or if there is a slow leak. To check this, place a small amount of food coloring into the tank. Without flushing, see if the color leaks into the bowl.
Water leaks can happen for a number of reasons. Don't let a plumbing emergency disrupt your life and ruin your belongings. Be proactive, perform routine maintenance, make repairs and detect leaks before they become a disaster.
If you have a problem with a plumbing emergency, turn off the water in your home if you can to prevent any more water from coming in and call
Express Electrical Service
for help. They are a 24/7 service and can help you, even if it is in the middle of the night.
