A pipe leak is one of the worst plumbing problems you will encounter as a homeowner. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. To help save water and lower your monthly water bills, you should dedicate a day each week to check for leaks around your home.
Here are some helpful tips to stop a plumbing leak from causing expensive water loss and structural damage in your property.
Locate your main water shut-off valve
The main water shut-off valve supplies water to the whole house. During a plumbing emergency, going straight to your main water shut-off valve and turning it off quickly can prevent a big, expensive mess in your property.
Add pipe insulation
Pipe bursting is one of the common causes of plumbing leaks in residential homes. This can happen due to extreme temperature changes. If you leave your pipes exposed to freezing temperatures in winter, they can freeze and burst. Prevent this from happening by applying insulation to pipes located in unheated areas in your home, such as crawlspaces, basements, and garages.
Fix leaks as they occur
Minor leaks can easily escalate into expensive repairs unless fixed right away. At the first sight of the problem, do not hesitate to call your plumber right away. According to the EPA, fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save you about 10 percent on your water bills.
Lower your water pressure
Excessive water pressure puts a lot of stress on your pipes. Over time, it can lead to burst pipes, leaking water into your home. Industry experts warn against having a water pressure higher than 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) as it can drastically reduce the life of your plumbing.
Do not wait for the next day to call for a plumbing leak repair. Take advantage of 24/7 emergency services offered by your trusted local plumbing company. Call their service hotline now!
Juan Farr is an avid home blogger, with the goal of helping his readers find inspiration and ideas for their next project. He writes about everything from small design projects to large renovations. His goal is to help people transform their homes into something that reflects who they are.
