Blog

Photo By nsj-images at istock

Most homeowners will agree that the most common plumbing issue that they will ever have to deal with is water leakages. At times, it can be difficult to detect water leakages until it’s too late. You may not even know that there’s a water leakage because the leakage may not stain the walls or be in a location that’s easy to see. Some homeowners in Dalworthington, TX may suspect that there’s a water leakage somewhere because their water bills have become exorbitantly expensive.

Water leakage can damage not only the plumbing, but also the overall structure of the home as well. If the water is leaking into the foundation, it could irreparable damage to the foundation to the point where your home may become unstable. You may need to completely redo the foundation, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Water leakages can also stain the walls and damage the internal wooden structures that are there for support.

You could save yourself a lot of money and headaches if you proactively take preventative measures to prevent water leakages. This article will look at eight common tips that most plumbers recommend. If you take these tips to heart, you should be able to avoid major leakages and catch smaller issues early on before they become a major headache.

#1. Keep Up-to-Date with Regular Maintenance

One of the most important things that you can do is to keep up-to-date with regular plumbing maintenance. If you’re not sure what type of maintenance services your plumbing needs, give one of our plumbers a call and they will be able to take a look at the condition of your pipes and plumbing appliances. They’ll be able to design a maintenance schedule for you to stick to.

Some common plumbing maintenance that will be recommended include drain cleaning services, which should happen every 1 to 2 years, and water heater cleaning services, which should be scheduled for every 3 to 5 years. The latter will remove sediment and dirt that has accumulated within the system.

Stick to a strict routine and schedule to ensure that you don’t forget anything. One of the good things about regular maintenance is that our plumbers will take a look at the overall condition of the plumbing system. They will use a video camera to look at the condition of the plumbing from the inside. This means that they will be able to easily catch any leaks or cracks that are in the pipes. By fixing this problem so early on, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of headaches in the future. Minor leaks are much cheaper to repair.

#2. Replace Washing Machine Hoses Every Couple Years

Another thing that you should do is check and replace the washing machine hoses every couple of years. Our plumbers will take a look at your overall plumbing system to recommend a maintenance schedule of 3 to 5 years. Being proactive in this can really help you in the future.

One of the most common reasons why there’s water leakages is because there’s cracks in the washing machine hoses. These parts are extremely vulnerable and susceptible to damages. Any cracking, bulging or overall deterioration can easily become a large leak that will flood water into your home. These floods may end up becoming a plumbing emergency, and it’s always much more costly to hire an emergency plumber than a plumber, as a Dalworthington, TX emergency plumber will have to put down whatever they’re doing to come to your rescue.

You should consider replacing traditional reinforced washing machine hoses with stainless steel braided ones. The latter tends to be a lot more durable and sturdy. They are much less likely to crack or become damaged. You can also take this one step further by choosing a stainless steel braided washing machine hose with a built-in auto-shutoff mechanism that will prevent water from leaking out into the surrounding environment.

#3. Re-caulk and Re-Grout Areas Around Plumbing Appliances

Shows make it a habit of caulking areas around exposed plumbing and plumbing appliances, like the sinks, the showers and the tubs. This could be really helpful in preventing water leakages in general and is a fairly quick fix that you can do by yourself at home. Some plumbers will even re-caulk and re-grout these areas while they are working in your home to ensure that you won’t have to worry about leakages anytime in the near future.

On the same note, you should also consider replacing or repairing leaking shower pans and missing tiles. These types of regular upkeeps can prevent water leakages and maintain the overall condition of your home and plumbing system.

If you need help with any of these issues, you should ask a contractor. They will usually be able to give you the advice that you need.

#4. Check Hose Connections

This is kind of in line with tip number two. Regularly check the hose connections at water supply lines to appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and anything else that uses water. Make sure that the connection is secure and that you don’t see any leakages at all. At times, these connections may become loose and all you have to do is to simply tighten the connections to prevent unnecessary leakages.

You should also check the parts that are in these areas as they are more prone to damages than other areas. Make sure that you replace any parts that look more worn down than other areas, as these parts tend to be most susceptible to damages.

Depending on how your plumbing system is set up, it can be difficult to check the hose connections on a regular basis. This is why many Dalworthington, TX homeowners may ask their plumbers to take a look whenever they come around for maintenance.

#5. Repair Damaged Roofing Materials and Clean the Roofs Regularly

The outside condition of your home also impacts the plumbing system. You want to make sure that you are a professional roofing contractor to perform regular maintenance on your roof. This professional should also promptly repair any damaged roofing materials to prevent the inside plumbing from getting exposed to the elements.

Get the gutters, downspouts and eaves are cleaned of debris every year. This would make sure that water can drain freely and that there are no clogs. This can prevent water leakages as well, as clogs often cause plumbing to burst or may cause some type of leakage at the joints.

Overall, roof maintenance can also help with lowering any costs that may be associated with roofing issues. You’re less likely to have water leakages from rain or snow. This will also protect the inside plumbing, as these areas tend to be the first things to get exposed to the elements if there is a leak in the roof.

#6. Install a Leak Detection System

You can catch minor leaks before they become a big problem by installing a leak detection system. There are two types of systems that you can choose from: an active leak detection system or a passive leak detection system.

An active leak detection system will sound an alarm if there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing. This type of system can also stop the water flow to prevent water from spewing out of the leak. This type of leak detection system will usually include some type of shut up foul and a moisture sensor. This type of system can be used to monitor just one appliance or it can monitor your entire property.

On the other hand, a passive system is usually a standalone unit. This type of leak detection system is often a lot less expensive than an active one. It’s also much easier to install. These types of leak detection systems are often battery-operated and need to be tested regularly as a result. If you’re unsure of which detection system may be most appropriate for your home, speak with one of our plumbers. They will not only be able to explain the pros and cons of each model to you, but they may also be able to get you a deal on a leak detection system through the company.

#7. Protect the Plumbing by Installing New Insulation

In general, most insulation materials can last for several decades. As long as they’re installed and maintained well, these insulation materials shouldn’t cause you any problems at all. You should however regularly take a look at the insulation to make sure that it is in good condition. This is particularly true for those who live in older homes.

An interesting way that you can protect your plumbing and prevent water leakages is to install new insulation. If the insulation is in poor condition, it can be damaged by moisture, UV rays and physical disturbances. This will expose the plumbing lying underneath, which can then cause it to be more prone to damages that result in water leakages.

Installing new insulation can protect your plumbing. When installing new insulation, you need to consider the type of insulation that you’re installing. Different thicknesses and material types can have different efficiencies. This is especially true for those who live in colder climates. The type of insulation that would be most compatible with each home will vary. You should have one of our plumbers come and take a look at the situation before you make a decision.

You should also consider adding insulation in the attic. This can extend the life of the roof and also reduce the chances of ice dams forming. Ice dams can also lead to plumbing damages that will cause water leakages. You can ask our plumbers whether there are any areas that are more susceptible to damage than others.

#8. Prevent Pipes from Bursting During the Winter

It’s not unusual for plumbing to burst in the winter if you have not properly insulated or protected it from the harsh elements. If water is constantly freezing and unfreezing within the pipes, the freezing process will place a lot of pressure on the plumbing material. Constant expansion of the water will cause the plumbing material to weaken, which can cause leaks and cracks to form.

Call one of my plumbers to see how you can winterize your plumbing. We may recommend that you add extra insulation or install some type of heating device. If you won’t be at home during the winter, you may even want to have a friend or family come over every week to turn on the taps or use the washing machine to keep some type of water flowing through the plumbing system.

Our plumbers can take a look at your plumbing system to give you recommendations that are suited for home.

Call a Plumber in Dalworthington, TX If there’s a Leak in Your Home

Is there a leak in your home? If you don’t fix it as soon as possible, the problem will likely get worse with time. A small leak can easily widen and become a large one. The water leaking out of the plumbing can seep into the foundation of your home and cause irreversible and irreparable damage. You should never underestimate what water damage can do to your home.

Give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth a call if you are dealing with water leakages, and we’ll send a plumber out to you as soon as possible. You can call 817-983-7876 if you are looking for a plumber in the Fort Worth area and 817-478-4119 if you are looking for a plumber in the Arlington area. Our plumbers are on call 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We can respond to all types of plumbing emergencies. Dealing with leaks is just one of our specialties.

Take a look at some of our online reviews to get a better idea of the quality of service that we offer. It doesn’t matter what type of plumbing emergency or problem you’re dealing with. With us, you’ll be in good hands!