5 Practical Leak Prevention Tips from Big Bear Plumbing

A plumbing leak is problematic for a number of reasons. For one, there is the potential for plumbing leaks to form a harmful mold that compromises your home’s structural integrity as well as your health. Add in the fact that it costs money to repair or replace plumbing leaks and it is easy to see why more and more homeowners are going out of their way to address these issues in a proactive manner. Our Big Bear plumbing specialists are here to help. Below, we provide some plumbing and leak prevention tips to protect your home, your possessions, and your health.

Look for Water Damage Points

There is no harm in spending a couple of minutes necessary to check parts of your home for water damage. Inspect the interior of your kitchen sink cabinet from time to time. Move your fingers below the trap positioned beneath the sink. If you find any moisture, the trap fittings must be tightened with pliers. If the trap is corroded or damaged, lean on our Big Bear plumbing crew to replace it.

Furthermore, if the water supply lines below the kitchen sink have bubbling water along with the connections or excessive moisture, it is in your interest to contact our Big Bear plumbing team for immediate assistance. Even the lines connecting to the icemaker, dishwasher, and faucet should be inspected every couple of months to guarantee they are not leaking. If you notice even slight staining or discoloration on the floor of your sink cabinet, it is a sign of a leak. Glide a dry cloth along the floor of the sink cabinet to pinpoint potential moisture.

Mind the Washing Machine

Position a plastic pan beneath the washing machine to collect leaking water. Connect the pan to a drainpipe to ensure it does not overflow. It will also help to take a close look at the cold and warm water hoses connecting to the washing machine to guarantee they are tight. If these hoses show even slight signs of corrosion, wear or damage, they should be replaced.

In general, it is prudent to replace the washing machine hoses every five years to prevent leaks. It will also help to add a manual shutoff valve to the washing machine so the hot/cold water can be turned off at a moment’s notice. Be sure to add an electric water sensor that automatically turns off the flow of water to the washing machine as soon as excessive moisture or a leak is detected.

Be Careful Where You Plant Trees

If you plan on planting trees on your property in the near future, position them at a distance from the pipes you rely upon for water. If you plan on adding trees with particularly fast-growing roots or roots likely to extend far away from the trunk, position them a minimum of 20 feet away from the foundation of the home and its subterranean pipes. This amount of distance ensures the tree roots do not break through the pipes and inflict considerable damage that leads to a costly leak.

Reduce the Water Pressure

A reduction in water pressure has the potential to prevent damage to the plumbing system’s valves, joints, and fixtures. However, there is no need to reduce the pressure below 40 psi. In general, the home water pressure should hover around 50 psi. Our Big Bear plumbing specialists are here to gauge your home’s water pressure on your behalf. If necessary, we will install a water pressure regulator to keep the pressure at just the right level. Keep in mind that those low-flow showerheads and faucets will not reduce water pressure on their own. These devices merely alter the amount of water that moves out of the fixture.

Consider Implementing a Water Softener

If your home has hard water, its calcium and magnesium will cause sediment to accumulate within the pipes. Such an accumulation limits the flow of water. Furthermore, sediment accumulation corrodes the fittings and joints as time progresses. If you notice any chalk-like white buildup along with your plumbing fixtures, it is an indication you have hard water in your home. Lean on our Big Bear plumbers for guidance including the installation of a water softener and you will have done your part to keep your plumbing system fully functional while greatly reducing the odds of a leak.

Conclusion:

Whether big or small, a leak is a serious and common threat to your Big Bear plumbing system. Hopefully, with the help of these five tips, you will be able to prevent a leak from damaging your home plumbing. From looking for water damage points to using a water softener, these tips are easy-to-implement. So, when do you want to start implementing them? Tell us in the comments below.

Want to Avoid Plumbing Leaks? Contact Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating Today

The last thing you need is a plumbing leak that compromises your home and possibly even your health. Our Big Bear plumbing experts are here to inspect your home plumbing and perform maintenance, repairs, and replacement as necessary. If you suspect or know you have a leak or any other plumbing challenge, reach out to us right away. You can reach our Big Bear plumbing crew by dialing (909) 584-4376.

---

If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.