Few household problems can cause more stress and expense than a plumbing disaster. A beautiful home can quickly be turned into a disaster area with just a backed-up sewer line, burst pipe or overflowing toilet. That’s why it’s important to know the ways to prevent plumbing catastrophes. It takes awareness, alertness and a willingness to take fast action to protect your home.
Here are seven important ways you can protect your home and your wallet by catching small problems before they become major emergencies.
- Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is: This is rule number one. If you have a leak, broken pipe or flood, you need to be able to stop the water immediately. Find the shutoff valve in the basement, crawl space or on the outside of your home. In most cases, turning off the water is as easy as turning a round handle or turning a lever 90 degrees. That will stop the water to the whole house and you have time to get repairs made.
- Inspect Your Pipes for Signs of Wear or Leaks: Spotting damaged pipes is a way to stop a leak before it starts. Once or twice a year, make a tour of your home to inspect any exposed pipes. Look under sinks, in the basement, and near your water heater. You should be watching for signs of corrosion, discoloration, mineral buildup, moisture, or tiny drips. Even a slow leak can lead to water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. Also check out hoses connected to washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers. Rubber hoses last 5 to 7 years. They may need replacing if they show cracks before this time.
- Be Careful What You Flush or Send Down the Drain: A clogged toilet or backed-up kitchen sink is more than an inconvenience. It can quickly become a plumbing nightmare. The only thing that should go down the toilet is toilet paper and human waste. “Flushable” wipes, feminine products, cotton balls, and paper towels are not suitable for flushing and can cause serious blockages.
In the kitchen, don’t pour grease, oil, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the drain. Even with a garbage disposal, these substances can clog pipes and damage your plumbing system. Instead, collect grease in a jar and dispose of it in the trash, and use a sink strainer to catch debris.
- In Cold Climates, Protect Pipes from Freezing: In Albuquerque and the mountains around us, frozen pipes can occur any time the temperature drops. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands—causing the pipe to crack or burst. So insulate your pipes in basements, attics and crawl spaces. Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air in under sink areas and let the water trickle to keep water moving. Winterize outdoor faucets by disconnecting and draining garden hoses and shutting off the water supply.
- Install Leak Detectors and Smart Shut-Off Valves: These are 21st Century and intelligent safeguards! New technology gives you powerful tools to monitor your home’s plumbing system. Leak detectors can be placed under sinks, near water heaters, or behind appliances to alert you via smartphone if moisture is detected. Home monitors can tell you via smartphone if your water is running. Some smart home systems can automatically shut off the water if they detect unusual activity. These devices are especially valuable for second homes or frequent travelers, providing peace of mind even when you’re away.
- Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Water Heater: Your water heater is a closed system but inside, it can be corroding or deteriorating. Every year, you need to drain the tank to remove sediment. If you have a professional do this service, they can also check the anode rod for corrosion, and inspect the pressure relief valve. Or, if your water heater is eight to ten years old and it’s misbehaving, it may be time for a replacement.
- Learn to Rely on Professional Inspections: The smartest thing you can do is schedule an annual inspection of your whole system. Repairing small problems as they show up can be the key to a stress-free future for you and your plumbing system.
Prevention Can Save You Many Thousands of Dollars
Plumbing disasters rarely happen without warning. A little vigilance and regular maintenance go a long way in avoiding the disruption, damage, and cost that come with water-related emergencies. To schedule an annual inspection or for a fast, accurate repair, call Rocketman Plumbing for service in the Greater Albuquerque area.
About Kyle Metcalf
Kyle Metcalf has been providing plumbing services for more than three decades. He founded Rocketman Plumbing in 2015 to provide trustworthy, quality service for residents in the Albuquerque area. He cherishes his company’s reputation for doing great work at a good price and loves what he does for a living.