Managing Repaired Leaks Prevents Their Recurrence

Homeownership is a privilege and a joy, but it can also be stressful. There are times when it seems like you’re just waiting for the next disaster. This may not be true, but there are many things that can go wrong in a property, especially some of the older ones that are common in Hampton Roads.

Leaking pipes are frustratingly common and they can be costly, too. Unless you replace a pipe that has been leaking, there is a chance the repairs will eventually break down and the leaks will reoccur.

Thankfully, however, there are steps you can take to manage repaired leaks and prevent them from causing trouble again in the future.

How You Can Manage Repaired Leaks

If you are noticing that leaks are becoming more common in your home, or that certain pipes have to be repaired over and over again, there are a few things you can do to manage the situation. These simple changes will minimize pressure on repaired pipes and prevent further leaks.

Check Water Pressure

Making sure your water pressure is balanced is one of the fundamentally important things you can do to prevent damage to your pipes. The number to be aware of is 60 PSI. If the pressure in your home goes above this level, it can cause your pipes to jump and bang against the walls. This will damage the pipes themselves, but also the fittings that hold them in place.

The ideal PSI range is between 30 and 50, depending on your pipes, your home, and your preferences.

Tighten Fittings

Inspect the points at which your pipes connect to appliances and utilities, like your water heater and sinks, as well as how they connect to each other (where possible). If you find that these areas are damp to the touch, take a moment to tighten the fittings. If you do this along with your regular maintenance task, you will seriously minimize the chances of avoidable leaks forming.

Install a Water Softener  

Hard water has a high mineral content that can be damaging to your pipes. In fact, hard water can actually corrode your pipes from the inside out over time. Installing a water softener may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing damage to your pipes. It will also be beneficial to your skin and hair.

Insulate Your Pipes

The strain that snap freezes and thaws can put on pipes that have already been repaired once (or more than once) is considerable. Insulating your pipes has many benefits, but the most obvious is the prevention of damage. Insulation will not only prevent ice clogs and burst pipes but make corrosion as a result of dampness or condensation less likely.

Seal Joints

One of the biggest causes of leaks is improperly sealed joints. If you notice persistent, low-level leaks from certain joints, contact a certified plumbing technician. By coating the interior threads and tightening the compression nut, they can tighten and seal the joints as a whole, preventing leaks.

Book an Inspection

The easiest way to find out the current state of your plumbing system is to book a professional inspection. A technician will not only be able to identify outstanding issues and highlight weaknesses. They will be able to tell you what you need to do in order to protect your home in the long term.

At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do as a homeowner. However, if you take care of your pipes and deploy preventive measures, you should sidestep avoidable leaks with ease. When you run into unavoidable leaks or sudden damage, whether as a result of accidental damage or wear and tear, contact A1 Sewer & Drain for an appointment or emergency assistance.

Stay Safe in a Plumbing Flood

If you find yourself on the wrong side of a large plumbing flood, it is important that you first consider your safety. Do not try to address the damaged pipe alone (especially if it is connected to your water heater). Instead, shut off your main water supply and stay away from electrical appliances and equipment until help arrives.