Avoid Leaks at Home by Taking Good Care of Your Plumbing

Let’s be honest. Unless your job is actually as a plumber, you don’t give much thought to your plumbing system in your home. The water runs, the toilet flushes, and everything is right as rain.

It’s only when something breaks or goes wrong that we start to wonder about this amazing system that just seems to work, all the time, in our favor. Take good care of your plumbing system, and get ahead of slab leaks, along with other problems, before they start.

Stop Using Chemical Clog Removers

Chemical clog removers are not all they’re cracked up to be. They’re advertised as a fast and easy way to remove clogs from your drain, but the reality is they can cause damage to your pipes.

The harsh and toxic chemicals in these products can, over time, lead to pipe corrosion and leaks, and more often than not, won’t fix the clog.

Next time you have a clogged drain, try using a drain snake instead. They are an inexpensive way to remove the clog from the drain.

If you don’t feel like running out to the store you can also try a nontoxic, homemade approach. Pour half a cup of salt down the clogged drain, followed by boiling water. Flush it with hot water until the clog is gone. This nontoxic remedy won't harm your pipes and costs nothing.

Preventing Pipe Corrosion

Pipe corrosion can happen to any pipelines. The deterioration occurs over time, with exposure to harsh chemicals and high levels of bacteria and other elements. Here is a list of ways to prevent pipe corrosion.

1. Avoid using chemical clog removers.
2. Clean your pipes on a regular basis.
3. Test your water pH levels - keep it between 7.0-8.0.
4. Install a phosphate feeder - this is especially good for copper pipes.

If you’re unsure whether or not your pipes are corroded, or headed down that path, contact a plumber for an inspection.

Reduce the Water Pressure in Your Home

Water pressure should sit between 40 and 80 psi, anything above that is going to be bad news for your pipes. Luckily, there are some ways to manage and fix the problem without breaking the bank.

If you’re unsure about your water pressure, you can purchase a hose bib gauge, available at the hardware store for about $10.00. This handy tool will be able to tell you where your pressure sits on any given day.

To reduce the water pressure, if necessary, you can install a pressure regulator, also found at your local hardware store, ranging from $15.00 - $35.00.

How to Identify a Leak

Find any leaks in your home, and stop them before they turn into a flood. Follow these easy steps:

1. Shut off water inside and outside.
2. Check your water meter reading.
3. Don’t use any water for at least 15 minutes, up to an hour.
4. Check your water meter reading again, and if it went up, you probably have a leak you can’t see.
5. Time to call the professional.

You don’t have to be a plumber to take care of your plumbing system. Anyone in Fairhope, AL can now be an expert on home maintenance. It’s the little things that go a long way and can save you valuable time and money at the end of the day.