You’ve probably heard horror stories from friends and neighbors about the damage that can be caused by a leaky faucet. However, most of us have no idea what it takes to fix a leaking pipe or how much it would cost to hire someone to do it for us. The good news is, there are some easy tips you can follow that will help you avoid costly plumbing problems in your home.
- Don’t Overlook the Leaks You Can See
Leaky pipes can cause a lot of damage over time. If you don’t notice a leak until after you’ve seen water dripping out all day, then chances are you’ll have a big mess on your hands when you call a υδραυλικοι. One of the best ways to catch leaks before they turn into full-blown disasters is through regular inspections. While a visual inspection might not uncover every little hole, it’s still worth doing once or twice a month.
- Keep Track of Your Water Use
A lot of people think that having an efficient water heater is one of the smartest things they can do to lower their energy bills. In fact, if you’re using less than 100 gallons per day (gpd), then you already have quite an advantage over those who use more than 200 gpd. You should keep track of how often you use water at each level to determine whether or not you need to upgrade your system. You could also consider installing a smart meter so you know exactly how much water you use at any given time.
- Know When to Call a Professional
Water isn’t always going to drip straight down. Sometimes it’s going to flow slowly, or it may even run backward before draining away completely. This means that small leaks can get bigger very quickly, and it’s important to know when to call a professional. For example, if you see a slow trickle under your sink, then you should take note of the amount of water coming out before calling a plumber. Similarly, if you see water pouring from a pipe into a bucket, then you’ll want to make sure that the bucket is empty before calling a professional.
- Look Before You Dig
When plumbing projects start to go wrong, they tend to go really wrong. That’s why it’s so important to inspect your work before digging up the street or going in front of your house. If you happen to spot a nail sticking out of the ground, you should stop immediately and call a professional right away. The same goes for anything else you find that isn’t supposed to be there. It’s a good idea to wear gloves while you’re working because many nails and other objects can actually puncture skin.
- Check Your Pipes Every Day
If a pipe bursts or breaks while you’re asleep, then it’s too late to call a professional. A burst pipe is never something you can easily repair yourself, and you should try to catch it as soon as possible. There are a few different places where you can check for leaks in your pipes without getting up off the couch. You can look behind sinks and bathtubs, around toilets, and underneath sinks. Just be careful not to touch the pipe with your bare hands – this can lead to serious infections.
- Be Sure That Your Plumbing Is Tight Enough To Last
While you may be tempted to skip this step, it’s critical to make sure that every inch of your plumbing is tight enough to last. After years of use, pipes can become a bit looser and weaker, which increases the risk of them breaking or leaking. Fortunately, there are tools like a pipe wrench that can tighten loose pipes and make repairs easier. If you live in an older home, you might need to replace old pipes and fittings rather than just tighten them up. Finally, a pipe can break because it’s simply too old. If you suspect that your plumbing needs replacing, then you should give call to a professional plumber.
- Make Sure That You Have Emergency Supplies
When you live in an area prone to flooding, you should always plan ahead and stock up on emergency supplies. Having access to bottled water and food is essential. Many people recommend buying extra bleach, ammonia, and paper towels, but you should also keep a first aid kit handy. This way, you’ll always have everything you need in case of a disaster.
It doesn’t matter how skilled you are at fixing your own plumbing issues, there are always going to be times when you need a professional. By following these tips, you can make sure that you won’t experience the kind of plumbing problems that can cost you thousands of dollars. With a little planning, you can prevent yourself from wasting money on unnecessary repairs.
