Everyone fears the day they come home to a leaky pipe. Whether you find the leak in your bathroom, kitchen, or your basement, leaks can lead to a costly pipe repair, not to mention water damage to anything around it. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the chances of pipe leaks. Using some of these techniques, you will hopefully not have to worry about all the turmoil caused by leaky pipes.
Reduce Water Pressure
High water pressure can be one of the primary culprits when it comes to pipe leaks. This is because when the water pressure is high, it puts an enormous amount of strain on the pipes, which can shift them around and eventually cause them to become disjointed – hence, leak. You can measure your pipes’ pressure with a hose bib gauge, available at most hardware stores. Normal water pressure ranges from around 40 to 85 psi, so if your pressure is much higher, it may be a good idea to have a plumber lower it.
Water Softeners
If your water has a high mineral content, those minerals can build up in pipes, reducing flow. This can lead to strain on the pipes, and eventually, leakage. If you see a white buildup around the source of your water, that might mean that it has a high level of mineral content. You can solve this problem with a water softener, which uses sodium to remove the minerals from the water.
Clean Your Drains
If you begin to notice your water is draining slowly, there is likely a buildup of material in the sink. Drain clogs strain your pipes and can lead to leaks. While there are many ways to clean your drain, the easiest is to drop baking soda down your drain, followed by vinegar. The baking soda will react to the vinegar, causing a chemical reaction that will break down buildup on the sides of pipes.
If you are already experiencing a pipe leak, don’t panic! Flowrite Plumbing is here to help! With our team of experienced plumbing professionals, we can fix your pipes in no time. Call today!