4 min read
When asked about the common causes of water damage in homes, flooding and severe weather conditions are usually the first emergencies that come to mind.
However, as a homeowner, it pays to know that unchecked plumbing issues can also lead to water damage events. Corroded pipes, damaged supply lines, and worn-out fixtures can allow gallons of water into your home anytime and make an overwhelming mess.
Fortunately, water damage prevention is completely achievable. These preventive maintenance steps can help you avoid dealing with standing water inside your house or minimize its damage.
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Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
The first measure to take to protect your property from significant damage is to know where your main valve is located and how to turn it off.
In case a pipe bursts or an appliance breaks down and causes a major leak, quickly turning your water supply off helps prevent more water from entering your home and damaging everything in its way.
If you are going away for a week or longer, it’s also a good idea to shut off the main valve. Doing so keeps leaks or burst pipes from wreaking havoc on your place while you’re away.
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Have Your Plumbing System Regularly Inspected
When it comes to your pipes’ performance, not experiencing any issues at the moment doesn’t mean you can put your guard down. Having your plumbing system regularly inspected by a licensed plumber is important when it comes to preventing water damage in your home.
Regular visual inspections of your pipes also help in water damage prevention. When inspecting any exposed pipes, supply lines, valves, and fittings, watch out for any of these signs:
- White, blue, green, or brown discoloration on metal pipes.
- Blue or green water coming from copper pipes.
- Cracks on any plastic or polymer plumbing part.
- Bubbling or peeling paint on walls and ceilings near a bathroom.
- Visible pools of water near plumbing fixtures.
If you spot any of these issues, it’s best to have a licensed plumber diagnose and fix them before they lead to further complications.
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Check and Replace Toilet Supply Lines and Valves
Aside from your exposed pipes, your toilet supply lines and valves must also be inspected regularly. Whether you’re going through a busy workday or enjoying your time off, dealing with a leaking fixture is the last thing you need.
Here are some preventive maintenance steps you can take to keep your toilet running smoothly:
Check the condition of the supply lines going to and from the toilet.
If replacing any supply hose yourself, follow the installation instructions carefully and avoid overtightening the connections.
Open the toilet tank to check the flushing valve for cracks, discoloration, and other signs of degradation. -
Enlist Regular Water Heater Inspections
A water heater overflow or leak can cause gallons of hot water to rush into your home, damaging nearby objects and potentially injuring people. The standing water can also soak furniture and appliances, causing metal objects to rust and weakening your home’s building materials.
Fortunately, issues relating to water heating equipment are usually easy to detect, especially when you proactively look for signs like:
- Discolored or gritty water coming from the faucet.
- Not enough hot water or inconsistent water temperature.
- Water dripping from the equipment.
- Unusual sounds are coming from the water heater.
Enlisting regular repairs and maintenance can help keep your heating equipment from breaking down and flooding your home. However, if your unit has already started leaking into your basement, getting a professional flooded basement restoration crew is crucial in fending off more extensive and expensive repairs.
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Use Your Appliances and Fixtures Responsibly
It’s always a good idea to be mindful of how you use your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Your water damage prevention efforts will only be successful if coupled with responsible practices, like the following:
- Refraining from flushing anything other than human waste down the toilets.
- Refraining from dumping grease down the drains to avoid clogs.
- Choosing the right drain cleaners to address clogged drains and toilets without damaging the pipes.
- Repairing and replacing old fixtures and appliances before they break down.
Entrust Your Home to a Certified Water Damage Restoration Professional
Plumbing fixtures and appliances can cause significant water damage in homes, but routine checks and regular maintenance can prevent it from happening.
If you have detected an existing plumbing or appliance leak, make sure to call Restoration 1 of San Antonio North immediately. We have a straightforward process to handle burst pipes, wall and ceiling water damage, or any appliance leaks you may have. Contact our licensed water extraction and drying experts and get expert help 24/7!
