Some homeowners neglect to worry a great deal about the possibility of a plumbing leak, believing that their insurance will cover it if a problem ever occurs. While insurance can help in many cases, there have certainly been many times when insurance companies have refused to pay for damage caused by a homeowner's negligence to maintain the integrity of their pipes. Also, a large burst is immediately noticeable as an avalanche of water often floods the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. While this can cause some damage, immediately taking care of the situation can curtail most of the consequences. On the other hand, when very small leaks are occurring, especially in areas that are unnoticed by household members, years of accumulated water can cause massive structural damage to your home. Repairing such problems like black mold and wood rot can cost thousands of dollars, and are often not covered by insurance. It's always best for homeowners to take responsibility and be proactive when it comes to plumbing maintenance, including staying on top of their potentially leaky pipes.
Locate Your Home's Shut Off Valves
The first step is to know where your home's shut off valves are. In the event of a plumbing catastrophe, you don't want to spend an hour frantically trying to find the main shut off valve. Also, finding small leaks in the bathroom drain for instance can be temporarily halted by switching off the water supply near the sink until a plumber can inspect and repair the pipes.
Inspect Faucets and Hoses Often
It's a good idea to do a seasonal check of all your home's faucets and appliance hoses. Experts also recommend replacing your hoses approximately every 5 years to avoid cracks and small punctures.
Install an Automatic Shutoff System
Automatic shutoff systems will immediately shut off your water supply if a leak triggers a sensor. Two types of automatic shutoff systems exist, Whole House and Single Appliance. Which one you choose is entirely up to your individual preferences and budget. Whole House shutoff system's will turn off the main water supply to the entire house if a leak is detected. A Single Appliance unit will only turn off the water supply to your dishwasher for example.
Water Leak Detection in Atlanta
Place Floor Pans Beneath Appliances
Though they won't protect you from massive flooding, installing floor pans beneath select appliances may help prevent small leaks from damaging your flooring. Some prominent appliances to consider placing floor pans under are:
- Refrigerator
- Washing Machine
- Water Heater
- Dishwasher
Be sure to look for a pan that matches your specific appliance before making your final purchase.
Do You Have a Leak That Needs to Be Repaired? Call the Expert Plumbers at Mr. Rooter Today
If you have a leak, no matter what size, be sure the call in the experts. Our team of professional local plumbers are highly trained and excellent at detecting the source of plumbing leaks so they can be quickly and effectively repaired as soon as possible. Call Mr. Rooter today to schedule an appointment with a local certified plumber.