One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner is a water pipe breaking. A broken or cracked water pipe can cause significant damage inside your home if you don’t know where the leak is coming from and can’t stop it.
One of the main issues with locating the leak is the fact that there are so many pipes in your home. Most people are not familiar with their pipes and drains and so it can be hard to know exactly where the water is dripping from in order to be able to tighten or replace the correct pipe.
Because of the amount of time that it takes to locate leaks, in many cases, unnecessary damage occurs and can result in even more expense in terms of repairs and the time it will take to clean up the mess.
You may have just moved into a new home, or you may have been living in the same location for years. Regardless, if you are not already familiar with the pipes and drains in your home, it might be time to start familiarizing yourself with them, and giving them a periodic check from time to time.
The first thing you can do to become more familiar with your pipes is to locate or create a diagram of the plumbing layout of your house. You might have been given one by your realtor, or you can create one easily by indicating each drain, bathroom and sink.
Also indicate where the access openings are, if any, so that it will be easy to trace leaking pipes that need to be tightened or replaced, or help you deal with clogged drains.
If you have built a new home, the process of mapping pipes can be easy and you should ask your general contractor or your plumbing contractor to create a diagram for you. Also ask if it is possible to keep in mind easy access around sinks and drains just in case the worst should happen.
If you have purchased or live in an older home, you may want to spend the money to hire a professional to map out your pipes and drains and check on their overall condition. While this can cost you time and money initially, it can save you a good deal of both if the worst were ever to happen. Being proactive and repairing the worst of the old pipes before they burst one winter and cause flooding can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, and being invaded by mold and mildew.
Most people don’t think about their pipes and plumbing-until it is too late. Don’t be short-sighted. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Know where all of your main pipes and drains are before you ever have a problem. Have a diagram made of all your pipes and drains and check them periodically.
Ask a professional to assess your pipes if they are very old. If you have been having trouble with leaks, get the plumber in to check them and decide what to do based on what you can afford. Just remember, water can cause a great deal of damage in your home, and any floors and ceilings under the leaking pipes, so don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to keeping your plumbing up to date and in good repair.
FURTHER READING:
How to Become a Do-It-Yourself Mom: A Guide for Simple Home Decorating Ideas for Smart Women
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