Potential Water Damages Homeowners May Experience

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

• Some indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

• After you flush, wait for the valve to finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period, turn off the hot and cold-water supply valve to reduce failure risks.