How to Prevent Pipe Leaks in Eight Ways

Want to learn how to prevent pipe leaks? Schedule a professional inspection with Gladiator Services at 201-571-1715. We’ll give you some pointers.

Leaks come out of seemingly nowhere to the average homeowner. But a little knowledge can go a long way. As Hillsdale’s reliable plumbing company, we at Gladiator Services offer some professional advice on how to prevent pipe leaks.

We get calls from customers about perfectly preventable leak catastrophes all too often. So our team developed a few tips to help you protect your home and plumbing system. Take a proactive approach with the prevention tips below. 

Where Do Leaks Commonly Occur?

Different types of leaks develop for various reasons. The most common and damaging leaks include the following:

• Faulty supply lines: The supply line attaches to your toilet tank and connects to plumbing fixtures in the wall behind your toilet. You can easily overlook a supply line leak since the toilet often obscures it. 
• Burst pipes: A pipe network runs all through your home. Some pipes move water behind walls and under floors. You can see others beneath your sinks. These PVC pipes can endure too much stress, causing them to crack and burst. 
• Waterline leaks: Have you ever happened upon a seemingly random puddle in your home? Your main waterline may have sprung a leak. 
• Connection failures: Valves and joints are examples of plumbing connections. If they don't have secure connections, they can fail and allow water to escape your plumbing system. 

#1 Occasionally Inspect Your Plumbing 

Leak prevention begins with inspecting all visible plumbing components on your own. Perform monthly inspections to stay informed about how the parts look and operate. Use this checklist to help you remember how to inspect your plumbing:

• Check all plumbing fixtures, including visible pipes, sinks, tubs, toilets, hoses, and appliances. 
• Note whether any listed fixtures drip or feel moist in inappropriate areas. 
• Check faucets and spigots for slow leaks. 
• Record and adjust the water pressure. 

#2 Keep Water Pressure Below 60 PSI

Purchase a pressure gauge to check your household water supply’s pressure or PSI. Connect this tool to spigots or faucets and turn on the water. The gauge should provide an accurate measurement.

Although residential PSI should not gauge above 80, you want to keep it at 60 or below. Household fixtures and pipes can’t handle high PSI. Eventually, the stress will cause cracks, fractures, or loosened pipe joints. 

#3 Don’t Use Liquid Drain Cleaners

Manufacturers formulated liquid drain cleaners as a last-ditch effort to remove a blockage before calling a plumber. These products are corrosive and can eat through drains and pipes. If you have a habit of reaching for liquid plumbing products, change your approach with the following suggestions:

1. Pour boiling water down a clogged drain. Then, squirt some liquid dish soap into the drain. Follow up with more boiling water after 30 minutes.
2. Boil a mixture of one part water and one part white vinegar. Add a cup of baking soda to the drain. Follow up with the boiling liquid mix. Finally, add more plain boiling water after an hour. 
3. Use lemon juice and boiling water to combat nasty odors in a drain. 

These household items are often cheaper and less destructive than liquid drain cleaners. Plus, they are usually just as effective at clearing mild to moderate clogs. Learning how to prevent pipe leaks often means greatly limiting your use of store-bought products. 

#4 Keep Your Drains Clear

Drain clogs are often a source of pipe stress. Allowing the water to slowly gurgle down the drain can feel tempting. But keeping the drains clean reduces pipe stress. The longer a clog sits untreated, the more debris it collects.

Use this protocol to treat blockages:

1. Try the homemade formulas listed above to clean the drain. You can also use drain snakes or plungers if you need an extra push. 
2. If you fail to clear the clog after a few tries, use liquid drain cleaner once.
3. If you have no luck with the first two steps, call a qualified plumber to inspect and clear the drain with professional equipment. 

#5 Keep These Substances Away From Drains

Have you ever scraped meal remains off your plate and into the sink drain? Many people have this habit, but pieces of food are among the numerous substances that shouldn’t go down the drain.

Other items that should go in the trash rather than the plumbing system include:

• Grease and oil
• Sanitary products
• Cat litter
• Paper products (besides toilet paper in the toilet)
• Coffee grounds

A slip-up now and then probably won’t destroy your plumbing system. But try limiting your drain and pipe contents to water and soap. 

#6 Proactively Repair Seals, Fittings, and Joints

During your inspections, note any damage your pipe fittings and pipe joints sustain. Once you notice it, call a plumber for inspection and repairs. They’ll fix the parts as needed, protecting your plumbing from damaging stress. 

#7 Follow Protocols for Freezing Temperatures

Most homeowners follow a typical protocol when temperatures dip below freezing. You open your cabinet doors and let the water drip to prevent ice blockages. Take it a step further by purchasing pipe insulation and prepping your home for winter weather.

Install insulation sleeves on all exposed pipes. Run appliances that use water nightly, and disconnect your hose and insulate the spigot. These extra steps offer lots of protection. 

#8 Use Water Softeners

Tap water contains dissolved minerals. Some sources have a higher mineral content than others, and mineral content leads to buildup within your pipes. The buildup eventually causes blockages and leaks.

Installing a water softener will eliminate the minerals in your water supply. This device can add years to the lifespans of water heaters, dishwashers, faucets, and pipes. 

Our Team at Gladiator Services Knows How to Prevent Pipe Leaks

Ready to learn how to prevent pipe leaks? Start with a professional inspection from our experienced plumbers at Gladiator Services. Our experience with all types of plumbing pipes means we can help you choose the best solutions.

Ask about our comprehensive plumbing services by calling Gladiator Services at 201-571-1715.