Everyone has heard those terrible stories about pipes bursting, faucets malfunctioning or other major plumbing failures. It can happen in any home, with seemingly no warning unless you are proactively monitoring your water. Sadly, the damage that can occur as a result of flooding can be extremely expensive to repair, and it is not always covered by insurance. How can you prevent this type of disaster from taking place in your home? Remember these tips:
Brown or Yellow Water in Pipes
Brown or yellow water in your tub or sink basin can be a sign that rust is eating away at your pipes. If you see signs like this, consider replacing the relevant pipes immediately.
Plumbing Pipe Lifespan
The lifespan of your pipes is an important factor to consider. While copper piping might last between 70 and 80 years, PVC drain lines have a shorter like expectancy of 25 to 40 years. Make sure you know the material and age of your pipes so that you can proactively make replacements before you are forced to due to a flood.
Increased Water Bill Warning Signs
Your water bill can act as a monthly checkup for the plumbing system in your home. An unexpected spike in water usage can be an indication of one or multiple leaks that have not yet seeped through your walls and into plain site. More obvious leaks will often pool below specific fixtures.
Drain Care
Take care of your pipes by being very conscious what is being put down the drain in your home. Large quantities of food scraps should always go in the household trash and not down the drain. Not only does this apply to food, but lots of other things in the home. Children may flush toys and other small objects that can end up clogging your pipes or permanently damaging them depending on the shape size and material.
Finding a Plumber you can Trust
Find a plumber that you can develop a long-term relationship with, who can get to know the home, the plumbing system and what the potential concerns are relevant to you. If the same plumber is always doing annual checks and small jobs, they will get to know your system and will easier recognize things that do not belong.
When looking for a plumber to help you avoid these types of nightmares, consider qualities such as certifications, price, punctuality, quality of work and warranties. Compare with a couple of other companies and always be sure to check online reviews. The internet is full of great platforms for customers to share their experience with a professional and recommend them to the public. Use this as a starting point for your search.
A McKenna Plumbing serves Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Milton. We pride ourselves on our many positive reviews on Google My Business and Homestars.