Potential Plumbing Hazards in Your Home

Clogged drains and backed-up toilets are common plumbing problems and you likely already know how to avoid them. But do you know where other potential plumbing hazards in your home might lie? Knowing all the areas where your home’s plumbing is vulnerable to problems can help you spot trouble before it becomes a major flood. Keep reading to learn more about the potential plumbing hazards that could be lurking in your Hammond home.

Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine draws water to wash clothes every time you do your laundry. In most homes, that water is drawn through one or two rubber hoses connecting the wall water outlet to your washing machine. These hoses can grow brittle with time, especially if they are kinked or looped tightly behind the appliance. A burst washing machine hose can flood your home quickly and without warning, causing extensive water damage. In fact, burst washing machine hoses are one of the most common reasons homeowners make claims on their insurance. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent washing machine hoses from bursting. Replace your hoses every three to five years, even if they appear fine. Better yet, replace them with a braided metal hose, which is stronger and less likely to burst. If you do use rubber hoses, shut off the incoming water valve whenever you are not doing laundry. Finally, check your washing machine hoses every few months and replace them immediately if you see signs of cracks, damage, or leaks.

Your Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets are subject to the ravages of the natural environment. Extreme heat and cold can damage these faucets, putting them at risk for leaks. A leaking outdoor faucet may go unnoticed for long periods of time, wasting many gallons of water in the process. Excess moisture around the base of your home could even lead to foundation damage if the problem persists over the long term. Inspect your outdoor faucets every few weeks to check for obvious drips or signs of moisture in the area. Keep in mind that the faucet may leak from the place where it exits your home as well as from the valve itself. If your faucet is leaking, the most likely culprit is the washer inside the faucet that keeps the connection watertight when it is closed. You can replace this washer yourself or contact your plumber for help if you aren’t sure how to make the repair. Additionally, outdoor faucets can be prone to freezing during the winter. Before cold weather hits, winterize your faucets by finding their corresponding indoor shutoff valves and making sure they are closed. Outside, open the faucet all the way and allow any remaining water to drain so it cannot freeze and expand once the temperature drops. Close the faucet once you are finished draining it. Using insulated covers or wrapping exposed faucets in towels during freezing weather can also prevent burst faucets or pipes due to cold temperatures.

These are just a few of the potential plumbing hazards that could affect your Indiana home. If you have questions or concerns about how to maintain your plumbing or can’t repair an issue on your own, visit our website to contact a Mr. Rooter plumber for help in Hammond, Valparaiso, Portage, Merrillville, Lowell, and beyond. You can also check out our blog for additional tips and information about your home’s plumbing needs.