Are Your Pipes Stressed? Tips for Preventing Plumbing Leaks

Any time there is excess stress on your plumbing system, your pipes could be at risk for a leak. Factors that can stress your pipes include age, water pressure, and water hardness. Knowing the condition of your home’s plumbing and incoming water can help you to recognize the need for plumbing assistance to lower the levels of stress on your pipes and avoid future problems that could raise your water bills and damage your Anderson home.

Address High Water Pressure

Water pressure refers to the force with which water comes out of your plumbing fixtures. While many people prefer water pressure that is high, too much pressure can put every aspect of your plumbing at risk, from your pipes to your fixtures. You can test your home’s water pressure with a detachable meter; these meters are typically less than $10 at a local hardware store. Attach the meter to an outdoor hose spigot and ensure all plumbing fixtures in your home are closed and all water-using appliances are off. Turn on the spigot and read the water pressure on the gauge; “healthy” pressure should register between 40-85 psi. If your water pressure is higher than 85 psi, your pipes are under unnecessary stress. Contact your plumber to discuss installing a pressure reducer—simply reducing your water pressure to 85 psi or below will take excess stress off your pipes without affecting your comfort.

Address Hard Water

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals inside your water. Although hard water has no effect on your health, it can have an effect on the quality and longevity of your plumbing. Over time, minerals are deposited inside your pipes, leading to buildup that causes the opening through which water can flow to narrow. Buildup can also occur inside drains and fixtures, while limescale may form on tiles, porcelain, stainless steel, and even dishware washed in hard water. Hard water often hinders soap’s ability to form a later and clean, which also means your household may be using more water than necessary to bathe and clean dishes and clothes. You can find out if your home’s water is considered hard by checking with your local municipal water service or asking your plumber for more information. If your water is too hard, talk to your plumber about installing a water softening system. There are a variety of water softening systems available on the market today, each designed to remove minerals from your water as it enters your home. This will improve the quality of your water to lower the stress on your pipes and fixtures, while also reducing the amount of water you use and even improving the taste of your water.

Addressing factors that cause stress on your home’s plumbing will improve the lifetime of your pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances. If you’d like to find out more about plumbing solutions in Anderson, SC, visit our website to check out our comprehensive plumbing services in your area. Don’t forget to click through our blog for additional tips, information, and the latest plumbing news.