Homeowners take precautionary measures against catastrophic events such as floods and fires. However, a majority is still prone to costly water and sewer line disruptions as well as other unexpected in-house plumbing emergencies such as water leaks. You may not be an expert plumber, but it’s still important to understand the basics of plumbing, especially when Handling minor water leak repairs. Thus, here are three things to know about water leak repair to save you from the hassle of the sudden in-house water leak before a plumber gets in.
1. Water Pressure Is Like Blood Pressure
Water pressure is like blood pressure and hence requires frequent testing. As a requirement of the building codes, water pressure should not exceed 80 psi. When it hits slightly over 90 psi, you know there is something amiss. A professionally trained and Qualified plumber install water pressure regulators. Thus, most regulators are factory set to 50 psi, although your plumber may fail to tell you. The good news, however, is you don’t need a plumber to re-adjust the regulator– you can fix it on your own.
If you suspect your water pressure is unreasonably high, a water pressure gauge comes in handy. Get a licensed contractor to install it. Once installed, follow the steps below to ensure it works properly:
• Shut off the house’s main water inlet by turning the shut-off valve to the right
• Turn the locking nut on the regulator to the left to reduce water pressure on the regulator
• To reduce the water pressure, turn the adjusting screw to the left. Turn it to the right to increase the water pressure
• Tighten the locking nut and re-test the water pressure to optimum level
To prevent water pipes and other appliances from wearing out and leaking, having a good water pressure regulator is a significant step.
2. Use Steel Braided Water Supply Lines
Every time you occupy a new rental house, it is important to replace the worn-out water supply lines to the toilet, faucet, or the washing machine. What most homeowners don’t know is that insurance companies don’t cover the repair costs of broken water and sewer lines running through their homes. You may not know what is right, but by looking at the visible pipes in the house, you can spot rust, buckling, and drops of water an indication of a possible leak. When replacing the old and worn-out water supply pipes, it is advisable to use steel-braided water supply lines, especially to the toilets, washing machines, bath and kitchen faucets. They are much stronger and dependable, unlike the copper tubes.
3. Use Quarter-Turn Ball Valves for Old Shutoff Valves
Like the Water supply lines, shutoff valves should be checked and replaced regularly. Old shutoff valves soon degrade, and fail to perform satisfactorily with time. Installing quarter-turn ball valves at regular intervals saves you the ordeal of having a clogged toilet at midnight with barely any idea to save the situation. These valves are great because they are readily available, have no rubber seals that wear out over time and do not require a plumber to install.
You can save water within the home by merely turning off the tap when not in use. Water leaks are at times hidden and may at times go unnoticed for years. However, leaks can be prevented by regular inspection, maintenance, and repair of water appliances and plumbing fixtures. That’s why a few water leak repair tips are a must know.
