Adjustments to Avoid Leaking Pipes

One of the most common plumbing problems that will be found in a given system over a period of years is leaking pipes. There are many things that can cause pipes to leak in the home or office, including simple wear and tear that takes place over time.

At All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling, our plumbers are well trained in handling issues of leaking pipes, and also in preventing them. There are a couple prominent areas you can look into that can help reduce the stress on pipes and lower the chance of a leak occurring and costing you money.

Water Pressure

Living in a home with high water pressure is great on the one hand, because you’ll never have to worry about a limited shower or water appliances that don’t really perform optimally. On the other hand, though, higher water pressure is known to put more strain on the pipes the water flows through. A couple tips here:

• Measure water pressure by calling your local plumbing company, or by purchasing a hose bib gauge.
• Water pressure should register between 40 and 85 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything higher than this should be lowered by a pressure regulator.
• Low-flow shower heads and faucets do not actually reduce water pressure – rather, they just control the actual amounts of water that are dispensed.

Water Softening

If you live in an area with harder water, your plumbing can undergo significant stress from this. Sediment of magnesium and calcium can build up within the pipes, and this can cause issues from restricted water flow to corrosion of joints and fittings, which can lead to leaks. A few areas to consider here:

• Inspect shower heads, faucets and any surfaces near plumbing fixtures for white colored buildup and stains – telltale signs of hard water.
• If you have a well water system, have the water tested or view the annual report. Anything over 140 parts per million is considered hard water.
• The best way to remove hard water as a concern in the home is to install a water softener. There are a number of options available here.

For more on preventing pipe leaks through smart adjustments, or to learn more about any of our plumbing services, speak to the pros at All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling today.