If they go undetected, water leaks can slowly cause extensive damage to your home. While they’re hard to predict, you can reduce their likelihood with a regular maintenance schedule and some simple steps. Below, you’ll find a guide to safeguarding your plumbing and keeping your home safe.

How to Prevent Water Leaks in Your Home

1. Rely on a Professional to Unclog Your Drains

While it’s tempting to use a drain snake or chemical solution to handle clogs in your plumbing, you could inadvertently cause leaks. Amateur use of a drain snake has the potential to knock holes in pipes, and harsh chemicals can corrode old pipes, leading to slow leaks. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, call a professional plumber so you don’t accidentally make matters worse.

2. Adjust Your Water Pressure

If your pipes are aging, they may be brittle and prone to hairline fractures. This problem is exacerbated if your home’s water pressure is higher than the recommended level of 40 to 70 psi. You can buy a pressure gauge at your local hardware store and test it by opening a faucet all the way. If the pressure is too high, contact your plumber to have a regulator installed.

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage

If you’ve had plumbing issues in an area of your home, it’s worth investing in a moisture detector. These small devices look like smoke alarms and beep loudly when a leak is present. Installing one or two in the areas that are most prone to leaks can prevent expensive damage and give you peace of mind that there aren’t any undetected leaks.

4. Keep an Eye on Appliances

Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators with built-in filters can all make your life easier, but they also pose the risk of leaks as they get older and connections corrode. To prevent unexpected leaking, inspect the appliances every six months. If you notice any moisture, rust, or loose water lines, invest in the necessary repairs before a leak damages the floors and walls.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your plumbing functions properly and water leaks don’t cause any damage to your home. If you need a drain unclogged, are working on a bathroom remodeling project, or want to install a new water heater, you can rely on Bohannon’s Plumbing & General Repairs. They offer 30 years of experience, fair rates for every project, and 24/7 emergency service. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 561-9444. You can also learn more about their services on their website.