Winnipeg Home Repair: Tips to Prevent Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks can cause significant problems for homeowners, everything from flooding to mould. It is crucial to prevent these issues to save money and maintain the functionality of your home. Using professional plumbing services in Winnipeg, homeowners can not only learn about their home systems but they can also figure out ways to protect against damages to begin with. With proper devices and system maintenance, homeowners can prevent the most common plumbing problems, ensuring their homes remain functional.

Preventing Plumbing Leaks in Your Winnipeg Home

How much do you know about your plumbing system? No homeowner has to understand the complexities and intricacies of their home system. Still, they should understand some fundamental concepts, like the location of crucial valves and the necessity of annual inspections. It also doesn’t hurt for homeowners to understand essential maintenance tasks. Too often, a homeowner doesn’t understand the fundamentals of their system, resulting in significant damage from a lack of maintenance and upkeep. Property owners should know a few things to help them prevent leaks and other minor to severe plumbing issues.

1. Know the Location of the Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Property owners should know where the water shut-off valve is for their property. Knowing the location of this vital piece of equipment allows the homeowner to cut off the water supply to the entire house quickly. In an emergency situation, this valve can be the difference between a flood and extensive water damage or a puddle and minor cleanup.

In most homes, especially those built on a crawl or slab, the water shut-off is usually located near the water heater or inside the garage. If you own a home with a basement, the shut-off is usually down there near the water heater.

If you want more control, you can install shut-offs at appliances and fixtures. The valves cost little, but professional plumbers can cost between $50 and $150 per hour.

2. Install a Flow Sensor

A flow sensor is a device that detects leaks and automatically shuts off the water supply to the house. You can find devices that work by shutting off water supplies to specific appliances, depending on shut-off valve installation. A typical flow sensor will cost $75 or more, but you must also factor in the professional installation. A standard installation with the equipment will cost several thousand dollars.

3. Use Pipe Insulation

Pipe insulation is an excellent tool for pipes in colder areas of the home, including basements, garages, and crawls. The material is inexpensive and easy to install. The primary benefit is it prevents frozen pipes that often cause pipe breaks and bursts. An added benefit of the insulation is it keeps the water warmer, so you will not lose as much heat when hot water travels the piping to the shower.

4. Keep Vanity and Sink Cabinets Clean and Clear

Many homeowners love to take advantage of the extra storage underneath sinks. While there is nothing wrong with storing a few essentials, it is a mistake to overcrowd cabinets and vanities with too many items. Overcrowded cabinets can make it easier to miss signs of leaks. Also, too many things under sinks make it easier to jostle drains and connections, resulting in damage.

Adhering To Maintenance and Care Problems Quickly

Besides committing to learning and preventative measures, homeowners must also commit to routine maintenance and plumbing system care. Your system needs a minimum of yearly inspections. For extra precautions, hire a plumber to inspect your system at the change of every season or at least the changes between summer and fall and winter and spring.

Hiring Professional Plumbers for Repairs and Inspections

Are you looking for a professional, licensed plumber for home system inspections or repairs? Contact the experts with Handyman Connection and ensure the functionality of your plumbing system.