We always said, “It would never happen to me,” a plumbing disaster. We take for granted and think that our plumbing is never going to break down until the inevitable happens. For some, it might be a clogged sewer line or a minor pipe leak; and for others, it could be a burst pipe while no one was home. While you may not be able to avoid a plumbing disaster altogether, there are some safeguards you can have in place. In addition, we need to remember that a plumbing disaster means something different to whoever you’re talking to.
The First Line Of Defense Against a Plumbing Disaster Is A Smart Home Leak Detector
The number one thing you can do to disaster-proof your home is to install a smart leak detector, also called a smart water valve. I think most would agree that most plumbing disasters are water-related. If we can detect a leak the moment it starts, that solves half the battle. These smart leak detectors are the latest in plumbing technologies. Unlike the newest iPhone or tablets, plumbing technologies take forever for the average homeowner to discover. The smart leak detectors connect to the main water service line that comes to your home. Your pipes are WiFi connected and then monitored through a downloaded app on your smartphone. Many companies now have their version of in-home leak detectors.
Manufacturers:
Flo by Moen Water Pipe Leak Detector
Streamlabs Smart Home Water Monitor
Sensaphone Spot Water Leak Detector
Flume Smart Home Water Monitor
Govee WiFi Water Leak Detector
They range in price from less than one hundred dollars to just over five hundred dollars. In comparison, each one has the same goal, to notify a homeowner in case of a water leak. The technology in each device dramatically varies. Some devices will even shut your water off for you. Having a leak detection system installed is your first line of defense regarding a plumbing disaster.
Change Compression Valves And Washing Machine Hoses
Unfortunately, most homeowners wait until something goes wrong before they jump into action. The second line of defense is to replace compression valves and washing machine hoses. There is no science saying when to replace your valves or washing machine hoses, but we should use some common sense and replace them at least every ten years. We had a customer call us the other day and said, “I sprung a leak in my bathroom when I turned off the valve behind my toilet.” He then went on to say, “No one has ever turned off the valve since I bought the house 24 years ago.” The average do-it-yourselfer can replace the valves, but you might want to think about having your plumbing contractor replace them all at once before they start to leak.
Plumbing Companies Are Working Around The Clock
The third line of defense is to watch what goes down your drains. I know you have heard this a hundred times. But during this unprecedented time of Covid-19, our home plumbing systems are being taxed. We don’t even give our plumbing systems a second thought. Toilets are flushed 2, 3, even 4 times more per person per day. Kitchens have more meals being prepared, which means our garbage disposal and drains are taking a beating. It doesn’t sound like much, but I can tell you first-hand that many plumbing companies are working around the clock, and number one on their list – clogged drains.
Consider this: DO NOT flush anything down your toilets except liquid, solid waste, and toilet paper. Absolutely nothing else, and that includes flushable wipes, paper towels, napkins, or tissue. No one regulates the flushable wipes industry, and they are clogging our home sewer lines and our municipal sewer lines.
Related Articles:
5 Ways To Avoid The DIY Plumbing Disaster
Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Basics At A Glance
