Though plumbing runs on fairly simple principles, the problems that can beset it are myriad. One of them is leaking pipes. Eventually, just about every Savannah home is going to encounter them. One of the main causes of leaky pipes is corrosion caused by hard water. Interestingly, though, the water of Savannah and much of the rest of Georgia is not considered hard. This is unusual for the United States. What does cause pipes to leak in Georgia are problems such as serious clogs, broken seals and joints, corrosion not caused by hard water, pipes that weren’t correctly installed, water pressure that’s too high, and even earthquakes, including the small ones that sometimes strike Savannah.
There are many reasons to make sure that leaking pipes are repaired as soon as they’re detected. They waste water, may damage the infrastructure of the home itself and of course, cost money in the form of higher water bills.
Ways to Prevent Leaky Pipes
Here are five ways to prevent leaky pipes:
- Have professional plumbers inspect and troubleshoot pipes
- Make sure water pressure is below 60 psi
- Tighten loose fittings
- Seal joints
- Insulate pipes
Have Plumbers Inspect Your Pipes
TNT’s skilled plumbers are experts at inspecting pipes and detecting leaks. Tiny holes and leaks may be overlooked by laypersons, but plumbers are trained to detect and fix them before they become really problematic. Water pressure that’s too high can also cause leaks, and a plumber can accurately measure the water pressure in your plumbing to make sure it stays in a healthy range. This would be below 60 pounds per square inch. If you hear knocking in your pipes, it may be a sign that your water pressure is too high.
Tighten Loose Fittings and Seal Joint
Tighten loose fittings and seal joints in order to deter leaks. Tightening fittings can be done by a layperson, but sealing joints can be a more complex job that requires a professional.
Insulate Pipes
Though Savannah’s winters aren’t brutal, it doesn’t need to get that cold for pipes to freeze, especially if they are in an uninsulated area. Water expands as it freezes, and water in uninsulated pipes can burst your pipes as it turns to ice. Wrapping the plumbing pipes in insulation can prevent this.
Corrosion that is simply caused by time and materials wearing out is always a concern. If your plumbing is old and made of metal such as galvanized steel, it may even be time to get your home repiped if it shows signs of leakage.
Contact TNT for Leaky Pipes
Beautiful, historic Savannah is a wonderful place to live, whether you’re within walking distance of beautiful Forsyth Park or the Telfair Museums. Don’t go another day with leaking pipes, however. Contact our professional plumbers at TNT today.
