8505 Leak prevention tips

With the onset of cold weather it is a good idea to consider ways to protect your home against potential plumbing leaks, returning to your home and finding water flowing out the front door is not a pleasant experience. Plumbing leaks can happen in any home, both newly reconstructed and a home that is many years old. Water in your plumbing system is under pressure and there only needs to be one weak point for a leak to occur. There are, however, some simple steps you can take to protect your home from potential water leaks.

If you will be gone for an extended period the easiest way to alleviate this problem is if you have access to turn off the water before it enters your home. If you are on a public water service you may be required you to do this. Closing the valves to your washing machine supply line is also a simple thing to do as these supply lines are notorious for leaks, rubberized lines should be replaced with ones with a flexible metal sheathing.

One area where leaks can occur is in plumbing that is exposed to extreme weather changes. This is most common in plumbing that is located in an outside wall that is fine as long as the interior of the home is heated but if you are gone for the winter months and there is a severe drop in temperatures these pipes can sometimes be problematic. Leaks in this type of situation of course do not develop until the weather warms again and the pipe thaws. Proper insulation around the plumbing or assuring a minimal temperature inside the dwelling is required to minimize this type of problem.

Loose toilets and bidets can also be an indication of a plumbing drain line issue. Left unchecked this type of leak takes longer to develop problems but can be a source for mold or rot depending on your floor composition. A fixture that rocks on its base or signs of moisture around the base can be indications of a potential problem.

Water storage units, whether they are just for water or part of your hot water system should also be checked at least once a year for rust and corrosion. A tank full of water holds a lot of weight and a weak base can mean trouble. The connections of radiant heat units are also an important point to check as they can develop small leaks that may go unnoticed for weeks at a time.

One area that many people overlook is in cabinets under sinks as these are popular locations for storing things out of sight. When a cabinet is full it is difficult to see the supply and drain lines which should be checked periodically for signs of leaking. If you have rubberized hoses it is recommended that these be changed periodically as they are known to fail as they get older.

Are there other common water leak problems others have encountered or found the best way to prevent a common leak? As the adage goes, a little prevention goes a long way.

Category

Building/Renovation

A really good timely reminder from Bruno. I'll add just a couple of extra points.

Many modern boilers have a low temperature protection system, so that if the temperature of the water in the boiler (or sometmes in the house) falls below a certain level they cut in. Clearly, to perform this function, they need to have their gas/oil supply turned on, and their electrical supply turned on. Some of them may take offence if the water supply is turned off, so it is a good idea to make sure you know how the boiler is supposed to work.

Outside taps. Usually these have a valve inside the house which you can close to stop water arriving at the outside supply. Turn this off, [I]open the outside tap to drain the water in the outside pipework[/I], and leave it open.

Central heating systems - make sure yours is filled with a suitable antifreeze mixture [talk to your plumber].

This means you don't have to drain your CH system if [as I do] you turn off the water and power over winter

[my system has the antifreeze - apparently it is OK down to -25C].

[quote=alan haynes;79752]Central heating systems - make sure yours is filled with a suitable antifreeze mixture [talk to your plumber].

This means you don't have to drain your CH system if [as I do] you turn off the water and power over winter

[my system has the antifreeze - apparently it is OK down to -25C].

.[/quote]

Yes, you are quite right. Our plumber offered to do this for us when he heard in November that we would not be back until Spring. We naturally accepted; however, it is great to advise everybody to do this whenever their properties are going to be empty during the colder months. Not a nice surprise what you could find upon your return if you do not take the necessary measures.

Good suggestion and advice from Bruno. Can you imagine the damage that a leaking pipe can cause, especially if it is upstairs and you only use your home for holidays. For absent homeowners, in addition to closing all water valves, I would also open all taps upstairs and downstairs, unless of course you have a frost protection system as Charles mentioned.

I've just agreed for my plumber to add antifreeze to our central heating system. He quoted me 450 euros for the work. Although it is a large system (17 large radiators) and it all needs to be emptied, it seems excessive. Does anyone know what the cost of antifreeze is to give me an idea of labour costs as he said it would take at least half a day - which I know is true.

Leaking pipe or broken slab can bring major damage to your home so whenever you detect any leak , call immdiately the plumber or slab leak detection and repair expert to fix it. So that no major damage will be caused dure to leakage.

Biagio, we have not received the plumber's bill as yet, but I will let you know. We have less radiators, though. Anyway, your quote sounds a bit expensive...

Correction, correction. Husband informs that he has already paid the plumber. We have 8 radiators and he has charged 100 euros; however, I must point out that the plumber is doing other jobs for us, so he does not have to go to our place specially to do this job. I hope this helps.

My plumber repaired and refitted a radiator and put the antifreeze in for about 80 Euros, I think. [It was such a small charge that it didn't really register]

450 Euros does seem a bit steep

Another place to put antifreeze if you will be away for an extended time and don't drain it is in the toilet. Keeping water with antifreeze in the toilet also controls odors coming back up the line while the house is closed up.