murrieta plumberMain shut off valve for water damage

How to Prevent Water Damage & Leaking Water Heaters

Main Shutoff Valve

Residential plumbing has many different shutoff valves, and knowing the location of each of them can help you prevent thousands of dollars of damage to your home. The main water valve for your house controls all water flow into your home. It should be checked yearly to ensure that it works smoothly and is available in case it is needed. When it is not working correctly, it is far less expensive to call R&R Plumbing to get it replaced than to deal with the damage from a massive water leak in your home.

All heads of household in each household need to know the location of the main shut-off valve. Without this information, you will not be able to avoid severe flooding if you get a plumbing problem. Most main shut-off valves are located at the lowest level of your property near the street. To verify that you have found the main shut off valve, then test the valve by turning it off entirely and confirm that all the water in your house is off. Hang a large tag labeled “main shut off valve” from the valve handle to make sure all members of your household can find it before a flood sets in. If you plan to leave your home for a prolonged period, it is smart to shut off the main shut-off valve before leaving. This will give you peace of mind that your house is safe from water damage during your absence.

murrieta plumberwashing machine shut off valveWashing machine hoses — Laundry connection.

Another vital plumbing point that can be a potential problem is the set of rubber connection hoses on your washing machine. Each can cause a dangerous water link. These hoses can dry out, burst and allow thousands of gallons of water to rush into your home. To avoid this plumbing problem, regularly check these hoses for cracks and blisters. Be sure to turn off the water supply valves to the washer before leaving your home for any extended periods. Better yet, replace the hoses with steel hoses. Also think about installing easy-to-reach, single-levershutofff valves for your washer. R&R Murrieta Plumber offers all Murrieta plumbing services that you may need.

How to Prevent Outdoor Faucet Plumbing Problems

Keep an eye on outdoor faucets year-round. This will help you be sure that these valves are not leaking water on your property. You must make repairs and replace faulty valves regularly.

murrieta plumberwater heater shut off valveProtect Your Home from Water Heater Leaks

Water heaters have relatively long life expectancies. When one leak, ruptures or otherwise breaks down, you can find your home flooded. We highly recommend that you regularly check your water heater for signs of rusting or leakage. If you see potential trouble, call R&R Murrieta Plumber for a more thorough inspection. Make sure that you are always knowledgeable about your water heater’s state of repair.

Warn out pipes — Old pipes

Pipes made from old materials can be a problematic source of clogs and leaks. Older homes are at high risk for pipe breakdown and leaks. Old terracotta waste lines can become cracked. When roots find a small opening with leaking water, they invade the pipe. These roots often fill the pipes which can only be fixed by replacing the pipes or (at times) relining the pipes.

Broken-down waste piping can be treated with two methods. Relining pipes is a less expensive solution for fixing broken pipes. This method lines the fractured pipes with fiberglass-reinforced epoxy. For burst pipes, a specially designed machine can pull a replacement pipe through the old pipe. When old pipes split apart, they can only be fixed by replacing them. At this time, it is essential to call R&R Murrieta Plumbing which is a licensed Murrieta plumber.

As for steel plumbing pipes, take every opportunity to replace them. Always use contemporary materials. The pipes that should be at the top of your replacement list are the main water line that runs from the street to your home, pipes that run through the crawl space, and pipes leading to bathrooms. Sectional steel pipe upgrades can be done anytime you’re making a home repair that involves opening floors or walls.

Always make sure to contact a licensed plumber technician like R&R Murrieta Plumber! You can make an appointment at (951) 492-8609.