Maintenance Tips - Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing Leaks: 8 Smart Tips to Stop Them

Plumbing leaks can be prevented with a few simple measures. Plus, learn what to do when leaks occur.
Plumbing leaks and the resulting water damage repairs or mold cleanup can be costly. Avoid the inconvenience with some good habits and modest investments in time and money.

1. Locate Your Home’s Main Water Shut-Off Valve
If there’s ever a plumbing leak, you can go straight there and quickly turn off the water to the entire house.

2. Install Shut-Off Valves at Individual Appliances and Fixtures
This allows you to keep water flowing in other areas of the house while making site-specific repairs. You can find quarter-turn, ball-type shut-off valves for less than $10; you’ll pay around $50 to $150 per hour for plumber, often with a minimum two-hour charge.

3. Install a Flow Sensor
Install a flow sensor that detects plumbing leaks and automatically shuts off water to the entire house or a specific appliance. Those devoted to a specific appliance start around $75. Whole-house flow sensors can reach into the thousands. Plus, factor in the cost of a plumber.

4. Remove Hoses from Outdoor Spigots
Remove hoses from outdoor spigots in the winter to prevent frozen water from cracking the pipes and causing plumbing leaks, or worse, a flood. Install frost-free hose bibs at exterior spigots.

5. Add Pipe Insulation
Add pipe insulation to the plumbing in cold parts of your house—such as garages, basements, and crawl spaces—to avoid frozen pipes (and to shorten the wait for hot water).
Pipe insulation tubes cost as little as 35 cents per foot.

6. Don’t Use Exposed Pipes as Hanger Rods for Laundry or to Store Clothes
Doing so can loosen joints and fasteners and lead to plumbing leaks.

7. Don’t Overload Vanities and Sink Cabinets
When you crowd stuff into your cabinets, you can jostle water supply pipes and drains, loosening connections and causing plumbing leaks. If drips occur, they’re tough to spot amid piles of cleaners and spare TP.

8. Fix Problems Quickly
Even small leaks can make pipes corrode more quickly, and cause significant water damage or mold. Take the time to periodically scout for signs of leaks and drips.