Livonia, MI homeowners, take note! There is a great deal that you can do to protect your beloved home from the potentially devastating damage that comes from plumbing leaks.

Developing a preventative maintenance strategy and sticking to your plan over time will help you mitigate damage and keep leaks to a minimum. Eager to get started protecting your home? We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for you.

How to Find Leaks

One of the best ways to stay on top of water damage is to find smaller leaks before they become big problems.

You can identify leaks that are obvious merely by looking at your pipes for condensation or dripping water.

Other signs that you’ve got a leak are warped floorboards, mold grow, discoloration or damp spots on the ceiling.

There are leaks that you can’t see outright. If you suspect you have a leak, but can’t see anything, make sure that you don’t have water running in your home and check the meter. If it has moved up a couple of hours later, you’ve got a leak on your hands.

Deal With Pipe Corrosion

Don’t let your pipes suffer the damage of corrosion. This is hands down one of the greatest threats to your plumbing and will certainly cause leaks if it gets out of hand.

If you’ve got mineral dense water, you are at even higher risk. Install a water softener to keep the mineral levels manageable.

A couple of other tricks are to keep your water temperature moderate. If it is too hot, it will speed up the rust. Also, make a point of running water often; standing water will also speed up the corrosive process.

Don’t Use Drain Cleaners

In a panic because of an inconvenient clog? Don’t reach for the bottle of commercial drain cleaner.

The chemicals that you are counting on to remove the clog are also going to attack your pipes and cause leaks.

Instead, think about what you are letting fall down the drain that causes clogs. Put food debris in the compost. Don’t empty grease into the drains. Put hair traps in the drains in your tubs and shower.

Water Pressure Check

If your water pressure runs too high, it may feel great in the shower, but it is hammering your pipes at the same time.

It’s only a matter of time before those beleaguered pipes will spring leaks. Consider putting in a water pressure regulator to keep your pressure level under 60 psi.

Don’t put off home maintenance, thinking that it’s not going to make that much of a difference. Rest assured; when it comes to your plumbing, it sure does!