It's estimated that household leaks waste up to one trillion gallons of water annually in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Not only does a leak waste water, but a leak can cause your water bill to increase drastically, can cause water damage, and can lead to mold growth. As such, you want to do whatever you can to prevent leaks in your plumbing system. Here are a few tips from a local plumber.

Insulate Any Pipes That You Can

One of the best ways to minimize the chances of a water leak occurring is to insulate any pipes that are exposed to the elements. One of the most common reasons why plumbing leaks happen is because pipes freeze and either crack or burst. This is more likely to happen to pipes that are in a cold garage or outdoors. Insulating these pipes helps to keep them warmer, minimizing the chances of them cracking or bursting.

Check Your Water Pressure

One of the lesser-known ways to prevent leaks in your plumbing system is to check your water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, then it can damage your pipes. Over time, this damage can wear on the pipes and cause them to develop cracks. Checking your water pressure on your own can be challenging. As such, you should leave this task to a local plumber.

Install a Water Softener

The final tip that can help to prevent leaks in your plumbing system is to install a water softener. Hard water is common throughout the United States. Unfortunately, hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up in your pipes. This puts extra weight on your pipes, which puts extra stress on them. If the mineral buildup becomes heavy, it can cause your pipes to crack, which could cause a leak or even a collapse.

Plumbing leaks can waste water and cause damage to your home. While you can't prevent every water leak from happening, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of a leak forming. That includes insulating any pipe that you can, checking your water pressure, and installing a water softener. If you suspect that you have a leak, reach out to a local plumber, such as the professionals at Alan Tinker Plumbing & Rodding, immediately. Call us now to schedule an appointment!