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The last thing you want in the middle of a is a leaky pipe. Leaking pipes lead to water damage in your walls or floors, costing you money. They can also quickly turn into fully burst pipes which can flood large areas of your home. How can you stop a leaky pipe from ruining your winter? Learn the warning signs of leaks and take action by calling the plumbing experts at KB.

Signs You Have a Leaky Pipe:

• Your Bills Have Gone Up: If you notice an increase in your water bill, but you have not been using any more water than usual, a leaky pipe may be the culprit. Water bills tend to be predictable so be aware of any sudden spikes. 
• Discoloration in Your Ceiling: If your ceilings are turning a rusty brown or yellow color there is a leak somewhere in your home. These stains are especially common in rooms below bathrooms. A little water spilling from the bath is not enough to create prominent discoloration spots on your ceiling. Only constant water dripping would create these issues. Call a plumber to inspect the area as soon as you notice this sign.

• Mold or Mildew: Mold and mildew occur in wet areas. A small amount is normal inside your shower stall and is easily removed by regularly cleaning. If you are finding mold or mildew on non-shower walls or in corners of the bathroom, this is probably from a leak. Mold is not only a sign of a leak, but it is also dangerous to inhale. If you notice mold in your home, contact a plumber ASAP. 

• Musty Smell: A common sign of a leaky pipe is a persistent damp smell. If you’re cleaning regularly and that musty smell just won’t go away, there may be a pipe leak somewhere in your home. 

• Peeling Wallpaper or Wet Walls: Water leaks will make wallpaper pull away from walls or make wall structures buckle. If you have a leaky pipe near a wallpapered section of the home, you will notice this pulling and bubbling. If your walls appear to be wet or buckling, this is also a sign of a leaky pipe. Your wall should be straight and show no signs of sagging or dampness. 
• Water Accumulation and Spongy Floors: This is the most apparent sign you have a leaky pipe in your home. If you see any water pooling around pipes, call a plumber immediately. When your floors feel spongy and soft to walk on then that is a sign of water damage. Floors should feel solid and secure, not soft and fragile. 

Do not let a leaky pipe with minor damages escalate into a full-blown flood in your home. Look for signs of leaky pipes and contact a plumber immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The faster you take care of a small leak, the more hassle you will avoid down the line. Call the experts at KB Complete today to schedule an appointment! 

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Conducting a routine plumbing maintenance check allows you to detect plumbing problems before they escalate into expensive repairs. The maintenance checklist provided below, if followed, will help you with the care and upkeep of your plumbing system:

• You need to keep your pipes from freezing by using the shut off valve. Forgetting to use this valve could result in non-stop water flow. You should also drain the outdoor spigots and water connections. Draining the water is essential for preventing standing water from freezing. Freezing pipes can cause the shut-off valve and the fixture to break.
• Your irrigation system needs to be turned off to protect your pipes. For best results, you should winterize this system before the weather starts to get cooler.
• Dry out your hoses and store them in a dry area to prevent them from being damaged. Do not store the hose if it is damaged. If your hose has a leak, then repair it or replace it before further damage occurs.
• Pipe insulation is essential to efficiency. It will save money on bills, decrease heat loss, and prevent your pipes from freezing. Different types of pipe insulation include foam insulation, elastomeric foam, fiberglass pipe covers, and spray for insulation.
• Blown-in insulation can be applied to floors, walls, and attics. This type of insulation is becoming a popular option because it improves performance and takes the least amount of time to settle.
• Exposed pipes are the most vulnerable to freezing. Plumbing pipes that lie in unheated areas, including garages and crawl spaces, are more susceptible to freezing and can cause other plumbing problems, including bursting pipes.
• Pipe bursts are a common problem during cold weather, especially when homeowners are on vacation. When you are traveling, your home’s water needs to be turned off completely. One faucet should be left to a slow drip to avoid busted pipes. The minimal difference in your water bill is certainly worth the avoided expense of repairs and replacement of water-damaged items.
• Plumbing repairs are time sensitive. Be sure to make the necessary repairs to your pipes as soon as possible. Pipes expand and contrast based on the temperature. A tiny leak can transform into a major problem in no time at all.
• If you are the owner of a sump pump, then the pit needs to be cleaned. If the pit is left unattended, it could freeze and be useless when you need it the most.
• Water heaters, especially old ones, need to be drained so that rust does not become an issue. This rust can contaminate your water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
• Exterior cracks let air in the home and create a draft. Drafts can make your heating system work overtime to heat the entire home, putting a strain on the motor.
• The drainage areas around your home should not be clogged. Indications of clogged drains include bubbling sinks and issues with toilet flushing.

What Can Happen Without a Proper Checklist?

Without a proper plumbing maintenance checklist, you risk enduring a lot of household issues that can be simply avoided. Frequent drain clogs and lack of steady hot water are only a couple of inconveniences that will confront you. A lack of steady hot water can make bathing, cleaning, and cooking a hassle. Frequent drain clogs force you to take time away from your family and activities. Finances are a major part of this situation. Without a proper checklist to follow, you risk the chance of high utility bills and water damage. Consistent leaks cause your water bill to skyrocket. Leaking pipes can cause water damage throughout the home, making your home more difficult to sell or forcing you to sell at a lower proper value.  Without routine maintenance, pipe leaks can go undetected, and your drinking water can be compromised.

The Benefits of Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance benefits a homeowner by improving fixture efficiency and providing a surplus of hot water that can be used for various purposes without interruption. Other benefits include a decrease in bill expenses and avoiding costly water damage restoration expenses. Your pipes and fixtures will be subject to less damage and have a longer lifespan. 

You will not have to worry about the replacement of fixtures and pipes for years at a time. If you plan on selling your home, then you can sell at a higher value because the home is up to code with the plumbing, and the home is deemed safe. There is nothing better than having peace of mind; you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe and that your water is not contaminated.

Many homeowners believe that they can cut corners to save money, but they are only prolonging problems, which will cause them to spend more money in the long run. The best thing to do is to create a checklist and to set times to use it. It is in your best interest to conduct a plumbing maintenance check before spring and before winter to ensure peak pipe performance.

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