Plumbing Leaks: 8 Smart Tips to Stop Them

Tips For Plumbing Leaks Easy DIY Plumbing Fixes
Image: WaterCop.com/DynaQuip Controls Corporation

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 quater-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 leaksand 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 winter to prevent frozen water from cracking the pipes and causing plumbing leaks, or worse, a flood. Install frost-free hose bibs at exerior 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.

Related: Bathroom Storage: Smart Ways to Stow More

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.

Related: Plumbing Leaks: Reduce Stress on Pipes to Prevent Them

Joe Bousquin
Joe Bousquin

Joe Bousquin 's work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, and Men's Journal. He owns a 79-year-old home in Sacramento, Calif.