If you’re in the process of installing a new water line, you should avoid common mistakes to prevent water line damage. These mistakes can range from over-torquing connectors to failing to release water from the pipes. These are all costly and can lead to extensive water line repair.

Over-torquing connectors

While the DIY crowd loves to try and fix their own plumbing problems, there are several common mistakes that can cause serious water line damage. One of the most common mistakes is over-heating pipe, which can alter the integrity of the pipe. This is sometimes caused by an earlier installer who didn’t know that pipe needs heat before installation, and simply used brute force to slide the pipe over the fitting. Another common mistake is under-tightening metal connector parts, which can cause immediate leaks and damage to the hose clamp.

Forgetting to release water from pipes

One of the most common causes of water line damage is failing to turn off the water supply. If you fail to do this, water can spill from your pipes and damage your carpets and floors. It can also cause mold to grow in your home. The best way to prevent this problem is to regularly check the pipes in your house.

Tree roots

Tree roots can clog your water line, especially if you have a large tree growing near it. Root systems are not picky about the nutrients they need and will invade your pipes if you don’t prevent them from growing. If you don’t want to have to dig up your lines or deal with the inconvenience of having to hire a plumber, avoid planting any tree near your water line. Tree roots will find a way into your line, find cracks, and expand inside it until they eventually break it.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is not properly assessing tree root damage. A professional arborist can assess the health of your tree and assess whether you can safely plant it where it won’t affect the water line. The University of Florida’s Landscape Plants website offers more information about root damage.

To avoid tree root damage, make sure the root zone of your tree is aerated. Tree roots are constantly searching for water and can grow very deep or very shallow. They spread in a wide radius around the trunk of the tree and may also travel through the sidewalk or pavement. The roots displace everything around them and create huge amounts of potential energy. The potential energy that they release will eventually damage the structure above.

Forgetting to turn off the main water supply valve

Many homeowners do not realize how important it is to turn off the main water supply valve. This simple action can cause extensive damage to a water line in a home. There are several reasons why this happens, including sediment buildup, rusting, and improper shutoff. Unfortunately, most people never take the time to shut off the main water supply valve. If you think you might forget, here are a few tips to help you avoid water damage.

First, you must find the main water supply valve. You will most likely find this valve near the curb or property line. It will have a round or gate-shaped top. A wrench or water key may be required to turn it. If you cannot find a wrench or water key, you should call the utility company and ask them to help you.

In the event of a burst pipe, you may have to call a plumber to get the water running again. Contact us today to fix burst pipes. This can take several hours or even days, and you may have to wait for hours before a plumber shows up. In the meantime, water may damage your home and valuables. Therefore, it is crucial to shut off the water supply valve before the leak occurs. If you forget to do so, you may end up paying thousands of dollars for repair.