Don't Neglect Your Bathroom Water Supply Line

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

Supply lines should be checked frequently to avoid flooding

Every homeowner in Towson, MD, needs reliable water. Since bathrooms account for 71 percent of daily water use, a simple check for water supply line damage may help prevent a bathroom leak.

1. How do I evaluate a supply line? Look behind the toilet for either a plastic or stainless steel pipe with a metal shut-off valve at the base. There will be a similar pipe under your sink. Check for cracks in the plastic or corrosion in the stainless steel.

2. What causes a bathroom supply line to fail? Water damage can come from aging plastic. A water supply line leak or burst can occur in either plastic or stainless steel lines if they are not rated correctly for the city water pressure. Stainless steel pipes have a robust metal skin and a tougher internal sheath, but even they can corrode from small amounts of airborne bathroom chemicals. Supply line damage can be detected in most cases before water escapes.

3. Will my warranty cover a damaged supply line? Your homeowner's policy may cover certain types of water damage. Plastic pipes last only a few years and are unlikely to have significant warranties, whereas metal pipes usually have lifetime warranties. If your house is not new and you have plastic lines, it may be a good idea to upgrade them to stainless steel.

4. What if my water supply line is already leaking? Turn off the valve to the line. Mop up any water, and then notify your homeowner's insurance company. If you have a supply line warranty, call to report the damage. You may want to immediately call a professional water control expert in Towson, MD, to help salvage property and stop hidden damage from progressing.

With a quick, routine check, you can lessen the possibility of impending water supply line damage. In the event trouble is brewing, preventive measures can pay off.

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