Small plumbing leaks can waste a whopping 10,000 gallons of water each year. Most leaks occur due to dripping faucets, old toilet flappers, worn or damaged showerheads, and other appliances. These problems are relatively easy to fix, but we tend to ignore them.
Pipe repairs could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. If you do it on time, you may not even need to replace the entire plumbing system. But the longer you wait, the worse it gets.
So, are you ready to take this step? First, take the time to prepare your home for pipe restoration. Here’s what you need to do before calling the pros.
Plan Things Out
Pipe repairs can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Depending on what needs to be done, you may want to move out during this time.
For example, if you live in a small house that needs extensive plumbing work, consider staying at a friend’s place for a few days. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to use the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas while the workers are doing their jobs.
Decide how you’re going to proceed with your children. Do you plan to send them away from home or ask them to spend the morning and afternoon at a friend’s house?
However, if you live in a medium-sized home or have more than one bathroom, you should be able to keep up with your routine as usual.
Clear the Work Area
Next, clear the work area of any obstructions so your plumber can do his job. Remove the shower curtains, detergents, cleaning products, and other items in your kitchen or bathroom. Empty the dishwasher as well.
Don’t focus just on the area where the leak is. Plumbers may also need access to your basement, water closet, or laundry room. Discuss these aspects beforehand and then take the steps needed to clear everything out of the way.
Pipe replacements or repairs can be messy. If you follow the steps above, you’ll protect your goods and help your plumber get things done faster.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Your pets may not feel comfortable around strangers. Pipe repairs can be noisy and dangerous, so it’s best to keep your animal companions away from the work area. Again, it all comes down to the size of your home or apartment.
If you have a small home, ask a friend or family member to take care of your pets for a couple of days. Another option is to keep them in a separate room and check them out every few hours. Alternatively, reach out to a local pet sitter or pet boarding facility.
Get Your Home Ready for Pipe Repairs
As you can see, pipe repairs require some planning. You may need to empty the basement and other rooms, stay somewhere else for a few days, and find someone to look after your pets. Be prepared to do a little landscaping, too—especially if your plumber must dig into the ground to access the pipelines.
With that being said, make sure you hire someone you can trust. At Advantage Reline, we have more than 20 years of experience in pipe restoration and repair projects. Contact us to discuss your needs and see how we can help!