An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Gallon of Cure: How to Prevent Plumbing Leaks

By Shelley Frost

March 09, 2025

Dripping sounds inside the walls, water stains on the ceiling, puddles of water below your pipes: The telltale signs of a plumbing leak are sights you never want to see as a homeowner. You can avoid that dread and all the repairs that come with leaks with a little bit of prevention. Leaks can still happen, but keeping your pipes in good condition lowers the risk significantly.

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Not sure how to prevent plumbing leaks? We can help.

7 Ways You Can Prevent Plumbing Leaks Before They Start

Knowing how to prevent plumbing leaks before they happen saves you time and money. Plus, it's a huge stress reliever to know your plumbing system is functioning well. Use these preventive methods to keep water inside your pipes.

1. Perform Visual Checks

Every month or so, do a quick inspection of any visible plumbing lines in your home. If you have an unfinished basement or crawl space, you'll likely find exposed pipes there. You can also check under your sink and in any plumbing access areas. These inspections help you spot changes to the plumbing and catch early signs of damage that could lead to leaks. If you notice anything strange, call a plumber for repairs.

Look for any signs of a problem, including:

Loose joints
Corrosion
Cracks
Discoloration
Bulging sections
Other signs of damage
Any changes from the last inspection

2. Test Your Water Pressure Regularly

High water pressure could cause damage and leaks over time. It can also cause water hammer, which creates a knocking sound when water shuts off suddenly in a high-pressure pipe. Water hammer can increase the risk of leaks as well as ruptures and loose joints. Having the water pressure too high could damage your water heater and other appliances that are connected to the plumbing system.

You might notice a higher-than-normal pressure when you use your faucets. Other signs include leaky faucets, constantly running toilets and banging noises in your pipes. To find out for sure, use a water pressure gauge that attaches to your outside faucet. Turn the water on to that faucet only to get a reading. Your water pressure should typically fall between 40 and 80 psi, with an ideal measurement of about 60 psi.

If you have high water pressure, installing a water pressure regulator can control the issue. It attaches to your main water line and helps control how fast water flows into your home.

3. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Homeowners in cold climates can reduce the risk of leaks by keeping their pipes from freezing. If the water freezes, it expands inside the pipe, which can cause it to burst. Pipes can freeze even if your furnace is working correctly. The biggest risk is freezing in the pipes that run through exterior walls or in areas above a space that isn't insulated, such as a bathroom over a cold garage.

Insulating pipes, especially those that run through non-insulated areas or exterior walls, can keep the water inside warm enough to prevent freezing. Sleeves designed to insulate pipes make the job easy. You can also install heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables for pipes that are prone to freezing.

4. Schedule Professional Inspections

Having your pipes professionally inspected every year or two helps you spot problems early. Even with routine inspections, you might miss subtle signs of wear, corrosion or damage. Professionals know what to look for and can recommend ways to improve your plumbing system and prevent leaks.

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5. Address Clogs Quickly

Clogged pipes are annoying, but they could also cause damage, including leaks. When buildup occurs in the pipes, it reduces the amount of space for water to flow. That can cause water to back up, causing high water pressure in the pipes. This could cause the pipe to burst. If the clog is near a joint or seal in the pipe, the pressure could cause water to leak from those areas. If you notice slowing drains, use a plunger or plumbing snake to clear the debris from your pipes.

6. Install Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology isn't just for your lights and HVAC system. Smart water monitors if anything changes with your water use or patterns. Many smart devices also detect leaks early before they cause significant water damage. Some models allow you to shut off your water supply remotely.

7. Keep an Eye on Appliances

Any appliances that connect to your plumbing system could become sources of leaks. Corrosion or cracks in water heater tanks allow water to leak onto the floor. The water supply hoses and drain lines for washing machines and dishwashers can become damaged or loose, leading to leaking. It's also a good idea to check the supply line to your refrigerator water dispenser and ice maker.

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