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Pipes
Your pipes should function without maintenance
from you. Contact a plumber if the pipes
need attention.
Care and maintenance
Follow these tips for maintaining your
home’s pipes.
General maintenance
Run the water and check beneath your sinks
to make sure the connections are tight.
Broken or leaking pipe
Turn off the main water shutoff valve. Then call
for a plumber.
Noisy pipes
It is common for pipes to make noise from time
to time. And though they are behind the walls,
you may be able to hear water running through
the pipes. You may hear a clicking sound that
occurs as they expand and contract.
SERVICE TIP: If you hear loud banging
noises from your pipes, call a plumber.
Loose plumbing joints
Plumbing joints should last for the life of your
home. If they become loose, call a plumber.
Also, see Shutoff Valves, following.
Shutoff Valves
Shutoff valves allow you to stop the flow of
water to certain areas of your home. They can
be used, for example, while conducting repairs
or if a pipe or appliance is leaking. Using them
properly can reduce the likelihood of flooding
or water damage.
Check near your water meter for the main
shutoff valve which cuts off the water supply
for the entire home. In addition to the main
shutoff valve, your home’s appliances and
fixtures likely have their own shutoff valves.
They can be difficult to access, though, so
sometimes it’s easiest to simply shut off the
main water valve.
