Preventative Home Maintenance: A Master Plumber’s Guide to Protecting Your Home

Water damage is one of the most expensive headaches a homeowner can face. As David, a master plumber with 37 years of experience, explains, proactive maintenance is the key to preventing major floods and costly repairs. Often, small components like supply lines and shut-off valves are overlooked until they fail, but replacing them every 5 to 7 years can provide long-term peace of mind.

Featured Products:

• SharkBite Max Angle Stop
• SharkBite Max Straight Stop
• SharkBite Depth & Deburr Tool  
• Eastman Flood Defender Icemaker Connector
• Eastman Braided Stainless Steel Icemaker Connector  
• Eastman Toilet Supply Lines  
• Eastman Braided Flare Faucet Connector  
• Eastman Braided Stainless Steel Washing Machine Connector with Elbow (2-Pack)
• Adjustable Wrench
• Tongue and Groove Pliers
• Copper Pipe Cutter
• Sharpie
• Bucket  
• Towels

Note: Make sure you shut off the water before beginning your plumbing project. The shutoff may be in the water meter box, or in many cases, on the incoming water line near the water heater. 

Read More: How to Turn Off Main Water Valve for Plumbing Repairs 

1. Toilet & Sink Shut-Off Valves

If the shut-off valve in your home are 10 to 15 years old, it’s a good time to replace them before they start leaking. Supply stops this age are susceptible to leaking, which can cause costly water damage to your home and increased water bills. To prevent this, switch them out with SharkBite Max supply stops for an easy, leak-free connection.

Prep: Always shut off the main water line and drain the remaining pressure by flushing the toilet or opening a faucet.

Installation: After removing the old valve and cleaning/deburring the copper pipe with a SharkBite Max depth & deburr tool, mark the correct depth before pushing on the new SharkBite Max supply stop. Then, use an Eastman Supply Line to connect the stop to the toilet or sink.  

Pro Tip: When cutting the pipe, only cut off a small piece and be sure to leave enough pipe to install a new supply stop.

2. Washing Machine Supply Lines

Chlorine and water pressure can degrade internal rubber gaskets in washing machine hoses over time. Replacing these braided supply lines helps prevent burst pipes. If your supply lines are five years or older, it may be time to replace them.  

We recommend replacing your old lines with the Eastman Braided Stainless Steel Washing Machine Connector with Elbow (2-Pack) because of the easy installation and reliable connections. Designed to withstand full flow and high pressure, the building materials prevent leaking, corrosion, kinking and crimping.

Pro Tip: When reconnecting, slowly bleed air out of the lines to prevent the washing machine's sensors from shutting down the cycle.

3. Refrigerator Ice Maker Lines

These lines are rarely inspected and can burst at the joints. A great upgrade is the Eastman Flood Defender, which automatically shuts off the water if the line detects excessive flow or a burst.  

After completing your upgrades, turn your main water supply back on slowly to prevent pressure surges that could cause a new leak. Always bleed your system by opening a faucet or tub.

Key Takeaways

Spending a few dollars on preventative parts now can save you thousands in potential water damage later. Check your home today for potential leak points under sinks, toilets, washing machines, and refrigerators.  

More Pro Tips: Preventative Maintenance Blogs 

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