Angle-stops: These are the small shut-off valves at each toilet, and under each sink. Examine these for signs of corrosion, as they hold back water pressure. Corroded valves and connectors often become the source of leaks, ruptures, and results in flooding.

Guest bathrooms: Turn on all faucets and tub/shower valves at least once per week. Faucets in guest baths commonly seize up from mineral deposits when not used for a period of time. Also, running water into each fixture keeps the traps full, thereby preventing sewer gases from entering your home.

Washing machine hoses: Check hoses and connections for corrosion and signs of “blow-out," which is a bubble caused by reinforcement failure. We recommend stainless steel reinforced hoses, which are rated to withstand much higher water pressure. Ruptured washer hoses are a primary cause of flooding in residential homes.

Water Pressure: Every good doctor checks your blood pressure, and every good plumber checks your water pressure. Many homeowners describe high pressure as good pressure. Much like your blood pressure, high water pressure can eventually cause great damage. Symptoms of high pressure may be running toilets, noisy or banging pipes, and water that comes out of the faucet strong at first, then slows down. A failed pressure regulator is usually the culprit and can be replaced at a reasonable cost. .