Top Tips for a Successful Water Supply Line Replacement

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Before commencing your supply line replacement, you should turn off the main water valve. Then, open faucets to drain your home’s water pipes.

Top Water Supply Line Replacement Hints

The water supply lines connected to your bathroom sinks and toilets are an often overlooked but essential component of your plumbing system. Although it can occur in any home, older homes are susceptible to bathroom leaks resulting from supply line damage. Fortunately, replacing worn lines is typically a simple task that most homeowners in Boca Del Mar, FL, can readily accomplish. To complete the job successfully, keep the following tips in mind.

1. Drain Pipes

Before commencing your supply line replacement, you should turn off the main water valve. Then, open faucets to drain your home’s water pipes.

2. Choose a Durable Supply Line

Supply lines made of all metal or copper can kink and often wear out easily. A better alternative is a braided steel line fastened with brass nuts. Because of its durable design, braided steel typically does not kink and is more resistant to supply line damage.

3. Ensure a Watertight Connection

To help prevent a future supply line leak, it’s essential that you ensure a watertight connection. To accomplish this, use pipe dope or thread tape. If you use tape, wrap it five or six times in a clockwise direction to minimize the risk of it loosening when you tighten the nuts.

4. Avoid Overtightening

Be cautious when you attach your new supply lines. If you overtighten the connection, you may warp the threads or damage the rubber O-ring.

5. Assess For Leaks

Before finalizing your work, you should verify the absence of leaks. After reinstating water flow, thoroughly inspect the new supply lines and the connections to ensure a watertight fit.

6. Protect the Supply Lines

A braided steel supply line is durable. However, to help prevent damaging corrosion, avoid exposing the exterior sleeve to chlorine and other potentially corrosive chemicals.

Depending on the line’s composition, supply line damage is sometimes unavoidable. If not addressed quickly, a bathroom leak caused by a faulty supply line can cause significant water damage, resulting in time-consuming and potentially costly cleanup and restoration requirements. Preemptively replacing aging water supply lines in your home may save you from this hassle.