Nothing is worse than pulling out your wallet to pay for a repair, aware that it could have been avoided. When it comes to your plumbing system, potential problems can simmer and remain undiscovered until causing a disaster. Awareness of these potential issues will allow you to take action in advance and save yourself the money (and stress) of major repairs.

Here are five plumbing disasters that can be avoided if you know what to look for.

Supply pipe leaks

Hot and cold-water piping can leak at joints or along the pipe itself if it becomes damaged. To prevent joint leakage, have a professional install any piping for renovation work. For older homes, have your visible pipes inspected to evaluate the condition of hidden piping.

If parts of your plumbing system have already been replaced due to corrosion, consider replacing other sections of your plumbing system before it fails.

Burst pipes

Cold weather brings with it the risk of pipes freezing and bursting. Ensure pipes that run through unheated spaces are winterized or insulated. If winterizing, insulating, or heating the space is not an option, rerouting pipes might be the best option.

Overflowing drains

Clogged drains are one of the most preventable plumbing disasters. Avoid washing food or grease down your sink to help keep drains clear. Do not flush items that will not disintegrate (wet wipes, sanitary products, etc.)

Pay attention to the location of trees in your yard. Sometimes, root growth can block your home’s sanitary pipe and lead to major plumbing disasters.

plumbing disaster

Flooded basement

Maintaining your sump pump will go a long way to protect your home from water entering the basement. Have a professional inspect and repair any issues with your pump before they become full-fledged disasters.

Water heater failure

Water heaters can fail due to multiple causes. Regular inspection and maintenance is the best way to ensure that you are not blindsided by a major disaster or failure. Tank flushing, electrical inspections, and burner inspection are some of the tasks that can prevent major repairs or replacement.