The End of the (Supply) Line: When To Change Bathroom Supply Lines
3/16/2019 (Permalink)
When To Change Bathroom Supply Lines
One of the most important parts of home ownership in Horse Creek, TN is regular plumbing maintenance. What a nightmare to wake up one morning, come home from work or return from a vacation to a flooded house! One common cause of water leaks in the home is supply line damage, which can be easily prevented with a little foresight. Conveniently, it’s not too difficult to change a supply line on your own, but if you would like the reassurance of a job done right, schedule an appointment with a professional restoration specialist.
What Is a Supply Line?
A supply line, as you may have guessed, is a line or hose that supplies water to different places in a building. It needs to be checked regularly. In a bathroom, supply lines can be found connecting faucets and toilets to the main plumbing system in the home. There are two types of supply line:
- Plastic, which generally has a warranty of five to eight years
- Stainless-steel braided, which usually has a lifetime warranty
When Should I Change a Supply Line?
Supply lines need to be changed because they can be damaged. Whether the line is plastic or stainless-steel braided, supply line damage is caused by wear and tear as well as interaction with chlorine, which corrodes stainless steel. A line should also be changed every time a new faucet or toilet is introduced to the bathroom because the old rubber seals can lose their watertight qualities over time. Replacing the supply line can prevent a costly bathroom leak.
How Do I Change a Supply Line?
Using two pairs of pliers, tighten the nut on each end of the supply line with one pair while holding the other pair against the shut-off valve. Maintain consistent torque to ensure stability. Make sure that the supply line can be easily accessed for future maintenance or in case you experience a supply line leak.
Now What?
Cross the task off your to-do list! Check your bathrooms regularly for signs of supply line damage. Enjoy your safe and dry home.