The End of the (Supply) Line: When To Change Bathroom Supply Lines

3/16/2019 (Permalink)

Check your bathrooms regularly for signs of supply line damage.

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.