Plumbing Maintenance Prevents Fires

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

A simple leak in the wrong place can lead to a larger problem.

Preventing plumbing fires is preventing plumbing malfunctions. Every plumbing malfunction will cause damage, but it won’t always be fire damage. Water from plumbing tends to find paths downward in a structure. This is how water can findable way to create problems in your home.

Problem

Because plumbing flows down, it tends to pool where it can’t fall and search for the easiest path. In this flow, it can pool near and corrode PVC or wiring over time. This can lead to the water finding live wire and creating a spark. All of this happens inside a wall where it is very difficult to notice issues until visual signs appear.

Effects

Neglecting plumbing maintenance can corrode water pipes and electrical equipment. The corrosion of electrical components pose a fire risk. Fire damage made up 1.8% of all incidents in Florida in 2019. Despite how unlikely a fire is to occur in a home, there is always decay to look out for as time goes on. 

Solution

Maintenance is the only way to ensure plumbing fires don’t damage your home. If construction of the home isn’t done properly, the water can find pathways that contain electricity. So, unless new construction is done properly to prevent water from seeping into unwanted areas, maintaining plumbing to prevent leaks is the best way to prevent this type of fire.