Some simple steps to prevent water leaks

Plumbing leaks can happen in any home, both newly reconstructed and a home that is many years old. Water in your plumbing system is under pressure and there only needs to be one weak point for a leak to occur. There are, however, some simple steps you can take to protect your home from potential water leaks.

If you will be gone for an extended period the easiest way to alleviate this problem is if you have access to turn off the water before it enters your home. If you are on a public water service you may be required you to do this. Closing the valves to your washing machine supply line is also a simple thing to do as these supply lines are notorious for leaks.

Adding anti-freeze agents to your hot water radiant heat system is also an important step, you will need to contact a plumber to do this. You should also put some anti-freeze in your toilet bowl so that does not freeze and crack.

One area where leaks can occur is in plumbing that is exposed to extreme weather changes. This is most common in plumbing that is located in an outside wall that is fine as long as the interior of the home is heated but if you are gone for the winter months and there is a severe drop in temperatures these pipes can sometimes be problematic. Leaks in this type of situation of course do not develop until the weather warms again and the pipe thaws. Proper insulation around the plumbing or assuring a minimal temperature inside the dwelling is required to minimize this type of problem.

Loose toilets and bidets can also be an indication of a plumbing drain line issue. Left unchecked this type of leak takes longer to develop problems but can be a source for mold or rot depending on your floor composition. A fixture that rocks on its base or signs of moisture around the base can be indications of a potential problem.

Water storage units, whether they are just for water or part of your hot water system should also be checked at least once a year for rust and corrosion. A tank full of water is a lot of weight and a weak base can mean trouble. The connections of radiant heat units are also an important point to check as they can develop small leaks that may go unnoticed for weeks at a time.

One area that many people overlook is in cabinets under sinks as these are popular locations for storing things out of sight. When a cabinet is full it is difficult to see the supply and drain lines which should be checked periodically for signs of leaking. If you have rubberized hoses it is recommended that these be changed periodically as they are known to fail as they get older.

As the adage goes, a little prevention goes a long way.

Arquata del Tronto

Gateway to Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini and Parco Nazionale dei Gran Sasso

West of Ascoli Piceno along the Via Salaria (SS4) it is worth the winding drive to visit Arquata del Tronto. This town sits on a hill overlooking the Fiume Tronto valley and above the town is the Rocca del Tronto, or castle. This valley divides the mountain ranges that make up the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini to the north and Parco Nazionale dei Gran Sasso to the south. A fresh coating of snow on these mountains in the winter makes them stand out sharply against the dark blue sky.

Arquata del Tronto and its rocca are both worth a visit in their own right offering a charming medieval town and castle. The castle was reportedly built by a duke who used it as a safe location for keeping his assorted mistresses, though proof of this use is not to be found. Once you drive through the narrow town and reach the castle you are rewarded with some great views of the adjoining parks.

A drive up into the Parco Sibillini and you will quickly be above the tree line and have unlimited views to the south and east, the Sibillini blocking your view north. This is a nature lover’s haven in both summer and winter months and home to some unique fauna and flora.

When you drive back, go past Arquata del Tronto in search of the town of Spelonga which sits on the south side of the Fiume Tronto valley, it will provide clear views to the north. This winding road into the Parco Gran Sasso offers some great views of Arquata del Tronto and the rocca with the mountains behind, although Spelonga itself may be a bit of a disappointment.

There are limited services available in Arquata del Tronto though in the vicinity there are several restaurants, hotels, bars, a gas station and a few shops. Acquasanta Terme and Ascoli Piceno are a short drive away though that portion of the SS4 is very windy. From Ascoli Piceno you have easy access to the autostrada A14 along the coast and east of Arquata del Tronto via the SS4 you can access the GRA at Rome in about two hours.