Best Ways to Maintain a Plumbing System
02/29/2024, Melbourne // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire //
Many homeowners overlook their plumbing systems until they have a problem. However, taking some preventative maintenance steps can help keep your pipes healthy and reduce costly problems down the road.
For instance, only toilet paper should be flushed; other items like cotton balls, wipes, and tampons can lead to clogs. Also, it is important to avoid over-tightening faucets and valves; this can damage them.
Check Your Water Meter
Keeping plumbing in good condition will save you money on energy and water bills, prevent costly repairs, and extend the lifespan of your pipes. You can do your part by regularly checking for leaks and clogs, avoiding the use of chemical drain cleaners, and installing pipe insulation in cold areas of your home.
Start by finding your meter, which is usually located in a plastic meter “box” near the street. Turn off all faucets and any other water-using appliances (including ice makers, washing machines, and dishwashers). Look at the meter display to see whether it is moving. If it is, your meter may have a leak.
If the meter doesn’t move, shut off the main water supply valve to your house by turning the handle clockwise to the left until it stops. This will stop your water usage, allowing you to track the source of the leak. If it does move, the leak is likely in a buried service line running water from your city water main to your home.
Clean Drains Regularly
Drain pipes are a crucial part of your plumbing system but they’re often ignored until a problem occurs. Clogged drains are not only a nuisance but they can lead to more serious problems like water damage and health issues.
Keeping drains clean is relatively simple, but it requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain free of debris and gunk. To do this, you can pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain to create a chemical reaction that loosens gunk, or use commercial drain cleaners that don’t contain toxic chemicals.
It is also important to prevent clogs by avoiding introducing items into the drain that can form solid masses, such as coffee grounds, hair, cooking grease and soap scum. A mesh drain catch can help with this. Lastly, you should insulate exposed water pipes to prevent them from freezing during colder weather and avoid costly leaks. A plumber from Melbourne can advise you on the best ways to do this.
Don’t Over-Tighten Faucets and Valve
While it’s important to have strong water pressure, too much can strain your pipes and cause them to deteriorate over time. Installing a pressure regulator can help you avoid this issue and ensure that the water in your home is at an optimal level.
Leaks around your sinks and toilets can add up over time, wasting water and costing you money. Get into the habit of checking for leaks regularly to prevent this from happening and to catch them as soon as possible.
It’s also a good idea to check the drains in your bathroom and kitchen for clogs regularly. Be careful about what you put down your drains to prevent clogs, such as hair, soap, food scraps, grease, and other debris. Also, make sure to clean your lint trap in your washing machine regularly to prevent sediment from building up and shortening the lifespan of your appliance. Lastly, make sure to know where your water shut-off valves are located and how to operate them.
Hire a Plumber
Plumbing systems are used for a lot of things in a home, from delivering clean water to flushing waste out. They’re often out of sight and mind until they have a problem, which usually leads to costly repairs.
The best way to avoid these problems is with regular plumbing maintenance. By keeping an eye on your pipes and having a professional plumber inspect them, you can catch many issues before they become large problems.
A licensed plumber has the tools and equipment to deal with almost any plumbing issue. They also have access to professional supplies that aren’t available to the general public, which can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
A plumber’s professional experience helps them understand how the entire plumbing system works and where the problem lies. They don’t waste valuable time going through every potential solution and can get to the root of the issue much faster than you could.