Plumbing 101: Basic Preventative Maintenance
Your home plumbing is a crucial system that provides your household with a safe and clean water supply and ensures proper wastewater drainage. Because of this, keeping it in excellent condition is essential to prevent issues that could lead to inconveniences in your daily routine and other costly damage. One way to do this is through regular plumbing maintenance.
Routine upkeep not only ensures your plumbing system is performing optimally, but also minimizes wear and tear, lengthening its lifespan. Read this guide for some essential tips and tricks.
Inspect Your Plumbing System Regularly
Sometimes, plumbing problems like leaks are often discovered when they’ve already wreaked havoc on your system. With regular inspections, you’ll be able to spot early signs of similar issues and address them before they worsen. Doing so also saves you from costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Check your pipes, toilets, faucets, showers, and sinks for signs of damage, leaks, mold, or corrosion. Additionally, inspect other components like your water heater, washing machines, and outdoor hoses.
Watch What Goes Down Your Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems you can encounter. If left unattended, this could lead to further issues, such as leaks or sewer backups. To prevent clogs, avoid pouring grease, food waste, egg shells, coffee grounds, and other solid objects or debris down your drains. Soap scum and hair are also common culprits of blockages.
If you can, use a drain guard to prevent foreign objects from causing a clog. Cleaning your drains regularly with hot water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help clear any potential buildup.
Check Your Water Pressure
While it may seem like a good idea, having high water pressure can be harmful to your home’s system. It can lead to faster wear and tear on piping and appliances, causing leaks, cracks, and other plumbing problems.
Because of this, it’s crucial to check your water pressure regularly. Ensure that it stays at the recommended levels, which are between 40 and 60 psi. You can also install a regulator that helps maintain ideal water pressure.
Flush Your Water Heater
Calcium and magnesium in your water may build up over time in your heater. These mineral sediments can settle at the bottom of your tank and damage your unit’s heating capabilities or cause your machine to corrode, shortening its lifespan. Flushing your water heater once or twice a year removes mineral buildup and ensures optimal performance.
Fix Leaky Plumbing Immediately
Plumbing leaks, no matter how small, should be addressed immediately. Otherwise, they could worsen and result in more severe problems, including flooding and water damage. Some signs to look out for include increased bills, dripping sounds, and water stains.
Worn-out or damaged components like the valve seat, O-ring, and washer may cause leaking fixtures. Usually, replacing them will fix the issue. Meanwhile, besides broken components, pipe leaks may result from clogs and corrosion. If you are unsure how to address your leaky plumbing, hire a professional.
Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter
Winter can wreak havoc on your home plumbing system, as it can cause frozen pipes, which can crack, leak, or even burst, leading to inconvenience and costly damage. Because of this, it’s crucial to winterize your plumbing before the colder months arrive.
You can keep your pipes from freezing by wrapping them in foam insulation. Doing so is particularly crucial for exposed indoor piping in areas like the basement, attic, or garage. Besides that, sealing cracks or gaps in your home helps ensure no air leaks can reach your plumbing.
Seek Help From a Professional Plumber
While you can perform maintenance on your own, having a professional plumber inspect your system can make a difference. With their expertise, they can easily spot issues, identify potential problem areas, and address them before they worsen. Additionally, these experts can recommend upgrades, repairs, or maintenance routines that keep your plumbing healthy.
Reach Out to a Reputable Plumbing Company
With this plumbing 101 guide on preventative maintenance, you can better care for your home’s system and improve its longevity. Despite that, doing upkeep yourself may have limitations, especially if you don’t have the proper plumbing expertise and tools. In this case, hiring a professional is most beneficial. Contact a trusted plumber near you to schedule an inspection or learn more about their maintenance services.