Keeping your plumbing system in tip-top shape will help prevent costly repairs down the road. Learn about early leak detection, drain maintenance, water heater upkeep, and more.
Keep kitchen drains clear of food waste, grease, and small items to avoid clogs. Use a filter in sinks and baths, and be careful what you flush: Never flush feminine hygiene products or diapers!
Check Water Pressure
Having the right water pressure in your home is important because it ensures that everything from showerheads to washing machines operate properly. If you have low pressure, it can result in trickling faucets or water that doesn’t flow through pipes efficiently. If you have too much pressure, it can damage your pipes, water softeners, water heaters, and washing machine hoses. Testing your water pressure a few times a year can help you catch problems before they escalate and save you the hassle (and expense) of a plumbing emergency.
The best way to test your water pressure is by using a water gauge. These are available at most hardware stores and can be purchased for relatively inexpensive. Before you test, make sure that all of your faucets are turned off and that no water-using appliances are in use. Water gauges measure static pressure, so if any water is moving throughout your system, it may give you a false low reading.
Once you have your gauge, find an accessible spigot and screw the gauge onto it. Be careful not to unscrew it too quickly or you could have water pouring out all over the place. After you’ve screwed the gauge on, wait about an hour and then check the pressure again. Ideally, the pressure should remain consistent for the entire hour.
If your reading is lower than expected, there’s probably an issue with your plumbing. This could mean a faulty pressure regulator or an untreated water supply problem. You should also consider calling your water supplier to see if they can come out and inspect the pressure on your system.
Inspecting individual faucets and taps around your home can also help you diagnose problems. Gurgling sounds from drains indicate a blocked venting pipe, while banging noises from toilets may be caused by something called “water hammer.” This is a shock wave that travels through the pipes when water flow stops suddenly, and can cause them to bang against fixtures or walls and cause structural damage to your home.
Leaks are a big reason why many homeowners call a plumber, especially professionals like the Plano plumbers, but they can be prevented with regular maintenance and catching them early on. With just a few preventative steps, you can keep your plumbing system in good condition and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Clean Drains
Drains in sinks, toilets, tubs, and washing machines play a vital role in your plumbing system. However, when not properly maintained, they can become clogged with food debris, hair, and soap scum. Clogged drains can cause flooding, sewage backups, and other major issues. Thankfully, there are many simple ways to keep your drains and pipes clean.
Avoid Chemical Cleaners
It’s best to avoid buying commercial drain cleaners, which can damage pipes and leave residue behind. Instead, you can try cleaning your own drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. The chemical reaction between the two will break down any accumulated materials and clear minor clogs. Just pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar, and flush with hot water. Repeat this process on all of your home’s drains to prevent clogs.
Clean Your Drain Screens
The drain screens in your garbage disposal and kitchen sink are designed to trap large particles that would otherwise clog your drains. To help keep them clean, remove and rinse them regularly to remove any buildup of food particles or grease. You can also use a wire mesh strainer in your drains to help prevent blockages.
Educate Your Family Members
A common cause of clogs is household debris that ends up in the wrong drain. Everyone in the house should be educated about what should and shouldn’t go down drains to avoid this type of problem. It’s a good idea to install clear signage above each drain in the house that explains what can and cannot be poured down the pipes.
It’s also important to teach kids about the importance of properly disposing of food and other items into the trash and not down the drains. This will help avoid accidental clogs that can lead to expensive repair bills. If you do experience a serious clog, call a professional to avoid costly repairs and replacements. A plumber can use a power auger to physically break up and remove stubborn clogs without damaging the pipe itself. This tool consists of a cable with a motor attached at the end. Plug in the auger, position it near the clog, and feed several feet of the cable down the pipe to dislodge the obstruction.
Check for Leaks
A leaking pipe may seem insignificant at first, but it can cause significant damage over time. It can also waste water, which is an important resource for your household. Fortunately, most plumbing leaks are easy to identify and fix.
Often, the most obvious sign of a leak is an unexplained increase in your water bill. A small leak can lead to a big water bill, especially if you have other household members who use water frequently.
Other signs of a leak include rattling sounds in the pipes and bubbling noises from your toilet or sink. If you hear these sounds, turn off all the faucets in your home and check the water meter. If the sweep hand has moved or the numbers have shifted, there is a water leak somewhere in your system.
If you’re not sure how to read your meter, call your water company for assistance. A professional will help you track down the leak and fix it before it causes expensive damage.
Another easy way to find a leak is by feeling around for dampness or discoloration in the walls or ceilings. Leaks in wall cavities usually feel cooler to the touch than other areas of the house, and are best felt near fixtures such as faucets or showerheads.
You can also use your ear to listen for leaks. Rhythmic, intermittent dripping sounds indicate a slow leak from a pipe or fixture, while hissing sounds suggest a pressurized leak from a small opening under pressure.
Leak detection is even easier if you have a water meter with a leak indicator. Turn off all indoor and outdoor water-use fixtures and write down the numbers on your meter. Wait at least 15 minutes without using any water and then recheck the numbers. If the numbers have risen, there is a leak in your water system.
A leaking pipe can be dangerous for your family. If the leaking water contains contaminants, they may be ingested or inhaled by your household members. Additionally, if the leaking water is from your wastewater pipe, it could contaminate your entire water supply.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Having to deal with broken pipes, water damage, or dealing with a clogged toilet or sink can be an inconvenience for anyone. However, preventative maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring and ensure that your home’s plumbing functions properly.
Regular inspections are a great way to spot potential issues and address them before they become serious problems. A plumber can also help you create a maintenance schedule and homeowner checklist that will keep your plumbing system functioning as it should.
Leaking pipes, clogged drains and toilets, and other problems can be expensive to repair, so it’s important to catch them early on. A plumber can identify signs of leaks or other problems like an unexplained increase in your water bill, stains on walls or ceilings, and musty smells. Small leaks can be repaired easily and at a much lower cost than major repairs or replacement.
Plumbing problems are not only expensive to fix but can cause serious health issues in your home as well. If left untreated, water damage can lead to rotting floorboards and the growth of mold. In addition, sewage leaks can cause toxic fumes that are dangerous to your health and that of your family.
The most common causes of plumbing problems are poor installation, neglect, and improper maintenance. By following a few simple tips, you can avoid many of these problems and protect your home’s plumbing for a long time. These include:
Performing routine maintenance and recognizing when to call a plumber are important steps in preventing plumbing problems and maintaining your home’s plumbing systems. A professional plumber can provide expert advice, perform more in-depth maintenance, and offer solutions that are more cost-effective than repairing major problems after they occur. For example, a professional plumber can recommend and perform sewer line cleaning services to prevent clogs before they become major issues. Additionally, they can install a water softener to help prevent hardwater buildup and increase the lifespan of your pipes. They can also perform regular inspections to detect problems like clogs and leaks before they become severe.