Your property’s plumbing system is important as it supplies fresh water, heats, and distributes water around your house. Most homeowners take it for granted when they can access fresh water in their homes until a problem arises. Fortunately, with the help of your local plumber, you can eliminate or avoid common plumbing mistakes, such as rusted pipes, clogs, and leaks. Homeowners should be wary of the following plumbing maintenance tips.
1. Have a Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Schedule
Most homeowners don’t include plumbing in their home maintenance checklist. Unfortunately, ignored plumbing issues can create ongoing issues that make your house inhabitable. You should create a preventive plumbing maintenance schedule for inspection and repairs.
Plumbing maintenance and repairs can cost $325, or as high as $3000 for severe issues. To avoid these costly prices, have an annual plumbing maintenance schedule. This eliminates minor plumbing problems that can turn into expensive repairs if ignored.
2. Fix Leaking Showerheads and Faucets
Surprisingly, leaking water through showerheads and faucets can waste more than 180 gallons weekly. This can hike your water bills significantly. Leaks in these fixtures often occur due to worn-out washers, corroded valve seals, or O-ring problems.
To prevent these leaks and the resulting water wastage, you should inspect your showerheads and faucets regularly for possible signs of water leakage. Fortunately, most signs of water leakage are visible. For instance, you should ensure there’s no leaking water from the faucet handle when turned off. Check underneath the sinks for signs of leaks and water stains.
3. Keep the Drains Clear
If you have realized that water flows down the drains slowly, you probably have a clogging problem. In most cases, you should consider using a chemical drain cleaner to provide a heavy-duty response. It clears the blockage immediately, eliminating the risks of water accumulation.
However, chemical drain cleaners are not perfect for all situations. They contain strong acids that can burn through drainage pipes or damage the toilet. You should consider using hot water, baking soda, and vinegar mixture. The mixture will bubble up and clear the drains, allowing water to flow normally.
You can alternatively source enzyme cleaner from your local hardware store. These natural enzymes also do the heavy work. They clear any clogs in drain pipes. Use either of these methods once monthly or any time you notice reduced water flow in the drain. If you don’t notice improvements, contact experienced plumbers for an extensive assessment of the issue.
4. Check Water Pressure
Low water pressure, especially from the shower drains, is among the most frustrating plumbing issues affecting homeowners. Water pressure regulation is essential if water from your showerheads trickles out slowly. Low water pressure means more time to wash dishes or shower.
On the other hand, excessive pressure causes leaks or bursts the pipes. This explains why water pressure regulation is important. Fortunately, you can quickly test the pressure of water flowing through your house using a water gauge. For continuous monitoring, consider installing pressure regulators.
Endnote
Simple plumbing activities go a long way in eliminating water problems in your home. Like roofing, landscaping, or HVAC maintenance, plumbing maintenance is overly beneficial. If you determine that you can’t handle any arising plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to search for plumbers near you.
