Poor plumbing system is one of the most overlooked issues many people fail to address on time. Falling behind on plumbing maintenance can cost you a lot in the long run. Remember that you don't need a plumbing license to practice some basic tips that can help avoid extensive maintenance.
Some tips and tricks to keep in mind include:
- Avoid treating your toilet as a dumpster
- Look for potential signs of broken pipes and blockage
- Cut down the water usage
- Regularly Check fixtures and drains
- Schedule a regular plumbing inspection
Don't know when and how to start? Let’s dig in.
Home Plumbing Problems- What to Spot and Fix?
Outdoor plumbing collects water and dust, and without proper inspection and repairs, the damage can cause problems like ground shifts or severe slab leaks, as well as broken piping and leaky toilets.
Therefore, you need to take some precautions to keep your pipes healthy. The most effective way to do this is by hiring a professional to conduct a thorough plumbing inspection. They can detect minor issues in the plumbing before they turn into structural damage.
Be Kind to Toilet when Flushing
Clogged toilets are a major reason for many plumbing issues. It's important to remember that your toilet is not a dumpster. You can't flush out things or objects that are bigger than the pipes themselves.
Flushable wipes, for instance, are a common culprit behind clogged toilet drainage systems. Similarly, plastic medication, tissues, and Q-tips are other things that can easily block a drainage pipe. The simple solution? Keep a trash can in your bathroom to throw away your waste products.
Make this change happen this year, and prevent future backups and clogs!
Fix Broken Pipes
If heavy showers fall after a dry spell, they can cause the ground to shift considerably, resulting in broken pipes. The ground shifts because dry soil infuses with a lot of moisture very quickly, and starts moving and expanding.
This can cause pipes to break, especially if they are old. Some of the obvious signs of broken pipes are debris and discolored water. You must inspect them carefully and call plumbing professionals to fix them.
Look for Sewer System Blockage
Debris, such as dirt, trash, twigs, and leaves, are often the primary reason for blocked sewer systems. These may get in your sewer system and clog your drains. When there is a sewer system blockage, you'll find your drains to be sluggish, and water wouldn't go down the drain as quickly as before. Plus, you'll detect the smell of sewage.
Reduce Water Usage
Scaling back on daily water usage is not as difficult as it sounds. You can save more than 2000 gallons of water every year if you start making simple adjustments like closing the faucet when brushing or shampooing. Be thoughtful and aware of water usage as it is a great way to save money on bills for everyone.
Keep Water Heater Maintenance (HVAC) in Check
Like piping insulation, many homeowners overlook water heater maintenance. It is important to keep in mind that when you don't maintain water heaters properly, they can suffer from corrosion, which results in bursting or leaking. This may cause a real mess as you will have to spend a large dollar amount to fix them.
Regardless of the type of water heater in your home, maintaining it can increase its life span. A well–maintained water heater can last up to ten to twelve years. It is always better to flush out the water heater and keep it in check with the help of a plumbing expert or a professional plumber.
Go For Plumbing Inspection
No one knows the problems with your plumbing system like professional plumbers do. A thorough plumbing inspection is the best line of action to identify problems such as those discussed above.
By detecting and fixing these problems, you can save a lot of time, money, and hassle of dealing with structural damage later on. In other words, the cost of plumbing inspection and minor repairs will pay for itself in the long run, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your pipes are healthy and can handle the season ahead.