A good part of our daily home activities depends on an efficient plumbing system. Home plumbing systems that are well-maintained enable you to wash the dishes, do the laundry, and take a bath with relative ease. However, once you notice something different like a sink that drains a lot slower than before, then you should begin to investigate.
The above scenario is not uncommon. Many households are known to experience a slow-moving drain which can become a problem if not addressed quickly. Interestingly, this is one of many plumbing problems that can easily be avoided if regular maintenance is observed.
Common Plumbing Maintenance Measures
Although problems with your plumbing sometimes happen without any warning, there are some that can be prevented through early detection. These include doing the following:
1. Check the shower head.
Checking these fixtures regularly for possible leaks will help prevent plumbing disasters from occurring. If you notice a leak, the threads are likely loose. To fix this, you can use a plumber tape to seal the threads.
However, if the problem is a clog, you’ll have to take off the shower head and soak this for one hour in warm water mixed with vinegar. A small brush can also be used to loosen the deposits that may have built up inside the head which could be the cause of the blockage.
2. Protect the drains.
Ideally, only human waste and water should pass through your drain pipes. Grease, hair, leftover food, and other foreign objects should not be allowed to go down the home drain because they will disrupt the flow of water. If you notice your drains moving slowly for several days, pour a homemade solution of vinegar and hot water as this has been known to be an effective remedy for clogs.
A better and safer solution, however, is to install a screen atop the drain, and throw away your garbage properly. Every few months, get a plumber to inspect your home plumbing, particularly the drainage system, to see if there are any minor clogs developing.
3. Fix leaking toilets.
A range of factors can cause your toilet to leak. A common reason is when the seal around the valve seat gets broken. When this happens, gunk will develop and surround the valve seat and the flapper. This will prevent the latter from closing completely, resulting in running water on the toilet bowl.
When it comes to a clogged toilet, a plunger is the most common solution. It can effectively remove toilet clogs because of the strong pressure produced by its suction cup. For best results, however, keep in mind that you need to use a toilet plunger. When using it, place the plunger at the bottom of the toilet bowl, push it down then pull it up. Once you see that your toilet is flushing on its own, it means the clog has been successfully removed.
4. Examine your pipes.
Over time, it’s normal for your plumbing to show signs of damage. Often, corrosion will set in, but in some cases, green and blue-colored deposits can also begin to surround your pipes. If one or both are present, have a plumber promptly check the pipes so they can be repaired or replaced. Pipes that have become corroded are already weak and are prone to leaks.
5. Check your sewer lines.
The typical plumbing system at home is either buried underground or hidden behind your walls. This makes it difficult for you to find out its present condition. If there are old trees nearby, their roots could have made their way into the water pipes, resulting in ugly blockages without you knowing about it. To prevent this from happening, call for plumbing maintenance and inspection at least two times a year.
6. Check outdoor plumbing.
Small green patches in your yard could indicate a sewage leak which merits immediate attention. Puddles that suddenly appear out of nowhere are a sign of the same problem. If either of this is present in your yard, get the services of an expert plumber right away.
7. Check the roof.
This is something that many homeowners fail to do even if many plumbing maintenance tips recommend it. Regularly inspecting the roof allows you to see if there are dried leaves and other debris that have accumulated in the area that can lead to such dangers as a standing water.
8. Monitor water pressure.
Although strong water pressure is ideal, this can apply excessive force on your home plumbing, and this could cause the pipes to burst. Install a pressure gauge so you can spot areas of your plumbing that are experiencing a strangely strong surge of water pressure.
9. Find the main water valve.
This usually resembles a wheel and is often installed near the street. Identifying its exact location is crucial since you need to turn the valve off when your plumbing has a major leak. Shutting off this valve serves as your initial plumbing preventive maintenance step until the plumber arrives to help you out.
10. Locate hidden leaks.
Unseen leaks often cause serious plumbing problems. These can ruin the foundation of your home, especially wooden beams and drywall. A regular inspection of your plumbing system by a licensed plumber can prevent the occurrence of hidden leaks.
11. Examine your water bill.
Many plumbing maintenance tips recommend checking your monthly water bill to see if there is a surprising spike in your consumption. If you spot one, this could mean that you have a leak somewhere in the house, which you need to locate and fix.
Key Takeaway
Maintaining an efficient plumbing system is essential for many daily activities at home. Doing so can prevent plumbing problems from occurring and save you from unwanted and costly repairs.
Many simple tasks such as checking for hidden leaks, fixing leaking toilets, replacing clogged shower heads, and cleaning the roof of debris can go a long way in ensuring that your plumbing remains damage-free. It’s also advisable that you ask a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing at least twice a year so any minor problems can be detected early before they become major plumbing issues.
Contact A Better Plumber for a regular but affordable plumbing maintenance.
Regularly maintaining your plumbing is essential to keep your home safe and sound. Don’t wait for a major plumbing problem to take place. Take preventive measures now by getting in touch with A Better Plumber.
Our Aurora plumbing team is the expert when it comes to plumbing maintenance service. With them at work, you can rest assured that you won’t be facing any major plumbing issue. Call us now to ensure a comfortable home environment for you and your family.
