One aspect that is very important when it comes to your home is routine maintenance. This is going to ensure that you take good care of the plumbing system and that you make sure that it is going to work the way that it should. The plumbing system that is all around your home is going to be complex, and there are many components that will come together to make it work. Some of the tips that you can follow to help maintain your plumbing system include:
Check for the Leaks
It is a good idea to fall into the habit of checking for some of the leaks around the home. Even a smaller leak is going to waste a lot of water and can make your water bill go up. For example, a leaky faucet is enough to waste eight gallons of water a day, and a running toilet could waste 200 gallons a day.
A good sign to look for is the water pressure. If you notice that the water pressure has gone down or there is a larger usage of water all of a sudden, then this is a sign that you have a leak to worry about. If you suspect that there is a leak somewhere in the home and you are not able to find it, then it is time to call a plumber. This can ensure the leak is fixed before it causes structural damage or brings pests to the home.
Clear a Drain That is Slow Moving
A slow sink drain could be caused by hair accumulating in the walls of the drain or soap scum getting in the way. Before the drain is blocked up all the way and causes you more problems, there are a few steps that you can take to get it moving again. Taking out and cleaning the stopper, for example, is enough to fix the problem. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can do some wonders as well to clear out the sluggish drain. If these don’t seem to be helping the problem, then it may be best to work with a professional plumber to take care of the issue.
Pay Attention to What Goes Down the Drain
Drains in your home are going to be narrow, which means that it is easier for them to get all clogged up. Many daily objects like soap and food particles are enough to clog up the bathroom and kitchen drains in your home. Even the wrong kind of toilet paper, or too much toilet paper, can make the older pipes clog up. Consider getting some drain covers for your bathtub and sink drain to make it harder for the wrong things to go down the drain.
The Toilet is Not a Trash Can
Toilets and plumbing pipes are designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else down them can be enough to cause the toilet to clog up and damage the pipes. Even flushing items that seem like they are similar to your toilet paper, such as paper towels and facial tissues, can be enough to create tough clogs because they do not break down as easily when they are in the water. Your toilet is not a trash can, so be careful about the items that you throw down them.
Avoid Chemical Cleaners for the Drain
It is sometimes tempting to turn to a chemical drain cleaner when you are dealing with a slow-moving drain or a clog in the drain. These can provide some temporary relief for you, but they are rarely strong enough to clear out the clog all the way. You will need to continue using them again and again, and this can be dangerous to your pipes. If there is a clog in one of the drains, it is best to work with a drain snake or a plunger to help dislodge it. If you can’t get it cleared out on your own, then a plumber can step in and do some of the work.
Insulate the Pipes
It is a misconception that frozen pipes are only going to be an issue for a home in colder climates. Some of the homes that are at the most risk are those that are found in warmer climates because these are the ones that have pipes not prepared for freezing temperatures. Pipes that are in the crawl spaces, attics, and basements will need some extra protection, and some of them may not have it. You can fit them with some inexpensive pipe insulation sleeves to help decrease the chances of them freezing on you.
Check the Water Pressure
Most plumbing systems in the home will need to have water pressure that is between 40 to 50 psi. If the water pressure ends up being too high, it is going to create a strain on the plumbing system. High water pressure is going to weaken the pipe joints and will make them more prone to bursting. If you notice that the water pressure seems tough, this is a sign that there is a leak within the plumbing system.
You should consider getting your own water pressure gauge to keep around the home. This will allow you to test the water pressure of your home. If you find that it is too low, then you may need to check around to see if there is a leak. If it is too high, then you need a plumber to stop by and install a regulator for you.
When you are struggling with some of the plumbing around your home, you need to call in the professionals to take care of the work and ensure that your home will stay safe and that you can use the plumbing whenever it is needed. There are many common issues that will show up with your plumbing, but the right professionals will be able to take a look at it and get the pipes working well again.
If you are looking for a plumbing professional to come and do the work for you, our team at American Mechanical & Plumbing will be able to step in and do a lot of the work for you. We have the necessary experience to get the work done and to ensure that you do not end up with a costly mistake in the process. Trust us for all of your plumbing needs.