Being a homeowner is demanding as it is rewarding since there are so many things to think about and take care of, meaning it is easy to overlook certain ones, at least until they cause a major problem. This especially applies to your home´s plumbing system because you might not pay attention to it but once a huge issue occurs or there is an emergency, there is nothing left for you to do but call a plumber for help. However, you can avoid such disasters by performing regular preventive maintenance on your kitchen or bathroom sink, shower, piping, and more.
These tasks are not time-consuming or especially difficult and you can execute many of them on your own. But by checking everything and making necessary repairs, you can avoid having to take care of and pay for any damages caused by water or other plumbing problems.
If you are unsure of what kind of measures you can take or what it is you can do, here are some useful tips to have in mind that can save you from a lot of headaches, stress, and frustration.
1. Do Not Ignore Leaks
Leaky faucets, toilets, showerheads, appliances, and pipes can lead to many issues, some of which are more harmful than others. Not only do leaks lead to unnecessary water wastage but they also increase your monthly bill, cause serious corrosion over time, and depending on where they are located, might cause damage to appliances and furniture as well.
Instead of having to replace leaky faucets completely, it is better to try to detect the source and fix it before it is too late. If you cannot locate where it is coming from, call an expert for help. Sometimes all that needs to be done is to replace a certain inner part.
The same goes for toilets. In cases when there is continuous running water, you might simply need to clean the valve seat or flapper from limescale, sediment, and dirt. Other times your flapper or tank stopper might need replacement. If there is leakage at the base, your plumber will probably have to replace the wax ring around it.
Broken pipes and appliances can cause leakage and damage to your floors, ceiling, and walls and it can also be detrimental for your health since the moisture can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. If you notice pools of water on the floor, wet stains on your walls and ceiling, be sure to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
2. Prevent Clogging
Clogs lead to a number of issues and there is nothing more frustrating than your sink, bathtub, or toilet not draining properly. Besides, sewer backup, for example, is also dangerous for your health since it is full of bacteria.
Firstly, always be careful what you throw and flush in the toilet, as well as what you throw down the drain. Secondly, you can take preventive measures by using a homemade mixture of hot water and vinegar to wash away any debris that might be stuck in your pipes and you can use this in your bathroom or kitchen sink and shower or bathtub drain.
Moreover, grease tends to build up along the pipe walls, ultimately leading to clogging. You can install a grease trap to prevent this from happening but have in mind that you will have to clean it from build-up from time to time because it will slow down draining.
You can try cleaning the grease trap by yourself but it is time-consuming and difficult. However, some businesses specialize in grease trap cleaning. They can do the work for you efficiently and affordably too. You can visit houstongrease.com if you are interested in learning more.
3. Regulate Your Water Pressure
You can always use a pressure gauge to measure the force with which the water is coming out of your showerhead and faucets. Making sure it is at a safe level will prevent your plumbing pipes from bursting and causing some serious damage to your home.
4. Take Care of Your Water Heater
Having hot water is essential for any household and that is why keeping your water heater in great condition is necessary. Not only will it ensure that the appliance lasts longer but it will also prevent it from breaking down and leaving your family with no hot water until you can repair or replace it.
Every six months or at least once a year, drain the device and clean it from any possible sediment build-up. If you do not do this, the sediment will continue building over time and making the heater less and less effective until it stops working completely. Take a look at the burner chamber as well and make sure that it is rust-free.
5. Maintain a Clean Sewer System
Sewer system issues can cause serious damages to your house and property, so if you have one, inspect it regularly. Learn and understand the lines and make sure that there are no trees in its way since the roots can sometimes damage the lines. It is also advisable to hire a plumber and schedule periodic cleanups to prevent potential clogging and harmful backup.
6. Learn How to Fix Small Problems
Your home budget can take quite a blow if you have to call an expert every time you have a problem with your plumbing, so it wouldn‘t be a bad idea to learn how to deal with small emergencies on your own. Slightly blocked pipes, visible leaks, and clogged toilets can easily be taken care of with the help of a plunger and a pipe wrench.
Another great idea would be to create a routine check-up schedule so that you inspect your plumbing occasionally to make sure everything is in order.
Conclusion
If you notice something is wrong, don‘t ignore it or consider that it is not serious. Fix even the smallest of issues as quickly as you can to prevent them from becoming bigger and more serious.
Avoid corrosion, damage, and even floods by taking care of your plumbing as much as you can. After all, we cannot live in a home without water, so don‘t fail to understand the importance of having a plumbing system that is in peak condition.
