If you’re dealing with leaky faucets or backed up toilets, you’re not alone. These are two of the most plumbing complaints homeowners encounter.
Even if you’re not handy around the house, having a proper understanding can help you perform the necessary maintenance to avoid these issues. Before you can maintain efficient home plumbing, you must first figure out what’s included in your water system.
This includes your bathroom and kitchen sinks, toilets, garbage disposal, washing machine, water heater and showers.
Here are seven tips to maintain your home’s plumbing system:
Fix Drips and Leaks
Some people don’t mind a dripping faucet. However, a dripping faucet can become a huge problem if left unchecked. In fact, a leaky faucet not only wastes a ton of water, it can also increase your water bill over time. What’s worse is that if the dripping or leaks aren’t fixed, they gradually become worse. Eventually, water damage starts to occur. To prevent these issues from happening, regularly check your faucets and shower heads. If you happen to find a leak, repair it immediately.
Gauge Water Pressure
Water pressure is how forceful water comes out of the faucet. Testing the water pressure is simple. You can use a pressure gauge to see if the water is coming out at a safe level, which is about 55 to 75 psi. If the water pressure is too high or too low, call up a licensed contractor and have them install a regulator.
Empty the Water Heater
If not emptied at least annually, water heaters are prone to damage. With regular use, sediment can start to develop at the bottom of the water heater. When this happens, your water heater may not work as well as it used it should. In turn, it might take longer for you water to heat up. You can prevent this by emptying the water heater annually or semi-annually. Make sure to call a plumber South Brisbane if you’re unable to empty it.
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
One of the most common household plumbing issues are clogs. In fact, the leading problem with most drains is what people put down them. The same can also be said for toilets. What you put down your drains or flush down the toilet goes through your pipes. Putting massive amounts of food go down your kitchen drain can clog the pipes. Since food like rice and pasta, expand, they should be thrown in the trash. Flushing huge wads of toilet paper down the toilet can also cause massive clogs.
Furthermore, never pour chemicals down the drain. Not only can it corrode the pipes, it could leak into your water supply. Discard to toxic chemicals as recommended by the manufacturer.
Take a Look at the Pipes
Make sure to inspect any exposed pipes you in your home. Exposed pipes are frequently located on the back of household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. You never know when the appliance will start leaking. If you notice even a slight leak, don’t hesitate to call a plumber.
Inspect Your Hoses
Another commonly overlook area of concerns are hoses. Over time, hoses can become brittle, which eventually leads to leaks. A surefire way to know if your hose is leaking or damaged, is a significant change in your utility bills. Luckily, you won’t need a plumber to resolve this issue. Simply go to your local hardware store and purchase a new hose. Never try to repair on old one with tape or any other type of adhesive.
Call a Plumber
Despite all of these tips, there’s no better way to keep your plumbing in mint condition than calling in a plumber. Using their specialized training, plumbers will perform a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing system, identifying any areas of concern. If found, they can repair it on the spot or at least find the right way to temporarily repair until a later date.
If you suspect that you have a leak, we’re here to help. Contact a plumber in South Brisbane.
