Last Updated on January 11, 2025 by
Your plumbing system is the network of pipes that carries water throughout your home. Fixtures and appliances like sinks, toilets, dishwashers and showers connect to these pipes to provide water on demand.
Performing routine maintenance can prevent plumbing problems and save you money. Here are some tips to maintain your plumbing system:.
Clean the Drains
The drains in your home remove water and waste and are essential to the function of your home. They should be cleaned regularly to keep them working correctly and avoid clogs.
Fall brings leaves, twigs, and other debris that can block drains. Using strainers to catch food and hair in kitchen sinks can reduce these problems, as can installing covers for toilet drains.
Regularly pouring baking soda and vinegar down a drain can break up grease, mineral deposits, and odors and prevent future clogs. This is a safer and cheaper alternative to store-bought drain cleaners, which can corrode cast iron pipes over time.
When drains don’t work as they should, it is often a sign of a deeper problem with the sewer line that needs professional attention. A plumber can identify the cause and make any necessary repairs to restore proper draining throughout the house. This can also prevent more costly issues down the road, like sewage backups or
structural damage to your home.
Check the Water Heater
Nearly 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted each year by American households due to leaks and burst pipes. By implementing preventative plumbing maintenance, you can keep your home in tip-top shape and save money on energy costs.
Keep Drains Clear
Bathroom and kitchen drains are the most common source of plumbing issues in homes. These drains become clogged with hair, soap scum, and food scraps. Installing a drain screen or trap in the sink can help reduce these problems. Additionally, never flush feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton balls, tissue paper, or cooking oil down the toilet. Using a garbage disposal also helps keep drains clear.
It’s also a good idea to flush your water heater annually to remove sediment, which can cause corrosion and shorten the life of the appliance. Turn off the power to the water heater before doing so. A professional plumber can help with this task if needed. Draining the tank also reduces your energy bills by reducing your heating costs.
Check for Leaks
Putting in the effort to check for plumbing leaks, regularly cleaning drains, installing a water pressure regulator, investing in quality materials, educating household members on proper disposal of non-flushable items, and keeping detailed records can significantly reduce the risk of major emergency repairs. Additionally, having an experienced plumber conduct annual inspections and insulating exposed pipes can also prevent costly plumbing problems.
Even small leaks can add up over time causing damage and increasing water bills. Look for damp spots in the walls or floor, puddles under sinks, musty smells, and hot water discoloration. In addition, if your water bill goes up consistently but your usage habits haven’t changed you may have a leak in the pipes.
To test for a leak, locate your water meter (usually in the basement or crawl space) and mark the current reading. Then shut off all the water fixtures in your home and wait two hours to recheck the meter reading. If the meter has moved, you likely have a leak in your system.
Repair Broken Pipes
While you may have the skills to make some temporary repairs on your own, it’s always best to call in a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly and doesn’t jeopardize the integrity of the pipe. You also need to understand that working on pipes can be hazardous and requires shutting off the water supply and perhaps even electricity, gas, and sewer lines.
To repair a leak, you should start by draining the water and cleaning up any mess. Then, you can decide on a permanent solution. Some options include using silicone tape, a hose clamp and rubber repair tape, epoxy putty, or a split-sleeve clamp. If the leak is inside a wall, you may need to remove drywall to access it. This will require additional cleanup and patching, but it’s usually the quickest way to get to the leak. Shield wooden ceiling joists, wires, and anything else that could be damaged before you begin working. For more information, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-flemington/ near Melbourne, VIC can provide you with experience plumbers and available services.
