As with almost everything else, taking regular and early preventative measures regarding your plumbing system saves you the headache of bigger and more complicated issues in the future. A plumbing system is not just faucets and pipes; everything that utilizes and runs on water is considered part of it. For example, showers, water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators, drains, toilets, and the list goes on. All of which requires to stay in check or else plumbing issues will suddenly get out of hand, becoming more time-consuming and costly to fix.
What can you do for maintaining your plumbing system?
- Keep an eye for leakage
Dripping faucets, leaking showerheads, and water stains forming underneath your sink don’t necessarily signal an underlying plumbing issue but can cause a lot of water to go to waste which adds up to your water bill some way or another. All you have to do is regularly check for water drips when the water handles and faucets are turned off.
- Check leaking toilets
A leaking toilet signals a faulty seal around the valve seat and flapper as gunk forms around them. Or it might also signal that the handle or tank stopper needs to be replaced. Good news is that as soon as the root cause is figured out, both issues are quick and relatively inexpensive to fix.
- Keep track of water pressure
Regularly check the pressure of your water system using a pressure gauge to ensure that water is coming out of your faucets and showerheads at a safe force. You can also go the extra mile and add a pressure regulator to ensure a safe pressure level is maintained at all times.
Speaking of water pressure, it is also worth mentioning the effect of cleaning your showerhead from any accumulated sediment has on improving its water pressure.
- Check your water heaters
You should drain your water heater to remove accumulated sediments annually or semi-annually as you see fit, just make sure to do it before the start of the winter season to ensure maximized effectiveness of the heater.
Also, while you are on it, check the burner chamber of your water heater against dust flakes. The flame of the water should be blue; yellow flame means that the jets need to be cleaned. This task may need to be carried out by an experienced plumber or heating professional.
- Understand your sewer system
Snake your sewer lines periodically in order to avoid clogging. You should understand how your lines run so that you can locate the root of a problem as soon as it pops up.
- Beware of clogging
Slow drains signal a problem. Every few months, flush down a homemade mixture of vinegar and hot water down your drains in order to unclog any debris that might have formed. This is a simple home hack that can go a long way in ensuring your drain is flowing perfectly as it is supposed to be.
- Check all appliances and exposed pipes
When installing a new appliance that runs on water such as a washing machine, a refrigerator, or a heater, be sure to read the manual that comes with it first; manufacturers usually attach maintenance requirements and measures. Watch out for any visible leakage signs including water stains and puddles and beware of mildew.
Having a drip tray installed beneath can go a long way in minimizing the damage if leaks were to happen.
Plumbing systems are complex and can fail you frequently if too much strain is put on them. Performing regular preventative measures to every part of the plumbing system may help avoid bigger issues from forming but does not completely negate the need to have a professional plumber come in to fix and repair any wear and tear in your system.
Nearby plumbers, or any other type of service providers, can be easily located on the WeServe App in a convenient and a time-saving manner. The app allows you to connect with hundreds of providers of close physical proximity to you. If their profile and rates appeal to you, you can simply request their help in a matter of a few taps.
