Sometimes, a small drip may turn into a financial flood. Thus, having effective and regular plumbing system maintenance is the key to unlocking leak-free pipes and smooth plumbing networks at your home.
Today’s minor plumbing issues may grow into tomorrow’s significant water damage, resulting in expensive repairs and loss of money and comfort. Bursting pipes and leakages may also become a health hazard.
Clogged pipes, drains, leaky faucets, frozen pipes, etc, are common plumbing problems that we all come across. Thus, it is not wise to avoid minor plumbing issues initially, waiting for them to grow into more significant ones.
This is a comprehensive home plumbing care guide for everyone facing plumbing challenges. It covers all the essentials of plumbing and pipe maintenance tips, which makes you self-reliant in dealing with routine plumbing problems.
Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tasks
Leaking pipes and faulty plumbing will no longer be a nightmare if you maintain and keep checking on plumbing health regularly. Here is a checklist of some essential plumbing maintenance tasks. Tick all the points and prevent water wastage to escape costly repairs.
Leak Detection
Inspect pipes, leakages, faucets, water corrosion or running taps at regular intervals, say monthly or quarterly.
Clog-Free Drains
Ensure clog-free drainage and that water is flowing smoothly.
Water Pressure Monitoring
The water pressure level should be maintained. Too much pressure may cause damage to pipelines, appliances, and fixtures.
Faucet and Fixture Inspection
Regularly check faucets, toilets, and other fixtures to ensure proper functioning and mineral buildup.
Water Heater Maintenance
Maintenance of water heaters should be done time and again. Temperature and pressure relief valves should be inspected for any signs of leaks.
Pipe Inspection
Inspect pipes for any leakage or damage. You may also get the help of professionals for a thorough quarterly or annual inspection.
How to Keep Drains Free from Blockages
A blocked drain is ew! It creates not only plumbing issues but also hygiene issues. Here are some drain-cleaning tips that will help you fix drain blockage.
- Natural cleaners can rescue your pipes from blockage. Try vinegar and baking soda to clean pipes, making the water flow smoothly.
- Develop a routine of pouring a bucket of hot water every day in all drains so that water flow will never face blockage.
- Never pour greasy items like oil, coffee grounds, and other cooked or raw food scraps in the sink.
- Shop drain covers today! Drain covers trap debris, hairs and other macro waste that moves into the drains.
- To keep pipes and fixtures super clear, make a habit of running hot water in the drains each time you use it. This helps dissolve any debris and stiff materials.
- Never flush wipes, toilet papers, baby diapers, etc, into toilets. Such things clog it.
- Next time you go shopping, buy biodegradable soaps and detergents. This impacts your plumbing system gently and thus contributes to increasing its life span.
Checking for Hidden Leaks and Fixing Them
Hidden leaks are hazardous. They secretly keep deteriorating the pipes, and by the time we find out about them, it’s too late. Such leaks not only drain wastewater but silently keep damaging the pipes, and by the time we find out about the leakage, it’s too late. Learn more about telltale signs of hidden leaks and how to fix them.
Signs of Hidden Leaks: The Clues You Need to Investigate
Water Stains
It is a sure sign of water leakage if you ever notice yellowish or brownish discoloration or water stains on walls, taps, floors, etc..
Musty Smells
If your nose senses a damp or mouldy odour in your home, it indicates a hidden leak.
Mold Growth
Due to a hidden leakage, mold makes ceilings and corners of floors their home. Visible mold anywhere on your house walls, ceilings or floors is a sign of hidden leaks.
The Water Meter Test: A Simple yet Effective Detective Tool
The sure-shot method to find any hidden leaks is the water meter test. Here is how you can do it:
- Turn off the water supply to all the appliances and fixtures.
- Use the water meter and record the readings.
- Do not use water for half an hour or so,
- Now check the water meter readings again.
- Compare the readings before or after.
- If there is any change in the reading, it simply means that there are hidden leaks.
DIY vs. Professional Leak Detection: Which Route to Take?
Some leaks can be easily fixed with a simple DIY. In contrast, some stubborn leaks need treatment from professionals.
DIY Leak Detection
If you observe water stains, musty smells, or mold on ceilings and walls, you may use DIY methods to detect and fix such leaks.
Professional Leak Detection
For complex leaks or when the leakage problem persists even after applying DIY methods, consult professional plumbing services. They use their experience and expertise to do it.
Maintaining Your Water Heater for Longevity
Heat water and cool down your energy bills by adopting these water heater maintenance tips to increase longevity. So enjoy the hot showers with well-maintained heaters without breaking your bank.
- Ensure regular plumbing system maintenance of the water heater.
- Do regular draining and flushing of the tank. This removes any sediment buildup and improves its efficiency and lifespan.
- Every water heater has an anode rod. This rod protects the water heater’s tank from rusting. Regularly inspect the anode rod and replace it every 3 years or more if needed.
- Regulate the temperature for better efficiency of the water heater. As per expert suggestion, 120°F is an ideal temperature to attain maximum efficiency.
Preventing Hard Water Damage in Pipes
Hard water adversely affects the quality of the pipes in your home. This is the most common plumbing issue that every household faces. It leads to capital repair of pipes, reduces water pressure, and a lot of fuss. Go through this short guide that helps protect your pipes from the attack of hard water.
How Hard Water Leads To Pipe Blockages And Damage
So, how exactly does hard water damage your pipes?
Hard water contains certain minerals like magnesium and calcium. These minerals’ residues are slowly deposited on pipes and fittings over time, which causes blockages in pipes and damages it. The deposited residues of minerals hinder the smooth water flow, add to water pressure, and sometimes even cause bursting of pipes.
Benefits of Installing a Water Softener
Fear not! There is no lock without a key. This hard water problem has a soft solution. Hard water damage can be controlled by installing a water softener.
Water softener helps in plumbing repair prevention and in,
- Reduction of residue build up.
- Prevention of pipe damage.
- Smooth water flow
- Regulating water pressure
- Softening skin and hair.
- Better cleaning of dishes
- Cleaner laundry
- Increasing longevity of appliances.
Signs That Your Home Has Hard Water Issues
Your home alarm alerts you when it shows signs of hard water. Note them.
- Observe sinks and showers for there is any deposit of soap scum.
- If your hair gets dry and dull.
- If your skin becomes itchy
- Spots on glassware and dishes.
- Reduced water pressure.
- Increase in power bills.
Regular Pipe Inspections and Why They Matter
Rust and corrosion are silent killers of pipes that weaken them slowly over time. Eventually, it results in bursting of pipes and costly repairs. But with regular and timely professional plumbing inspections, you can stay one step ahead of these pipe predators.
Identify the weak points before a small problem becomes mammoth. This is possible only through regular inspection of pipes. For this, professionals can do a great job. Through professional plumbing inspections, thorough examination of pipes is done. Thus, timely solutions can also be implemented.
Understanding the Role of Water Pressure
Water pressure plays a vital role in plumbing systems. Too much plumbing pressure may cause a negative impact. It causes destruction instead of prevention. Water pressure issues prove costly. So, it is crucial to understand the role of water pressure in plumbing.
High water pressure can cause:
- Pipe bursts
- Damage to water appliances.
- Increase in power utility bills.
To check and monitor the water pressure, use a pressure gauge. Pressure gauges can be installed near water meters or anywhere around where water flows. Also, a pressure regulator should be installed to check and ensure proper water flow. The pressure gauge adjusts the water pressure level automatically to a safe level.
Thus, a Pressure Gauge decreases power bills and increases the lifespan of pipes and other water appliances. Also, it prevents pipes from bursting.
How to Extend the Life of Your Plumbing Fixtures
Use these simple tips and add a few more years to the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures. Also, it will help you escape from costly repairs.
- Cleaning of aerators and showerheads should be done frequently. You may use a toothbrush to scrub the scale buildup.
- You may also use vinegar to soak the aerators and showerheads to remove the mineral residue deposits.
- Change old washers and seals with new ones. Set the quality high for better longevity.
- While selecting fixtures, check for durability like PVC and stainless steel are more durable than other materials that corrode quickly.
- Inspect regularly and immediately repair or replace as needed when you find leaks or damage.
Conclusion
Plumbing system maintenance is essential to save on expensive repairs and prevent water pipe damage. Regular pipe maintenance, plumbing services, and professional plumbing inspections are the best practices to upkeep your plumbing and fittings. And extend it to last a little longer.