The plumbing system plays an important role in supplying water and getting waste out of the home. It’s easy to take it for granted until something goes wrong, such as a leaky faucet or clogged drain.
Proper care and maintenance can prolong the life of household pipes and prevent clogs and leaks. Here are some tips to help you maintain your home’s plumbing:
Check for Leaks
Many people don’t think about the network of pipes running through their homes delivering hot and cold water on demand. But, neglecting these systems can lead to serious problems like leaks and clogs.
Leaks can be costly for homeowners, causing damage and increasing the water bill over time. A little proactive maintenance can help you spot these problems before they turn into major headaches.
Look for water stains, puddles, and musty smells that indicate a problem with your plumbing system. You can also check for leaks by turning off all the faucets in your home and then taking a reading on your water meter. If the reading changes, you leak.
Another way to prevent leaks is by not washing items down drains that aren’t designed to go there – such as wipes, cotton balls, and sanitary products. These can create solid masses that clog drains. Be sure to regularly clean your sink and shower drains so that sediment doesn’t build up.
Clean Drains
Keeping drains clear of debris is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your plumbing system. Clogged drains can cause a variety of problems, including foul odors and sewage backups. You can prevent clogs by using drain traps, and strainers, and by disposing of grease and oil properly. You should also regularly clean your drain lines with a barbed stick or auger. For help with blocked drains in Melbourne, you can reach out to a professional plumber for assistance.
These tools have bristles that can pull out hair and other debris from the pipes. You can also use bleach or other household cleaners to clean your drains. Another easy way to keep your drains clean is to pour boiling water down them regularly. You can also try using lemon or other citrus juices to remove odors and bacteria from your drains.
Seal Pipes
Getting pipes tightly sealed is one of the most fundamental plumbing skills to know. It ensures that water, natural gas, and compressed air – generally referred to as “fluids” – can move from one place to another without leakage.
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems and can be costly if not addressed quickly. Installing a drain filter in sinks, showers, and tubs can help to prevent blockages, while regular cleaning with natural products like baking soda and
vinegar can keep things flowing smoothly.
If you leak, shutting off the water supply valve for the affected area of the pipe can minimize the damage and prevent any expensive repairs. If you encounter a gushing leak, though, it’s best to call a plumber right away!
Install Water Heaters
Whether it’s gas or electric, water heaters are a key element of the home plumbing system. Changing out an old one can save energy and money over time. If you’re planning on installing a new one, it’s important to take steps to prepare your house and plumbing.
Make sure the gas line is shut off and the electrical wires are disconnected before you start the project. Using a hose, drain the water from the tank to remove any sediment and contaminants. Next, connect the hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the tank and run it outdoors or to a floor drain.
To install a new water heater, cut the hot and cold water pipes to the correct length. Wrap the threads of each with the plumber’s tape, then use a pipe wrench or channel lock pliers to disconnect them from the water heater. Solder copper adapters (with a plastic-lined “nipple”) to each end of the pipe assembly.
