If you have ever experienced a burst pipe or a clogged toilet, you do understand the need to have a smooth-running plumbing system.
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An efficient plumbing system is an integral part of your home. When a plumbing emergency strikes, you rarely have time to respond effectively, and delays in responding to a plumbing emergency only serve to exacerbate the damages incurred. Fortunately, there are several ways to always stay on top of your game with your plumbing system. Doing regular plumbing maintenance of your home effectively reduces the chances of any plumbing issue growing out of hand. In this regard, here are the eight useful plumbing maintenance tips to keep your plumbing system in good shape.
1. Avoid the Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Although chemical drain cleaners work well in unclogging drains, they are not highly effective. Calling an experienced plumber to unclog your drain is the best alternative. You should be wary of the harsh chemicals present in drain cleaners.
The chemicals present in the cleaners are extremely corrosive to the inner linings of your pipes. Their prolonged use, in turn, results in leaky pipes and sometimes burst pipes. In addition, the chemicals present in the cleaners pose a health hazard, as they can corrode your clothing and skin. If you have a clogged drain, try using a drain snake to dislodge the clog.
2. Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Always flush your water heater at least once per year to remove mineral sediments that may have accumulated at its bottom. Banging sounds emanating from your water heater indicate that it needs to be flushed.
With regular flushing, you prolong the lifespan of your water heater. Failure to flush the built-up mineral deposits can rust the water tank. After every five years, always change your anode rod. A well-maintained water heater can serve you for a long duration.
3. Protect Your Drains
A clogged drain is no good experience to have in your home. To prevent clogging in your drains, install mesh drain covers. You can install them in areas, such as sinks and showers. Mesh drain covers prevent debris from falling into your drains, such as hair and soap chips. With a mesh drain cover, you save precious time consumed by regularly snaking your drains.
4. Regularly Check for Leaks
A leaky faucet may not seem harmful at the start. You may ask what the cost implication is. Well, prolonged leaks from a faucet can significantly increase the monthly water bills. If you notice a leaking faucet in your home, call an experienced plumber at teamemergencyplumber.com. This will save you a couple of dollars by lowering utility bills.
Plumbing leaks rarely occur at once. You should always check the exposed pipes in your home for any signs of corrosion and damages. If you notice rust or droplets of water on the outer layer of pipes, it signifies a plumbing problem. Do not hesitate to call your technician to resolve it.
5. Avoid DIY Plumbing Solutions
Some plumbing issues may look basic and easy to fix, even untrained people. Avoid the temptation to handle plumbing problems on your own even when they seem easy. It’s safe to call your experienced, licensed plumber if you have any plumbing challenges. Without the necessary plumbing skills, you only risk damaging your plumbing system further. This, in turn, results in more costly plumbing repairs.
6. Regularly Monitor Your Water Pressure
A high-water pressure strains your plumbing system. If you suspect that your water pressure is high, always call your plumber to measure it. High water pressure increases the chances of having leaky pipes in your home. It forces the pipes to work harder. Always maintain a moderate pressure to put less stress on your pipes.
7. Promptly Undertake Repairs When You Notice a Plumbing Issue
If you notice any plumbing issue, such as a minor leak in your home, don’t ignore it. The best action to take is to call your plumber to repair the minor issue before it mutates into a bigger problem. Plumbing challenges are easier to tackle when minor but can become a nightmare if ignored. Call a pro if you notice that your water heater is giving out bubbling sounds or one of your appliances has failed. Promptly tackle all plumbing issues in your home, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
8. Take Care of the Toilet Drain
A clogged toilet drain in your house can be a nasty experience. Not only is it a health hazard, but it’s also costly to resolve. Keep a trash can near your toilet to throw in waste items such as sanitary products rather than trying to flush them down the toilet. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet drain.