Tips to Maintain Plumbing System

The plumbing system in your home delivers hot and cold water, flushes waste, and drains water away. It’s an essential system that requires some care to keep it working properly.

Leaks can lead to gallons of wasted water and higher bills. It’s important to know how to find and repair leaks quickly to save money.

Drains

The plumbing system is so ubiquitous and important that we often take it for granted—until something goes wrong. Fortunately, many problems can be prevented with regular maintenance.

The first step is a visual inspection of pipes and fixtures. This ensures everything looks good and detects issues early, such as water stains or leaks. It also helps spot potential damage caused by weather or pests.

A second step is to keep drains clean. This prevents clogs and keeps water flowing properly. You can do this by not putting food scraps down the drain and using a screen or strainer in sinks and showers. Additionally, a periodic pour of hot water down the drain can clear away soap scum and other debris.

Finally, don’t flush anything down the toilet except human waste and toilet paper. Items like hair, food waste, grease and wipes can form solid masses that clog drains. Also, adding pipe insulation in cold areas can avoid frozen pipes and shorten the wait for hot water.

Water Heater

Keeping the hot water flowing and waste out of your home’s plumbing system requires regular attention to catch small problems before they become major, expensive repairs. Many plumbing problems result from neglect and only come to light when it is too late. The good news is that most of these problems can be prevented with a few preventative maintenance tips.

For example, check to make sure that all shut-off valves can be opened and closed with ease. Also, flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment that reduces efficiency and shortens the unit’s life span.

Another important tip is to regularly inspect exposed pipes for cracks, brittleness and leaking. Look for puddles under sinks, and test your pressure-relief valve by lifting the lever and allowing water to flow out and then snapping it back into place. Also, test your water meter for unusual activity. If you do encounter a leak, turn off your water at the main valve and use a hair dryer or heat gun to slowly thaw the frozen pipe.

Faucets

A home’s plumbing is often taken for granted until a problem occurs. However, preventative maintenance is essential to catch minor issues before they become

larger problems that require costly repairs. It is also an opportunity to save water and energy. For example, one drip per minute from a leaky faucet can waste up to 34 gallons of water a year!

Faucets are a critical design element in both kitchens and bathrooms. They should complement the design and functionality of the sink, with an emphasis on ergonomics. In addition, the spout should be easy to reach for children and seniors.

Bathroom faucets come in a variety of styles and designs. However, there are certain components that are more prone to wear and tear than others, which can cause leaks or other problems. Understanding faucet types and mechanisms can help homeowners navigate the decision to repair or replace a fixture. In addition, knowing how to recognize water pressure fluctuations can assist homeowners in identifying potential problems.

Toilets

For many homeowners, toilet issues fall low on the list of household chores. However, these fixtures play an important role in the health of a home plumbing system and must be maintained properly to prevent water damage.

Toilets (also known as bogs, WCs or loo) come in a wide range of styles from basic hole-in-the-ground to water-saving, dual-flush and even bidet options. Choose the best option for your home and learn how to care for your toilet properly.

A plumber in Canberra might tell you that keeping up with your toilet maintenance routine includes cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces and checking for leaks. Leaks in toilets are often difficult to detect, so it’s a good idea to perform a food coloring test every month or two. If the food coloring makes its way to the bowl, it’s time to replace the flush seal. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the pipes and lead to costly repairs. Use a sponge, reusable rag or disinfectant wipes to clean the inside and outside of your toilet.