What Are Some Things I Can Do For Plumbing Maintenance?

Homeowners looking for assistance when it comes to plumbing maintenance will often have numerous questions. Drain cleaning services are a common concern, as well as plumbing maintenance for DIY. Regular service visits from professional plumbers can be helpful, but there are also precautions that the homeowner can take to avoid more costly repairs.

Plumbing repairs can range from the low hundreds into the thousands, so it behooves a homeowner to remain as proactive as possible. Many of these tips are simple enough to be handled by the homeowner, without the intervention of the professionals. Read on to learn more about the tasks that should be added to any smart homeowner’s to-do list.

Investigating Potential Leaks

Catching leaks early is key. When leaks are not caught in time, they can lead to significant water-related waste. If a household has leaks that are not being taken care of, they can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water before the problem is finally addressed. The best way to find out whether there is a leak in the home is by checking the water meter.

Make sure that no one is using water for a period of one to two hours. After some time has passed, check the meter again and see if there are any changes. If there are, that means that there is a leak coming from somewhere. All of the visible plumbing components need to be examined to ensure that there are no obvious signs of leakage.

Check basements and crawl spaces for signs of mold or excess puddles. Look over appliances that use water, such as washing machines, dishwashers and toilets. Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and give it an hour or so. If it has made its way into the toilet water, this means that the flush seal needs to be replaced.

Test the Shut-Off Valves and Water Pressure

The shut-off valves for each fixture need to be tested yearly. If they leak or are hard to turn, they need to be replaced. If the water pressure is not functioning properly, this is a sign that a professional plumber is needed. Pipes can become corroded or clogged, which is typically a task beyond what the average homeowner can handle.

Checking the Water Heater and Plumbing System

Professional assistance is encouraged, but a homeowner can still check for signs of leakage. Are there any puddles or moisture around the unit? If so, this is a sign that it is time to replace the water heater. As for the plumbing system itself, it is crucial for the homeowner to make sure that all of the components have been properly insulated. Energy efficiency is also increased when insulation has been provided.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Last but not least, there are common mistakes that have to be avoided. Don’t allow too many things to head down the drain. A drain cover is the best bet in these instances. Be sure to keep tougher foods out of the garbage disposal as well. Grease, fat, pasta, bread, rice, shells, bones, tougher meat, and potato peels, are types of items that should not be placed in a garbage disposal under any circumstances.

Showerheads should also be cleaned regularly, and pipes cannot be allowed to freeze over. Drains must be cleaned out consistently, too. These are all tasks that can be handled by the average homeowner, even if they are not particularly handy. For all else? Call for service immediately and allow the professionals to lead the way. Fixing these issues before they have a chance to become more expensive is crucial.

Categorised in: Plumbing Services

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