Your plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home. With a healthy home plumbing, you and your family can enjoy the unlimited use of clean water all-year-round. However, it takes consistent effort to maintain the good working condition of the system. Taking the time to check your plumbing regularly allows you to detect potential issues early and work on fixing them right away.
Take better care of your plumbing system by following these simple yet effective maintenance tips:
Fix leaks as they occur.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 10,000 gallons of water go to waste every year due to household leaks. Aside from being the major cause of expensive water loss in a home, these leaks can also damage your plumbing system. Since your home piping is an interconnected system, a leak in one area can easily affect other drains or pipes throughout your home. Common household leaks, like dripping faucets and worn toilet flappers, should be corrected before they get worse and cause a plumbing emergency in your residential property.
Turn down your water pressure.
High water pressure can cause serious damages to your pipes more than you think. It can result in pipe leaks, worn seals, and even damaged appliances. To increase the lifespan of your water pipes and fixtures, you should turn down your water pressure at home. According to industry experts, 60 PSI is the ideal pressure level for residential homes.
Insulate your pipes.
Pipes that are located outside or in unheated areas can freeze during cold temperatures. And when they do, it puts your home at risk for pipes bursting. To prevent that from happening, make it a point to cover or insulate exposed plumbing around your home. According to ProBuilder, the keys to proper installation of insulation for pipes include using the right insulation adhesive and tape and sealing pipes completely.
Unclog blocked drains.
Before a clog problem gets out of hand, fix it right away using available drain clearing tools in your household, like plungers and drain snakes. Avoid using commercial drain cleaners as they usually contain chemicals that can be harsh on your pipes. To prevent a clog problem from coming back, you should keep watch of what goes down your house drains. You must stop household items like food waste, cotton balls and paper towels, paint, oil, grease, and produce stickers from going down the drain as they are among the common causes of pipe blockage.
Know how to locate and operate your water shut-off valve.
Do not underestimate the importance of knowing the location of your water shut-off valve. In case of emergency, reaching the shut-off valve fast to turn it off can prevent further water loss and damage to your property. To learn how to properly shut off your household water supply, do not hesitate to ask your trusted local plumber.
Trust only the service of a licensed and experienced plumbing company when it comes to your specific plumbing needs at home. Professional plumbers are trained to work on any type of plumbing adjustments and repairs and are equipped with the necessary tools and materials. Get free consultations and estimates when you talk to the pros today!
