Maintaining your plumbing system as a homeowner can be a lot of work. However, when you know the tips to help keep things running smoothly, it can prevent costly repairs in the future. As you are proactive with plumbing maintenance, you can ensure things continue to run smoothly. Know who to call when you do need professional plumbing assistance.
Take a look at these top plumbing maintenance tips that you should know as a homeowner.
Check for Leaks Regularly
Leaks are a tricky thing. They often hide away until they become more than a leak. But if you are aware, you can catch the leaks early before they turn into bigger problems. A leaky faucet is one thing, but if you ignore that leak, it will become something far more than just a little drip of water.
Take the time to inspect all of your lines and faucets on occasion. Check pipes, faucets, and even appliances for signs of leaks. If you notice water damage or wetness, take action. When you find leaks and get them taken care of, it’s so much better for your checkbook, but also for the home you are protecting.
Monitor Water Pressure
Have you ever turned on the faucet and felt like it just didn’t have enough water pressure? Maybe you jumped in the shower and the pressure you’re used to simply wasn’t there.
Diminished water pressure could be a sign that something is wrong. Low water pressure might indicate something like a clog or even just a faulty pressure regulator. If you notice a drop in water pressure or it just doesn’t seem strong enough, do something about it.
You can check for signs of issues, but you might also call out a plumber to address the problem if you can’t pinpoint it quickly.
Know When to Call a Plumber
There are a lot of little things you can do to maintain your plumbing. You might even be able to fix minor leaks or clogs in your home. However, there still comes a time when you need to call in the professionals.
Understand the difference between DIY solutions and the fine line of needing professional service. When you do need a plumber in San Diego, take the time to find a responsive and reputable company.
Don’t try to handle the big jobs on your own. If you have a clog, a leak, or a backup that is easily resolved with simple measures, you need to count on the professionals instead. They are trained and equipped to handle your issue and ensure you don’t make it worse!
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
You can find chemical drain cleaners at your local store that make great promises. Most drain cleaners promise to clear clogs in no time. And while they might truly clear an immediate clog, they are not always a great choice.
The thing is that these chemicals are very hazardous to work with. They might do more harm than good on your pipe. Plus, they can’t only address a clog that is near the drain you pour it down. If there is an underlying issue, it’s not going to do anything to help that.
These chemicals can be toxic, but they also might weaken your pipes or seals too. It’s better to avoid using them and find alternative solutions.
Prevent Clogs
A lot of clogs happen because of misuse of drains within a home. Now, there are clogs that you simply can’t predict or prevent. Things like tree roots are going to happen from time to time.
However, you can avoid putting things down the drain that are more likely to cause clogs. Here are a few items:
- Paper towels
- Baby wipes
- Flushable wipes
- Grease
- Hair
- Hygiene products
These are just a few examples of items that can cause buildup and clogs. Avoid placing these in the drain or flushing them. On sinks and bathtubs, you can use drain strainers to catch hair and debris as well so you can avoid buildup issues.
Flush the Water Heater Annually
Have you ever flushed your water heater? This is a great home maintenance tip that is often overlooked. Most people don’t even realize you can flush your water heater. However, your water heater can be prone to sediment and buildup, particularly from hard water.
The best way to combat this and extend the lifespan of your water heater is to flush it once a year. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best process to flush your water heater.
Prepare Pipes for Extreme Temperatures
Every year, pipes that get exposed to extreme temperatures burst and wreak havoc in the home affected. If you have extreme heat or cold in your area, taking steps to protect vulnerable pipes is very important.
The most vulnerable pipes will be the ones that are on exterior walls or those that are more exposed, such as in a crawl space or beneath a home. You can insulate these vulnerable pipes using foam insulation. This will help to protect them from the elements and prevent burst pipes from happening.
Test and Maintain Sump Pumps
Your sump pump has a big responsibility. Its job is to keep water out of the basement. And if your sump pump isn’t doing that, then it may need to be cleaned, repaired, or even replaced.
With proper care and maintenance, these tools do their jobs well. About twice a year, you should test your sump pump. When you run the test, you should also clean it and make any necessary repairs. If you aren’t sure of the best way to clean or repair your sump pump, check with a professional in your area.
Be Familiar with Shut Off Valves
Your home likely has shut-off valves that affect the major lines to certain fixtures or appliances. Know where your shut-off valves are and how to operate them. If there is a plumbing emergency or issue, a shut off valve allows you to quickly shut off water to a specific area rather than from the main to the whole house.