Understanding how plumbing problems develop and performing preventative maintenance can help you avoid them altogether. The first step of preventative maintenance is having a basic knowledge of everything that is a part of your water system.
Understanding how plumbing problems develop and performing preventative maintenance can help you avoid them altogether. The first step of preventative maintenance is having a basic knowledge of everything that is a part of your water system. That includes everything that uses water in your home like the sinks in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry room, your appliances such as the refrigerator, washing machine, toilets, showers and your water heater. All of these can be maintained to prevent plumbing problems from costing you too much money.
Here are some preventative maintenance tips you can use:
Fix Leaking Faucets and Showerheads
Dripping faucets not only waste a lot of water, but they can also add to your water bill. And, if you don’t fix a dripping faucet or showerhead, the drip can worsen over time and cause water damage. To prevent issues, check your facets regularly for leaks and make repairs as needed. Be sure to check the handles to make sure water isn’t dripping when the handles are turned the off position. Check underneath the sinks for water stains or dripping while the water is running as well.
Unclog Slow Drains
When water starts to drain slowly, you might have a problem on your hands. Before it gets worse, use a mixture of vinegar and hot water to flush out the drain and unclog it. You should use this mixture or a commercial every few months to ensure your drain is flowing as it should.
Check Exposed Piping and Appliances for Water Leaks
Look at the manufacturer’s specifications for maintaining your appliances. Watch for signs of leaks such as water stains on ceilings and walls or puddles of water. Also, be cautious of mildew. Installing a drip tray underneath your water heater and washing machine can help limit the damage of a leak if it occurs.
Fix leaking toilets
Sometimes, a faulty seal around a valve seat can cause your toilet to run even when it has not been flushed. Over time, gunk can form around the flapper and . It will prevent the flapper from sealing properly, which can cause the water to continue to run. Another problem could be the handle or tank stopper. A professional can take a look and determine the root cause of a toilet leak.
Check the water pressure
You can test the water pressure of your system with a pressure gauge to make sure it is at an appropriate level. Another preventative measure is to add a pressure regulator to ensure your water pressure is always at a safe level. You can improve your water pressure by cleaning your shower head of sediment that accumulates over time. Better water pressure in your taps and showers means a more efficient plumbing system and less pressure in your taps that could lead to bursts.
Performing preventative maintenance on your plumbing system can help you avoid significant repairs down the line. While some repairs can be done yourself, others will require the expertise of a professional. Call Worry Free Plumbing for any repairs or if you need assistance with maintaining any part of your plumbing system.
