Having plumbing problems at home is a huge headache. Dealing with leaky faucets, clogged drains, and burst pipes is inconvenient but causes extensive water damage if not addressed quickly. While some plumbing issues are unavoidable, there are ways you prevent problems and reduce the need for plumbing repairs.
Inspect faucets and pipes regularly
The best way to prevent plumbing issues is by inspecting your faucets, and water lines, and supplying pipes regularly. Check faucets and showerheads for drips or leaks – even a minor drip wastes hundreds of gallons of water over time. Tighten connections or replace washers if you notice any seepage. Also look for signs of corrosion, cracking, or bulges in supply pipes and have a plumber inspect any suspect areas. Routine inspections allow you to fix minor leaks before they become major problems.
Upgrade old or damaged plumbing
If you’re plumber Western Sydney system is outdate or you have pipes that are known to be problematic, consider upgrading them. Older pipes are prone to clogging, bursting, and leaking, no matter how vigilantly you maintain them. Replacing old pipes with newer PEX or copper materials prevents the constant threat of ruptures and water damage. Consult with a licensed plumber to determine if any segments of your existing plumbing need to be swapped out.
Be careful what goes down drains
Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down your kitchen sink drain after cooking. When washed down the drain, these substances cool and harden into clogs. Feminine hygiene products and dental floss also get tangled in pipes and cause obstructions. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down toilets. All other materials are better off being disposed of in the trash. Thinking carefully about what goes down your drains allows them to work properly.
Enzyme cleaners and drain maintainers
To keep drains clear, utilize enzyme cleaners and drain maintainers monthly. Enzyme cleaners use bacteria to break down organic material in pipes, while drain maintainers help dissolve minor blockages. You find these products at most hardware stores. Using them regularly keeps drains free-flowing and may prevent serious clogs from forming. Just take care not to overuse chemical drain cleaners too frequently, as they damage pipes.
Know where your shutoff valves are
To minimize water damage from leaks or bursts, familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shutoff valve for your home. It allows you to promptly turn off the water in an emergency until a plumber makes repairs. Each fixture like sinks, toilets, and washing machines will also have individual shutoff valves behind or underneath them. Make sure these are functional in case you need to isolate a leak from a specific unit. Being able to quickly stop the flow of water prevents flooding disasters.
Insulate pipes in cold weather
In regions where winters get extremely cold, protect water pipes from freezing by insulating them. Wrap foam or fiberglass insulation around exposed exterior pipes. You also use heat tape wrapped around the length of a pipe to keep the water warm enough not to freeze. Insulating your plumbing prepares it for cold weather and makes pipes less prone to ruptures or cracks. Take the time to safeguard your plumbing before the coldest months come.
