Nobody likes the sound of constant dripping because it only means something’s wrong with the plumbing. The good news is that taking care of your plumbing system isn’t as hard as it might seem. With a little plumbing preventative maintenance, you can steer clear of typical problems such as damaged or corroded pipes, pesky leaks, and annoying clogs.
Discover the secrets to keeping your plumbing in top-notch condition with our simple and effective preventative plumbing maintenance tips curated for every homeowner.
8 Plumbing Preventative Maintenance Tips You Should Know
Below is a list of tips to plumbing maintenance to apply to your home to save on repairs and replacements;
Take Note of What You’re Flushing Down the Toilet
Watch out for what you toss into the toilet bowl! Things like hair, food scraps, grease, and wipes can team up and create stubborn blockages in your pipes. Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Following this simple rule will help you dodge expensive and unpleasant plumbing problems.
Check if there are Leaks on Your Toilet
Every now and then, it’s essential to check around your toilet for any water pooling on the floor or dripping from under the tank. These issues can sometimes be fixed easily by tightening the bolts on the floor or tank. But be cautious, as the problem might lie with the wax ring or tank gaskets, requiring a bit more effort to fix. It’s crucial to address these concerns promptly to prevent more significant water damage.
Another common problem is a slow leak in the toilet, which can be challenging to detect without proper testing. If you find the tank refilling itself at times for no apparent reason, there might be a slow leak. To check for this, place a few teaspoons of food coloring in the tank and wait for about half an hour. If you see the color appearing in the bowl, it’s likely that you need a new flapper or another part may be failing. Taking care of these issues early can save you from wastage of water and potential repairs.
Keep Drains Clear
If you’ve noticed that your drains are draining water slowly, there might be a minor clogging issue. While your initial thought might be to use a powerful chemical drain cleaner to quickly clear the blockage, it’s not always the best choice. These chemical cleaners often contain acids that can harm your pipes or toilet.
Instead, there’s a safer and effective method you can try. Create a mixture using hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. When you pour this mixture down the drain, it will bubble up and help clear out the clog, restoring normal water flow.
Fix Leaks in Faucets
Did you know that a dripping faucet can waste a surprising amount of water, up to 180 gallons per week? These leaks can be caused by a few different things:
- A corroded valve seat.
- Problems with the O-ring.
- A worn-out washer.
Not only do these leaks waste water, but they can also make your water bill go up. To avoid any problems, it’s a good idea to check your faucets and showerheads regularly for any signs of leaks.
Turn Off Outdoor Fixtures Based on the Season
Remember to turn off your outdoor fixtures following a seasonal schedule. If you can, shut off the water supply to these fixtures, including outdoor hoses, faucets, and sprinkler systems, before the arrival of freezing temperatures in the fall. It’s essential to drain and insulate these outdoor fixtures to protect them from potential damage.
Depending on your location and climate, you might need to take extra steps, such as blowing out your sprinkler system, to ensure it’s adequately prepared for winter. Following a sprinkler winterization procedure will help safeguard your system from freezing and potential issues when spring arrives.
Follow a Schedule for the Preventative Maintenance of Your Plumbing
We all lead busy lives, and finding time for household tasks can be tough. But when it comes to plumbing problems, delaying repairs can lead to serious damage in your home.
On average, plumbing repairs can cost hundreds of dollars, but for more severe issues, it can go up to thousands. To save yourself from these costly expenses, it’s a smart idea to set up a regular plumbing maintenance schedule. These will help you catch small problems early on and prevent them from turning into expensive disasters.
Ensure Your Appliances Don’t Have Leaks
In your home, many appliances like the washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater are connected to the main water line. While they perform their tasks, they can use a lot of water, which might lead to leaks at some point.
You can identify leaks if you notice water stains or puddles around these appliances. To keep things running smoothly, manufacturers provide maintenance guidelines to help you take care of these appliances. You can stay ahead of any potential issues and arrange for any needed repairs on time if you follow these guidelines.
Be Mindful of What You Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen is undoubtedly helpful, but it’s essential to be aware of its limitations. Putting the wrong things in the disposer can lead to immediate issues or even hidden problems that surface later.
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, avoid putting certain items in it. Fibrous foods, uncooked rice and pasta, coffee grounds, and eggshells should be kept out of the disposal as they can cause damage or clog it up. Similarly, avoid throwing in fruit pits, bones, or other hard items that can harm the blades and become challenging to remove.
Follow The Plumbing Preventative Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Plumbing at Its 100%
Taking care of your plumbing system is crucial to avoid costly and inconvenient issues in your home. Fortunately, these simple and effective preventative maintenance tips can keep your plumbing in top-notch condition. Don’t let small plumbing issues turn into major headaches; take care of your home’s plumbing, and enjoy a well-functioning and efficient system for years to come.