A poorly-maintained plumbing system will cost you a fortune in water waste, repairs and higher utility bills. Do your part to avoid these costly problems by following these important plumbing maintenance tips:
Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the drains; fibrous foods, coffee grounds, oils, wipes and other non-water-based items can form solid masses that clog pipes.
Leaks
Leaking pipes are a serious issue that can cause costly water damage. They can also promote mold and mildew growth in your home, as well as increase your water bill dramatically. Luckily, there are several effective methods for repairing leaks.
First, turn off the water supply valve. You can usually find these shut-off valves under your sinks or on the wall behind your toilets. If you cannot find one, shut off the main water valve for your entire house.
Next, drain the pipes and remove any water-logged materials. You can use duct tape or epoxy putty to wrap the leaky pipe joint for a temporary fix. If these products don’t work, a professional plumber can install a new fitting or cut out the damaged section and replace it with a new pipe. They can also weld or solder connections to ensure a leak-free seal. This can prevent future problems, such as corrosion and more leaks.
Clogged Drains
When a drain clogs, waste doesn’t get moved through the pipe system as it should. This can lead to slowed water flow, sewage backups and other issues around the house. Unblock drains can also lead to expensive repairs and replacement parts.
It’s important to tackle clogs quickly to avoid more serious damage. This means avoiding putting things down the drains that shouldn’t be there and getting regular plumbing maintenance to identify any problems before they get out of hand.
Clogs often start in the toilet, but can happen anywhere in the home’s pipe system. It’s best to stick with DIY techniques like plunging for clogs close to the drain opening, while professional help may be necessary to clear clogs that form in the sewer line or septic system. Regular inspections of underground pipes can help to prevent tree roots from infringing on the system and causing problems.
Sewer Backups
Sewer backups are not just a messy home emergency, they’re also a major health hazard. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria that can cause diseases if it comes into direct contact with you or your family members.
Keeping up with regular inspections and using the right preventative maintenance
can help reduce your risk of sewer backups. You can also help by not putting anything down drains and toilets that shouldn’t be there, like cooking grease, baby and/or intimate wipes (even if they’re labeled “flushable”), cotton balls, paper towels, q-tips, or hair.
If you suspect a sewage backup, immediately shut off the water valve for your home and avoid using any drains or toilets until a professional can inspect it. Wear protective clothing and shut off any electrical devices in the area, and be sure to keep kids and pets away from the affected areas. You should also notify your insurance company and have the backup fixed as soon as possible.
Water Quality
Many property owners only think about their plumbing when something goes wrong, but routine maintenance can prevent costly repairs and improve the safety and comfort of occupants. Here are some of the top reasons to invest in regular plumbing maintenance:
Increases efficiency: Leaks, clogged drains, and other problems can cause your water system to waste gallons of water each year. Regular inspections can identify and fix these issues before they become expensive plumbing problems.
Improves water quality: Over time, pipes can accumulate mineral deposits and other contaminants that affect the quality of the water they produce. Regular maintenance can help identify and resolve these issues, such as clogs, leaks, and corrosion.
Proper plumbing maintenance can also improve the functionality and longevity of your garbage disposal unit, reducing the need for costly replacements. In addition, keeping your plumbing system in good condition can boost the overall value of your property. This is especially important if you plan to sell or rent out the space in the future.