Best Ways to Maintain a Plumbing System

Practicing daily plumbing maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your pipes in good condition. These simple steps can help you catch problems before they turn into major ones. A well-maintained plumbing system prevents water waste, saves energy costs and conserves our precious resource, water. 

Never flush anything down your toilet that is not meant to go there, including cotton balls, wipes and paper towels. Instead, use baking soda and vinegar to clean out your drains. 

Clogged Drains 

A clogged drain or toilet is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to water damage and expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance tips like using filters, drain screens, and natural cleaners can help keep your pipes clear. 

For a stubborn clog, try pouring boiling water down the drain. This will melt fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that have accumulated in the pipe, dissolving the clog and leaving your drain running smoothly. 

Another DIY solution is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. The chemical reaction between these ingredients creates fizzing bubbles that break up and remove clogs without the harsh chemicals found in store-bought drain cleaners. This can be especially effective for kitchen drains that are susceptible to greasy build-up. If your clog is still persisting, try using a coat hanger straightened out so you have a hook at the end. You can also purchase a closet auger, or “drain snake,” at your local hardware store for removing toilet clogs. 

High Water Pressure 

When water flows through your pipes, you want a good amount of pressure, which provides the force needed for a nice shower and quick dishwashing. But, excess water pressure places unnecessary stress on your pipes and can lead to a variety of plumbing emergencies. 

Banging pipes, overflowing toilets and appliances that suck up water faster than normal can be telltale signs of high pressure. The solution to this is to use a water gauge to test your home’s pressure and have the plumber install a water pressure regulator that will maintain a safe amount of incoming pressure. 

This will help reduce the risk of damage to your pipes, and extend their life expectancy. Having the right water pressure also helps ensure that your warranty on appliances and fixtures doesn’t expire prematurely. Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Ideal PSI for residential homes is under 80 psi. Anything higher and it could cause a lot of problems. 

Over-Tightening Faucets and Valve

Attempting to make plumbing pipes and fixtures tighter than needed is one of the worst DIY plumbing mistakes. This is because over-tightening causes the tubing and valves to be deformed. Moreover, applying too much pressure can cause hex nuts and bolts to break off. Such issues can result in indoor flooding caused by burst faucets and toilet water supply tubes. 

This can also lead to fluid leaks as the connection between the tube and the valve is not as precise and secure as it should be. This can cost homeowners a lot of money in repair costs and in energy bills. 

The best way to avoid these plumbing problems is to get into the habit of preventive maintenance. This includes regularly checking for leaks, insulating pipes, and conducting regular inspections. This approach is much cheaper than dealing with costly plumbing emergencies in the future. It can also help save on water and energy bills in the long run. 

Regular Inspections 

Investing in regular plumbing inspections is an excellent way to extend your plumbing system's longevity. These inspections enable plumbers to identify and resolve problems before they worsen and cause extensive damage. 

In addition, regular plumbing inspections can help you save on water bills by fixing leaks and ensuring that your plumbing operates at optimal efficiency. This can also reduce energy costs and environmental pollution risks. 

Untreated leaks can cause major problems that range from inflated water bills to structural damage to your home. This is why it's imperative to get even the smallest of leaks fixed as soon as possible. 

Leaking pipes are a common problem for many homeowners, and they can occur anywhere in your home. They usually happen in hidden areas such as behind your walls and can be difficult to detect. In addition to causing water damage, they can also lead to high water bills each month due to excessive water waste. For more information on plumbing services, Fix-It Right Plumbing Melbourne can provide you with a lot of resourceful information.