A well-functioning plumbing system provides sufficient quantities of clean water for consumption, food preparation, and personal cleanliness. With the help of plumbing companies, you can have a proper plumbing system that helps to avoid water pollution and minimize the spread of waterborne diseases. An effective system also manages wastewater and sewage collection and disposal. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your plumbing system:
Regularly Check for Leaks
Begin by checking for dripping or moisture in easily visible pipes, like the ones below the sinks and in basements. Check whether the faucets and showerheads are dripping continuously once turned off. You should also check for stains on walls, ceilings, or floors, which may indicate concealed leakage.
Plumbing companies can help you by reading the water meter at times when water is not being used to identify underground leaks and checking for silent leakages in toilet tanks by adding dyes to the water. They will also include outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems in their maintenance checks. Sounds in the walls might be indicative of leaks. Fix any leakages as soon as possible to avoid water waste and further damage.
Don’t Flush Non-degradable Items
Do not pour grease, oils, or fats down the drain, as these substances can crystallize and block the pipes. Also, do not flush wipes, cotton swabs, dental floss, or feminine hygiene products. These can block the passage of water through the pipes and cause back-ups.
Do not dispose of coffee grounds, eggshells, and large food particles in your drain. They do not degrade and can build up over time. Avoid flushing the drain with caustic substances or pouring paint or solvents down the drain. These could cause pipes to corrode and pollute the environment. Do not allow hair to clog shower or sink drains, but employ drain covers to collect hair before it flows through the pipes.
Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas
Insulating plumbing pipes in cold areas is beneficial since water in the pipes may freeze and burst, causing water damage. Insulation also helps avoid heat loss from hot water pipes, conserving energy and costs incurred in heating water. Proper insulation assists in keeping water at a steady temperature and can also help prevent condensation from forming on cold water pipes.
You can insulate pipes using foam pipe sleeves that slide over them. Fiberglass pipe wraps also work well and are preferable for large pipes. Additional protection includes heat tape or heat cables and closing up spaces around pipes that pass through your walls and floors to keep out cold drafts.
Clean Your Drains
Using a drain strainer helps prevent debris from accumulating in the drains. Clean the strainer often to prevent water from accumulating in your sinks, tubs, and showers. For difficult clogs, use a plunger to help free any stuck items. Foreign objects far from the access point can be cleaned using a plumber’s snake or auger. Do not use chemical cleaners, as they might harm your plumbing system. Another DIY cleaning and maintenance tip includes boiling water and pouring it down the drain once a week. A plumbing professional can also provide drain cleaning services for your home or business.
Schedule Plumbing Inspections
A plumbing inspection involves a professional plumber examining the entire plumbing system to establish possible problems. They begin by looking at all the easily accessible pipes for signs of leakage, rust, and damage. Plumbers also check fixtures, including the faucet, sink, and toilet, for any signs of deterioration.
The plumber examines the water heater for sediment accumulation, leakage, and proper functioning. They also check for dampness, which may have resulted from water leakage or the presence of mold in areas around water systems. Hose bibs and irrigation systems, which are elements of outdoor plumbing, are also inspected. The plumber concludes by submitting a report of the findings with suggestions for repairing or maintaining the plumbing system properly.
Seek Help From Plumbing Companies
Hiring a professional plumber allows your plumbing system to be fixed quickly. Plumbing companies help find problems at their preliminary stages, avoiding expensive repairs. Expert plumbers employ proper tools and methods, and their experience helps them provide solutions that are effective in the long term. Contact a plumber to schedule your plumbing maintenance today.
