Leaks in your home plumbing can cost you gallons of water and increase your water bills. Fortunately, many of these leaks are preventable with routine maintenance.
Locate all of your home’s shut-off valves and make sure they work properly. Check your faucets for unusual gurgling sounds and odors that could indicate a problem with your plumbing system. Hiring a plumber to inspect your plumbing system is a great way to maintain your plumbing system. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have a lot of great plumbing services available.
Inspect Your Pipes Regularly
Creating and sticking to an inspection schedule is one of the best things you can do to ensure your pipes stay in good condition. Regular plumbing checks can catch issues like small leaks before they turn into major water damage, prevent clogs and help your appliances work more efficiently.
The key is to listen for clues from your plumbing system. Changes in water pressure and odor, for example, may indicate problems like a pipe leak or a blockage. Even small leaks waste gallons of water and can cause serious structural damage over time.
Plumbing inspections can include visual inspections of exposed pipes to identify leaks, corrosion and other issues. They can also include checking for optimum pressure levels to prevent strain on pipes and improve the efficiency of water-using appliances. Plumbers can calibrate water pressure regulators, and repair or replace them as needed. They can also check for leaks around toilets, water heaters and drains.
Install Water Pressure Regulators
Many homeowners do not realize that their home’s water pressure is regulated by something called a pressure regulator. Located on the incoming main water line, it helps ensure that your home’s plumbing system is supplied with water at a consistent level that will not damage pipes and fixtures over time.
Without a proper water pressure regulator, your plumbing systems can experience spikes of extreme force that cause premature wear on pipes, fixtures and appliances, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Installing a regulator will help protect your plumbing from sudden pressure surges, while also lowering your water bills by reducing waste.
These devices require little maintenance when sized and installed properly, but they should be inspected annually by your plumber to catch potential problems like debris buildup or valve movement. These inspections can also validate that your regulator is still regulating at the correct level, which will help you save money over time by not having to replace it.
Check Your Water Heater
The water heater is another critical part of your plumbing system and one that’s often overlooked. Regular inspections can help prevent problems and keep your tank running properly for years.
Test the Temperature & Pressure Relief (T&P) Valve – Located on the top or side of a tank style water heater, this valve releases excess temperature and pressure to avoid an explosion. Ensure this safety feature is working by slowly lifting the lever. Be sure to place a bucket under the valve to catch the water.
Flush the Water Heater – This is a quick 20-25 minute job that gets rid of sediment that builds up in a tank. This can reduce efficiency and block water lines.
Inspect the Pilot Light – For gas water heaters, a good pilot light is essential to proper function. It should be blue or green with a yellow tip. Inspect the flue, air intake, and vents to make sure they are free of debris, rust, and damage.
Don’t Forget About Your Drains
Your drains are a highway for water and waste, but they can get blocked with food particles, coffee grounds, cooking grease, hair, soap scum, and foreign objects. Regularly clearing your drains with enzyme cleaners helps prevent these problems, promoting clean and healthy plumbing and reducing the need for costly repairs.
Never flush sanitary products, cotton swabs, paper towels, or toilet tissue, as these materials can build up in your sewer lines and create nasty clogs. Instead, place a wastebasket in the bathroom and use it for these items.
While many homeowners take their home’s plumbing for granted, it’s important to give it a little TLC now and then. Schedule yearly maintenance and inspections to keep your home’s plumbing system in tip-top shape. With a little care, your home’s plumbing will be working well for years to come.
