Keeping up with routine maintenance, be it yearly or biannually, is one of the most important aspects of being a homeowner. This involves checking that your plumbing system is in good condition and that there are no weak links. However, in most cases, people have the mentality that such systems, considering that they are out of sight and hidden inside the wall, work. As a matter of fact, it would take a major problem to occur for them to start thinking of their plumbing system. By then, it will be clear that a repair is needed and, therefore, will cost them. Below are tips to make sure your plumbing system is in its best condition.
1. Address Drainage Challenges in Good Time
Drainage problems can disrupt your plumbing system, which may end up making you spend so much money on expensive repairs. The good thing is that you can apply measures to prevent your drains from blocking. You can avoid dumping grease or any other non-degradable items down the drain, use strainers, or use hot water and vinegar to clean your drains every month. However, if your drainage problem doesn’t go away, contact a professional to help you solve any issues before they get out of hand.
2. Use a Water Softener
Water quality affects the plumbing system by producing hard water that may cause clogged plumbing from limescale in pipes. Hard water often brings stained or discolored sinks, toilets, or bathtubs. But what does having hard water mean? This entails a water supply with a high concentration of minerals, more specifically, calcium and magnesium.
Although calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals found in hard water, they may also include trace amounts of iron, zinc, barium, copper, manganese, and other dissolved metals. For this reason, most plumbing companies recommend using a water softener if your water’s hardness level is above 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L (milligrams per liter).
A water softener is necessary to keep your appliances working correctly and improve the smell, color, and taste of the water. In addition, you will be extending the lifespan of your plumbing system.
3. Check for Leaks
Even the smallest leak can cause water wastage and destruction. This is why it is best to keep an eye out for leaks in and around your house. For example, dampness in your cabinets or strange watermarks on your walls indicates you have a leak. You may also notice an increase in your monthly water bill. Fortunately, there are modern means of detecting leaks. This includes using smart water sensors that detect leaks and sometimes shut off your water automatically to prevent damage. If you find a leak, you should call a plumbing company immediately to have it properly repaired.
4. Insulate Your Pipes
Most people believe that only homes in cold climate states are in danger of frozen pipes. That is incorrect. In fact, the properties in warm-climate states are more at risk for freezing-burst pipes simply because the pipes are not properly insulated to freezing temperatures. Pipes in basements, attics, crawlspaces, and other unheated regions should get extra insulation from freezing temperatures. Hence, inexpensive pipe insulation sleeves should be installed on exposed pipes to reduce the chances of freezing.
Having an up-to-date plumbing system may seem like a hassle, but your well-being should be a priority. The tips mentioned above will allow you not only to feel safe but also not to worry about any unplanned breakdown of your system. Besides, having minor repairs today is important in preventing the need for severely expensive ones in the future.
