Your plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, faucets, drains, and water valves. It’s important to take proactive measures to keep it running smoothly.
No one wants to wake up to a burst pipe or sewage backup. Regular maintenance can catch problems before they occur, saving you money and stress in the long run.
Check Your Water Meter
A water meter is an exceptionally reliable tool for discovering leaks. It’s designed to register the lower volumes of water often associated with leaks and can help you locate the source of your problem. To check your meter, record the current reading and shut off all faucets and appliances for an hour or two. If the meter reading changes, you have a leak.
Leaking pipes, clogged drains, and foul odors are all signs of plumbing problems that should be addressed immediately. Keeping up with routine plumbing inspections, installing a pressure regulator, and using drain covers will keep your system healthy and reduce the need for costly repairs.
Clean Your Drains
Keeping drains clear is one of the easiest things homeowners can do to help prevent blockages and keep plumbing systems working as efficiently as possible. Regularly pouring a combination of baking soda and vinegar down drains can break down mineral deposits, dissolve grease clogs, and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Avoiding putting large amounts of food waste or coffee grounds down drains can also minimize potential clogs. In addition, educating people about what can and cannot go down drains is a simple way to improve home plumbing maintenance. For example, only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed, and “flushable” wipes and rags should not be put down the drain.
Placing drain strainers and hair catchers in sinks can help reduce the amount of debris that goes down drains, as well.
Install a Pressure Regulator
A regulator reduces incoming water pressure to a safer level for your pipes and appliances. This helps prevent excessive strain that can cause premature leaks, pinhole erosion and even burst pipes.
Installing a pressure regulator is simple enough for most DIYers to accomplish. However, it’s important to have a professional plumber handle the installation and ensure that the regulator is properly sized based on incoming pipe size and water pressure readings.
A plumber can also verify that the regulator is working correctly by performing annual inspections. A few proactive measures like this can significantly extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. The old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more true when it comes to your home plumbing.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Proactive plumbing maintenance reduces the risk of costly repairs and water damage. In addition, it ensures a clean water supply and supports a healthy environment, especially in healthcare or food service facilities.
Inspect bathroom tub drains, kitchen drains, and floor drains every day. Look for slow drains, signs of clogs, and any other problems. Check for damp spots on ceilings or walls and stains near fixtures that indicate leaks and water damage.
Keep track of past and upcoming inspections by using a preventive maintenance software tool that allows you to create recurring inspections for the plumbing system. Including documentation in your maintenance schedules can help boost your team’s accountability and improve the quality of their work. It also helps them stay up-to-date with best practices.
Inspect Your Pipes
Pipes deliver water into and out of the house, so they must be inspected regularly to ensure proper function. During an inspection, the plumber checks for corroded pipes, leaks and signs of other damage or deterioration. He also assesses the performance
of drain lines and sewer lines, including checking for blockages, clogs and proper operation of shut-off valves.
The plumber also examines exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics and basements for signs of damage or corrosion. If your home is older, he can recommend upgrades to ensure that your water supply system is safe and efficient. Scheduling regular professional inspections and educating household members on proper water usage can significantly reduce the risk of major plumbing problems. This helps extend the life of your plumbing systems and saves you money in the long run. For more help with plumbing questions and services, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-albert-park/ offer a lot of resourceful information.
