Important plumbing maintenance includes regular checks of drains and pipes to catch problems early and prevent expensive repairs later on. For example, a slow drain that’s left unchecked can become a major clog, causing flooding and property damage and shortening the lifespan of waste pipes.
Inspect sinks, toilets and water heaters for leaks. Also, keep a bottle of vinegar handy to dissolve minor clogs.
Check for Leaks
A water leak is a common plumbing problem that can waste gallons of water and lead to costly repairs. Inspecting your home’s plumbing system regularly is the best way to prevent leaks and other problems. Look for puddles under sinks, damp spots on walls and ceilings, moldy smells, or high water bills. Check all accessible connections at your water pump, heater, washing machine hoses and valves for discoloration and oxidation. Leaks can also occur in your main water line or in underground pipes within your walls.
Listen for gurgling noises or banging from your pipes, which may indicate a venting problem or clogged fitting. Check your water meter to see how much water is being used, and contact a plumber to find the source of the leak.
Clean Drains
Drains handle a lot of water and debris, including soap scum, food particles, hair and more. Without regular cleaning, these substances can build up and block drain openings. This can lead to slow draining, clogged pipes and other serious plumbing issues.
Regular drain cleaning can prevent buildup, reduce unpleasant odors and keep water flowing properly through your home’s pipes. Professionals use safe, effective tools to clear even the most stubborn clogs and protect your plumbing systems from damage.
Preventive measures like drain screens and being mindful of what goes down your drains can help avert some clogs. However, if your home’s drain lines become consistently blocked, it may be time to call in the pros.
Clean Faucets and Showerheads
Taking the time to clean faucets and showerheads can prevent clogs and mineral buildup. Using a vinegar presoak is a quick and easy way to keep them sparkling clean. Simply fill a ziploc bag with vinegar, then wrap it around the shower head or faucet aerator. Let it sit for 30 minutes to 1+ hours. Then rinse.
Check all sink and shower handles to make sure they don’t leak when the water is off. Also, check under sinks while the water runs to identify potential leaking pipes.
A small leak can escalate into a big problem quickly, so it’s important to inspect all drains regularly and fix them right away. This will save money on your energy bills
and protect your home from costly damage.
Clean Water Heaters
Depending on the type of water heater you have (gas, electric, or tankless), it will need to be cleaned every one to three years. It’s best to clean it before it gets too dirty, and this can be done by using a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment. After cleaning, you should flush it to remove sediment and gunk that can build up over time.
To do this, first shut off the power to your water heater. If it’s an electric water heater, this can be accomplished by going to your home’s breaker box and finding the switch that serves it. Then, turn off the water supply and drain your water heater by connecting a hose to its drainage valve. Draining and flushing it can help extend its life span.
Keep a Bottle of Vinegar Handy
White vinegar is an unsung hero of home maintenance and can help prevent or fix many minor plumbing problems. It can also save you the expense of calling a professional plumber for more significant issues.
Vinegar’s potent acetic acid dissolves organic materials like hair, grease, grime and soap scum, allowing it to clear drains without harming pipes or other plumbing fixtures. Using vinegar as a regular preventive treatment can also alleviate future blockages and eliminate foul odors.
To use baking soda and vinegar to clean a drain, simply pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. When the fizzy chemical reaction ends, flush with hot water. The hot water will wash away any remaining vinegar, eliminating odors and cleaning the pipe walls. For more information about plumbing maintenance or if you have general questions about plumbing, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have a lot of resources available.
