When it comes to plumbing, there are a few things you can do to help keep it running smoothly. Keeping up with routine maintenance and being aware of certain red flags can go a long way toward reducing the need for emergency plumbing repairs in the future. If you have your own home, chances are you know how much of an impact plumbing can have on your daily life. After all, plumbing is what keeps us from having to drink rainwater and use chamber pots! But the good news is that with some dedication and a little know-how, you can keep your home’s plumbing in great shape without needing to call a professional every time there’s a problem. There are lots of things you can do yourself to make sure your plumbing system is running smoothly and efficiently. With these tips and tricks, your home will be one less place where you have to call a plumber!
Schedule routine maintenance
This is one of the simplest ways to keep your plumbing system in good working order. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, routine maintenance is important for keeping your pipes from getting clogged and corroding. There are several different things you can do during routine maintenance, including changing the temperature of the water in your pipes and using a product like a water softener to prevent scaling. If you live in a house or apartment building, your building’s management might cover some or all of these costs for you. If not, it may be worth it to invest in a water softener to save yourself from having to pay out of pocket for future maintenance expenses. If you live in a home, you can do some of these things yourself, but it’s also important to remember that even the best of us make mistakes from time to time!
Be cautious of puddles or standing water
This is a common mistake made by new homeowners, but when water stands in your home for longer than a few hours, it’s time to get worried. This can happen if your home is in a low-lying area that gets a lot of rain, or if there’s an issue with the water main that feeds your house. A home with standing water may cause mold and mildew to grow, which can lead to rot or other serious health issues. If you have standing water in your home, it’s best to call a plumber to dig up the area and determine whether or not it’s safe for you and your family to be there.While it’s not unheard of for a home to have issues with a water main, it’s also not something that should be taken lightly. If you see that your water bill is unusually high, that could be a sign of a problem. It’s best to call your local water department and report any issues you might see.
Don’t flush things you don’t need to
Toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and other items that don’t dissolve in water are notorious for clogging up pipes, causing damage to pipes and fixtures, and making it harder to keep your plumbing system clean. The last thing you want is to have to call a plumber because your toilet is backed up or your kitchen pipes have become clogged. Be sure to only flush things you know can be flushed, and make sure your toilet is fully working and not clogged. This means using the correct amount of water and not letting the water in your home sit in the toilet bowl for hours on end.
Keep an eye out for leaks
One of the biggest causes of plumbing problems is leaks in your house. This can be a huge inconvenience, but it can also get really expensive to deal with. The best way to avoid leaks is to be on the lookout for signs of water damage in your home. You can tell if there’s a leak in your house by looking for wet or discolored spots. If you find a leak, you can try to repair it yourself and avoid a potentially expensive plumbing bill. You should also be on the lookout for signs of a broken water pipe, which can cause a lot of damage to your home. If you notice a broken water pipe in your home, it’s best to shut off all of the water in order to avoid a flood.
Watch out for frost and condensation issues
Frost buildup on coils and condensation in pipes can cause your plumbing to back up and get clogged. This can happen in both indoor and outdoor pipes, so it’s important to keep an eye on both. When it’s cold outside, be sure to turn up the heat in your home to ensure that your plumbing doesn’t get too cold. You can also use a dehumidifier to help prevent condensation in your pipes. It’s also a good idea to clean your pipes once a year to prevent buildup and make sure your plumbing system is in good shape.
Invest in quality tools and parts
As with many DIY projects, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way when it comes to plumbing. However, a lot of these projects require specialized tools and parts that can be pricey. To avoid having to buy new tools every time you need to fix a plumbing issue, it’s a good idea to invest in high-quality tools and parts. While it might seem like a splurge at first, these tools will pay off in the long run by saving you money and time.
Bottom line
While it might seem like a lot of work to keep your plumbing system in good shape, it really isn’t. By following these tips and tricks, you can make sure your plumbing system is in good enough shape to avoid costly repairs. It might seem like a lot of work to go through, but it will save you money in the long run and may even save you from having to call a plumber!