You probably don't think much about plumbing until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, problems with your home's plumbing system are pretty typical. In most cases, they’re minor annoyances that cause minimal stress. But if left unattended, they can lead to some costly damage that could have been easily avoided if only you had known how to take care of things correctly in the first place. Luckily, there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of encountering any plumbing issues in the future. These are known as plumbing tips or tricks. They are not hard and fast rules but general guidelines for keeping your home’s plumbing system in good working order. If you have friends or family members who live in an apartment, you may not have much knowledge about plumbing in general. But if you have been renting from the same apartment building for a while now, you likely have some idea about what types of problems could arise from neglectful plumbing habits. These tips will help you take better care of your plumbing so that it doesn't become a problem for others as well as yourself in the future.
Change your toilet's float switch
If you have an older toilet, you might have noticed that it has a float switch. This is a device that is designed to shut off the flow of water to the toilet tank if it is overfilled. This is done to protect the plumbing in the house from being damaged by a malfunctioning toilet or a toilet that is running continuously. However, a float switch can break down over time, which means you could be dealing with a faulty toilet that runs constantly. Toilet float switches are cheap to replace, usually costing less than $30, and it’s worth the investment to make sure you don’t have to deal with this issue again. Keep in mind that if you have a toilet with a mechanical fill valve, you also need to change the fill valve every few years.
Check your water pressure frequently
Water pressure is important to consider when looking at the overall quality of your plumbing system. If the pressure in your home is low, it will take longer for your water to flow through the pipes, which can cause clogs and other issues. While you can’t avoid all plumbing problems, you can keep your pressure at an acceptable level by making sure your water main isn’t leaking and that your faucets aren’t dripping. The best way to check your water pressure is to install a water pressure gauge in one of your faucets. In addition to water pressure, you should also regularly check your water temperature to make sure it’s at an acceptable level. A cold water temperature could indicate that your water main is leaking. If the water is too hot, it could mean that your water heater is faulty.
Install a water filter
Another thing you can do to reduce the risk of water contamination is to install a water filter in your home. If you live in a rural area, you may not have access to city water, which means you’re on the hook for cleaning out your own well. If you have city water, you can install a water filter to remove harmful contaminants such as lead, copper, and other minerals that can make their way into your drinking water. You can purchase a water filter for home use or for large appliances such as your hot water tank. If you have a water filter, it’s particularly important to change it out about once a year.
Clean your drains regularly
Your drains are likely to get clogged at some point. The best way to avoid this is to keep your drains clean. You can do this by using a snake to unclog drains and pipes as often as possible. Some people recommend using a plunger or a bucket with a plunger inside to unclog your drains. However, if you are dealing with a particularly stubborn clog, a plunger may not be enough to break down the mess. If this happens, you may need to call a professional to unclog your pipes. Some people choose to invest in a sewer auger that can break down a particularly stubborn clog.
Don't flush things down the toilet that don't belong there.
Some of the most common plumbing problems occur because people don’t know what belongs in what. For example, people often flush tampons down the toilet. This is a common mistake that can lead to a messy clog in your pipes. Other items to avoid flushing down the toilet include coffee grounds, paper towel rolls, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and more. Remember to always check the packaging before you throw something in the trash can. That way, you can be sure you don’t flush something that could potentially clog your pipes.
Conclusion
Proper plumbing maintenance is essential to extending the life of your system and keeping your home in good condition. However, many people fail to keep their plumbing system in good working order. You can avoid plumbing problems by following these tips and keeping an eye out for common plumbing problems. When you take care of your plumbing, you can avoid the stress and expense of dealing with plumbing issues in the future.