6 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Plumbing System
Like most people, chances are that you take your home plumbing fixture or even the entire system for granted. As long as it’s working, why bother. However, there is nothing like a burst pipe or a backed-up toilet to grab the homeowner’s immediate attention. This kind of plumbing emergency is not only inconveniencing, it can also be quite costly to repair. As such, it makes a lot of sense to take good care of your plumbing system so as to avoid disaster. Here are some tips on how to take care of your plumbing system.
Regularly inspect your fixtures
It is always a good idea to keep an eye out for unexplainable water bill spikes as this might mean your plumbing system is leaking. To avoid this, it is recommended that you regularly inspect your fixtures for leaks. If any is found, don’t delay in having the issue fixed. Remember, even a tiny leak can, if neglected over time, lead to big issues and huge repair expenses sooner than later. Other warning signals include toilets that rock on this base, signs of moisture such as unexplained musty odours, peeling paint, or stained walls.
Be kind to your toilet
It is never a good idea to put other things other than toilet papers inside your toilet as these might end up clogging the whole system. Be cautious even with toilet paper where cranky septic system is concerned. Flushing deceased goldfish, leftover food, feminine hygiene products and disposable diapers puts your whole plumbing system at risk. Moreover, never pour fats and oils down the toilet as all this grease will end up wreaking havoc on your plumbing pipes.
Locate your underground plumbing
It is important to know exactly where your underground plumbing is situated. For instance, if you have a lawn sprinkler system installed, request a detailed diagram of the below-ground setup from the contractor. And prior to doing any excavations on your property, for example for a swimming pool or a new home addition, ask the expert to utilize a pipe locator technology to prepare a map of the plumbing.
Determine where your main water shutoff valve is located
The main water shutoff valves are normally situated at the front of your home, near the water meter. Know exactly where it is located as you might require switching off your water supply in case of broken pipes. An overflowing appliance can also keep a relatively small issue from mushrooming into a full-scale plumbing emergency. Ensure to turn on and off the handle on your main water shutoff to check whether it is working or not.
Drain your water heater tank on an annual basis
The main reason for doing this is to get rid of sediment accumulation. Switch off electricity or shut off the gas and the heater’s cold water supply valve before carrying out this procedure. Apart from the annual inspection, make sure to inspect thank once per month to check for drips or any other issues.
Avoid treating your plumbing with harsh chemicals
While these chemicals might help unclog the system they are too harsh on your water pipes. Rather than using these, simply utilize a drain snake or a plunger to try and remove minor clogs. For more serious clogging issues, make sure to contact an expert plumber to help your out as he has the knowledge and tools to do a perfect job.
