We often don’t think much about the plumbing that is in our homes or businesses, that is until something goes wrong! Could be a stopped up toilet, a dripping water tap, hot water heater leaking or even the extreme – a burst pipe. The good news is that if you maintain your plumbing, you can prevent some of the plumbing nightmares that can occur.
In the following article with accompanying infographic, discover 8 plumbing maintenance tactics you can put into practice. And of course, if you are already in need of plumbing services and are in the greater Phoenix Arizona area, give us a call.
Plumbing Maintenance
Prevention is always better than a cure. This is especially true for home plumbing. With these plumbing maintenance tips, you can avoid many common plumbing problems that could not only cause damage to your home, but also end up costing you a lot of money. red on for 8 plumbing maintenance tips that could save you money!
1. Know Where Your Shut Off Is
Whether you find a leaky tap or a burst pipe, your first course of action will be to cut the water off at the source by turning off your main. Knowing where your main shut off valve is means you can do this quickly, limiting further damage.
2. Don’t Treat Your Toilet Like a Bin
Toilets are designed to handle certain kinds of waste. never flush cotton swabs, sanitary products, diapers, wet wipes of any other kind of household waste down your toilet. These will cause blocked toilets that can be tough, and sometimes expensive, to clear.
3. Flush Your Sinks
Fats, oils, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells or any solid food bits will cause a blocked sink drain. So avoid poring these in your sink. regularly flush your sinks with boiling water to break up any build ups that may occur. If you notice a foul smell, flush the sink with vinegar and baking soda.
4. Clean Your Shower Regularly
Soap scum and hair are common causes for blocked drains. Cover all drains with screena or strainers to avoid these from entering your pipes. Cleaning these strainers regularly should be part of your plumbing maintenance. Take your shower head apart from time to time and clean off mold and mineral deposits with vinegar.
5. Check For Leaks
Periodically check hoses, appliances, and pipes under sinks for leaks. Small leaks will cause damage to wood or plaster over time and can also create mold which might be a health risk to you and your family. Small leaks can often be fixed by tightening pipe fittings or changing a tap washer. Larger leaks will probably require a professional plumber.
6. Don’t Forget Your Water Heater
It’s easy to take the hot water heater for granted. When it’s working you can forget it is even there but when it stops working, you definitely know about it! Have your hot water system serviced annually. This will keep it in good working order and will cost less money than major repairs if it breaks down.
7. Remember To Check Outside
Plumbing doesn’t end inside the house. Gutters and plumbing vents can become clogged with foliage and other debris, causing a number of plumbing issues. Check and clean gutters, vents and other drainage areas regularly to avoid damage to your home.
8. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
While there are a number of ways plumbing maintenance prevents small leaks and other minor plumbing issues, don’t overextend yourself. Making a mistake when trying to repair your own plumbing can end up costing you a lot of money. In many cases, it is best to call a local plumber to handle existing plumbing problems.
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