The plumbing in your home is a complex system that brings in fresh water, heats it, and distributes it around the house.
Maintaining your plumbing can help avoid the most common problems homeowners face, such as leaks and broken or rusted pipes. Follow these tips to ensure your plumbing is in top shape and working at its best!
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Check your water heater regularly
Maintaining your water heater is one of the best ways to ensure it will continue performing as needed. It is especially true if you are planning to replace it.
The first step is to inspect the unit regularly. Look for leaks around the base, a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P), or a bad drain valve.
A yearly inspection by https://www.plumb2u.com/ is the most recommended form of maintenance, as it will help to prevent major repairs from happening down the line. It also allows a plumber to spot potential problems before they become significant issues that could require a complete unit replacement.
In addition to regular inspections, you should drain the tank regularly to remove sediment that has built up over time. Sediment can corrode your water heater and shorten its lifespan.
Check your water pressure
Water pressure is a crucial part of your home’s plumbing system. It needs to be sufficient to keep your home running smoothly and efficiently but not too much that it causes damage to your pipes and fixtures.
Ideally, the water pressure should fall between 30 and 80 pounds per square inch (psi) in your home. Higher levels of pressure can cause damage to your pipes and can impede the flow of water, causing cracks or even a burst pipe.
To check your water pressure, purchase a gauge from a hardware store. Once you have one, you can easily measure your current water pressure by attaching it to a faucet or hose bib on the exterior of your home.
Low water pressure can lead to many problems, including:
Leaks in your home’s plumbing High water pressure can push seals and washers out of place and allow water to escape through. It can leak into your sinks, bathtub, shower, and toilet.
Banging sounds in your plumbing Water pressure can also cause a loud banging sound when you turn off your taps or flush your toilet, known as the “water hammer” effect.
Check your pipes regularly
During routine maintenance, your plumber will check for leaks and make repairs if necessary. In addition, they will inspect your pipes for signs of clogs or wear and tear.
Regular inspections can also help you spot any other issues with your plumbing that need attention, such as a broken drain. They can also be used to identify older pipes that need replacing and assess your plumbing system for any potential problems that may arise in the future.
For example, some older pipes can corrode faster than others and can result in significant water damage or mold if they aren’t inspected regularly. It can prevent major problems and save you a lot of money in the long run.
Check your drains regularly
The drains in your home are one of the most crucial parts of your plumbing system. They bring in and distribute water, heat it for washing, and efficiently eliminate waste. But they often go unnoticed until a problem arises and requires expensive repairs.
While it isn’t the most glamorous job, checking and cleaning your drains is a must-have to maintain the efficiency of your plumbing. Moreover, regular maintenance is also an excellent preventive measure against potential issues in the future.
Every time you use a sink, you’ll likely flush away items like hair, food, soap, detergents, and other foreign materials that can clog up the pipes. These items can cause blockages and sewage backups and reduce the lifespan of your drains, so a professional plumber must have them cleaned regularly.
Keeping your drains clean can help to prevent foul odors from escaping into the air and seeping into other areas of your home. Typically, these smells come from bacteria that thrive in standing water and debris in your plumbing.
Check your heating system
One of the most critical tasks for your home plumbing and heating system is checking it regularly. You can do this by scheduling a professional checkup from a company specializing in this type of work.
Not only can a professional HVAC technician help your heating system last longer, but they can also spot issues before they become significant problems. It can save you money and ensure your family stays safe and comfortable during the cold winter months.
A professional technician will also provide a record of maintenance work performed on your heating system. It can be beneficial if you ever sell your home in the future, as it will let buyers know how well you’ve taken care of your equipment and what services were done to it.
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