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Most people don’t think much about their home’s plumbing until there is a problem with it. However, you may be able to avoid some of those leaking faucets and non-working toilets by employing good plumbing maintenance to your home. Most of today’s homes have a plumbing system that is already rather reliable. You just need to spend a few minutes managing it infrequently to ensure it is working at its very best. And then, when there is a problem, call in a professional plumbing service to help you.
What Should You Be Doing on a Routine Basis?
Homeowners may find that a variety of simple steps is all it takes to keep the plumbing system operating at its best. Here’s a closer look at some simple things to do now.
#1: Start with the Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink sees a lot of the activity in your home each day. You wash dishes there. You pour out substances. You may even be using it during meal prep, handwashing, and other needs. Because it is so important to your home’s function, be sure you maintain it. There are a few things you can do:
- Consider a garbage disposal that helps to break up materials before they go down the drain. It may help to minimize clogs.
- Keep it clean and deodorized. You can pour white vinegar and baking soda into your drain to help clean it naturally.
- Always fix leaks immediately. Because of the food particles here, small leaks can become dangerous mold problems over a few short days. This is a good example of when you should call a plumbing service for help.
#2: Manage Back Ups with the Right Resources
Some people make the mistake of trying to tackle drain clogs on their own. You may be easily tempted to buy a liquid drain product to pour down the drain to dissolve or push material through. This is perhaps the worst thing you can do for any drain – toilet, sink, or any other. These types of materials not only work to dissolve the material causing the drain, but also the pipes themselves. Since most homes have pipes made of PVC or similar materials, this type of product will eat right through them.
If you do this, chances are good you are going to have extensive problems over time. You may need to repair those lines or replace them when you otherwise would not have to.
What’s the solution then? Call a plumbing service to come out, remove the bends from the plumbing system, and clean them out. This is the only way to ensure that your drain is not going to have a problem with it over time.
#3: Pay Attention to the Flow Rate
Another important way to maintain your home’s plumbing is to pay attention to how fast (or slow) water is flowing down your drain. Over time, the interior lining of many pipes can develop a buildup. This buildup grows, narrowing that opening more with every drain. You start to notice that it takes longer for your sink to drain.
This does not always mean there is a clog present. That’s why it is best to call in a plumbing service to inspect the lines to find out what’s present and, if possible, to remove the blockages before they lead to any type of damage or flowing.
#4: Listen to Your Toilet
Toilets do not often provide a lot of information to you when they are working well. However, if you notice the toilet is running on a constant basis, that means there is something not right. For example, you may hear it running in the middle of the night when no one has used it. That’s an indication that the stoppers or seals within the toilet tank are wearing down. It could also indicate a leak.
It is best to call in a plumbing service to inspect these types of problems. Sometimes, you will need to have these gaskets upgraded and replaced. Other times, you may find it is very cost-effective to upgrade the toilet to a more efficient option.
#5: Tackle the Leaks Right Away
There are other plumbing areas that can cause leaks. Your showerhead may drip on a constant basis. You may have a high water bill due to this and not even know it. You may have a faucet that is dripping now and then. These are all small signs that indicate there is a problem with these systems that requires repair.
Don’t put off getting those repairs. The sooner you tackle any type of drip or leak, the less it will cost you in terms of lost water. A plumbing service can pinpoint the specific area of concern and offer key recommendations for repairing it.
#6: Manage What Is Getting Flushed
One of the most common reasons people call a plumbing service is because they are facing concerns related to backed up toilets or sewer lines. A common cause for this is the material that is going down those lines. If you have any type of item to toss out that can go into the trash, do that instead of flushing it. That includes simple things like surface wipes and paper towels.
#7: Have an Annual Inspection
The best way to maintain your home’s plumbing is with a professional, annual inspection. A plumbing service can spend a couple of hours at your home, inspecting your lines and providing some insight into the aging of your system. They can also give you some support when it comes to clearing away blockages from sewers and tightening up those leaking faucets.
Don’t Wait to Get Help with Your Plumbing
There are plenty of things you can do to keep your plumbing working, but don’t overlook the fact that plumbing service is necessary from time to time. Knowing when to call in the professionals is critical. For any of the needs you have, call our team at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for help.
