5 Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

We never think twice about the network of water and sewer pipes inside out walls, until a problem occurs, which then costs thousands of dollars in repairs.  Faucet leaks, low water pressure, clogged toilets, and water heater running cold can hamper our daily activities and pose a huge nuisance. This is where preventive maintenance can make sure that your plumbing stays in top-notch position and prevent bigger issues from erupting. Here are 5 amazing maintenance tips that will reduce the number of calls to plumber.

Clean Showerheads with Vinegar

Nothing can be more irritating than slow water pressure when you are trying to shower! One possible cause of reduced water pressure is the built-up of mineral deposits around the showerheads which can clog your showerheads or allow only a thin trickle to flow out. One easy way to clear out your showerheads at home is to soak them in vinegar at least overnight. Most of the accumulated debris would dissolve into the solution. If this trick doesn’t work, perhaps it is time to consider a replacement.

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Prevent Clogging

There can be nothing more exasperating than watching the toilet back up as you flush or trying to empty a sink that doesn’t seem to want to drain! Not to mention, backed up water can add unnecessary stress on your wastepipes and take years from their life. While clogging is a common occurrence, it can be avoided by preventing un-dissolvable things, such as food scraps, plastic, and hair, from going down the drain. install screens over drains to avoid anything from accidently running off and frequently rid your shower drains of any hair to avoid a plug-up. Additionally, avoid pouring grease directly down the kitchen sink, since it becomes solid when cold and builds up in your drain pipes. Same goes for any food particles that can clog up the drain. Additionally, turn the faucet on for about two minutes daily and allow hot water to run down the drain and get rid of any grease buildups. Similarly, items such as dental floss, Q-Tips, baby wipes, or any other paper product can block your toilet drains and should never be flushed. If you notice any clogging, use a plumbing snake to unclog your sink, bathtub, or shower drain.

Check for Leaks

Dripping faucets waste gallons of water, which adds to your bills.  Not to mention, the problem exacerbates if you don’t take timely action. A dripping faucet or showerhead can cause water damage over time if left unchecked.  As part of your plumbing maintenance, check your faucets and showerheads regularly for leaks and do the necessary ASAP.  The flow of water should stop instantly as soon as the faucet handle is turned. Also be sure to check underneath the sinks for water stains or drips when the water is running. Whenever you notice any musty odors, puddles of water, and mold growths, know that a leak is nearby.  Leaking toilets should also be checked and fixed as soon as possible. If your toilet water is running without even pressing the flush button, it could indicate a malfunctioning seal around the valve seat or an issue with the handle or tank stopper, which should be repaired as soon as possible. If you cannot see a visible leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait to see if the water in the toilet bowl changes color. Also check your water-using appliances, like the washing machine and dispenser for any leaks. Furthermore, if you notice that water flowing simultaneously from both the tub and showerhead, even when the shower diverter valve is turned, it is time to change the valve to avoid leaks.

Soften the Water

Hard water, or water with high mineral content such as calcium and magnesium, can negatively affect your plumbing. These minerals eventually build up inside your pipes and hinder the flow of water. Not to mention, hard water is a comm on cause of corrosion in joints and fittings. If your area receives hard water, you look to look out for signs of white buildup on showerheads and faucets. You can install an electronic water softener, which leverage electromagnetic pulses to dissolve minerals, and prevent any minerals from depositing on the walls of your pipes.

Protect Your Water Heater

If you live in colder areas, you don’t want to be unceremoniously doused in chilled water while taking a shower.  This is why it is important to properly maintain your water heating system and make sure it is working efficiently. For optimal performance, set your water heater at 120F. Eliminate any sediment built-up by flushing out your heating system frequently. Doing so will help it last a lot longer and prevent corrosion, loss of efficiency, and a possible breakdown. Lastly, make sure that the pressure release valve of the heating system is performing effectively by lifting the lever and allowing it to snap back. Ideally, you should see a burst of hot water into the drain pipe. However, if your heating system is old, call for a professional.