Plumbing maintenance is crucial and can help prevent common issues. A well-maintained system can save you time, money, and stress. If your system is not maintained, it can lead to costly repairs, frustration, and even an emergency plumbing call.
How to Perform Plumbing Maintenance
Below are vital tips for keeping your systems in good condition and preventing unnecessary, time-consuming, and expensive repairs.
Check for Water Leaks
Every year in the United States, a significant amount of household water is wasted due to leakage. A single household, on average, can leak up to 10,000 gallons of water each year. Uncovering and repairing these leaks can help you protect natural resources, prevent further damage, and ultimately save money on your water bills and any extensive repairs that may occur due to harsh leakage.
The best way to check for a water leak in your home is to turn off your water for a few hours and look at your water meter before and after that period. If there are noticeable changes in the meter, water is still running somewhere, and you may be experiencing a leak. Visible components can be checked for leaks at any time. Signs may include mold or puddles below pipes in your basement, crawlspace, or around sinks and toilets.
Check for Toilet Leaks
Toilets are a frequent source of water leaks in homes and businesses. One way to identify a toilet leak is with food coloring. Place a couple of drops in the toilet tank and wait a few hours. If the coloring goes into the toilet bowl, this is evidence of a leak.
Test Water Pressure
You may notice a sudden drop in water pressure right away. This can occur due to a large demand for other household faucets or a plumbing issue. Many homes have a valve that regulates the water pressure coming in from street pipes and can reduce the pressure for the safety of your home if necessary. However, due to age, these valves can collect debris or fail over time.
If the water pressure in your home decreases over time, it could be due to clogged pipes, corrosion, or a buildup in faucet heads. If you notice a pressure loss in just one area, you can check for localized clogs.
Use Your Garbage Disposal Properly
Garbage disposals can be a source of many problems if they’re misused. Not all foods are safe to put through, which can damage the system or cause your plumbing to back up.
Certain foods that should not be put down the garbage disposal include:
- Grease and fat that may coagulate
- Coffee grounds
- Tough and stringy meat
- Shells or bones
- Seeds, nuts, or fruit pits
- Potato peels
- Non-food items
Clean Your Drains
Even if you’re careful with what goes down your drains, it’s easy for them to back up due to shampoo and soap scum, grease, and other things that can make their way into your household pipes. To prevent serious problems from occurring, maintain drain hygiene. This can be done by performing drain cleaning regularly.
The best way to do this from home is to use a drain snake or plunger to loosen the buildup causing blockages. Pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar can also help break up the gunk clogging your pipes. However, if these methods don’t work, it’s time to contact a professional plumber.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Kalispell Today for Your Plumbing Needs
Proper plumbing maintenance is crucial to the smooth operation of your house's appliances. It is prudent to follow a regular schedule to check drains for blockages and pipes for leaks. Likewise, it is important to have regular maintenance checks performed by a plumbing professional. Stay proactive, and don’t wait until an issue arises to contact a plumber.
Mr. Rooter is here when you need an inspection or your plumbing appliances begin breaking down. We offer our clients affordable solutions and maintenance tips to keep your plumbing system functioning as it was designed to.
Whether you require a repair or would like to begin having regular inspections done, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.
