Prevent Plumbing Problems – Proactive Measures for a Healthy Plumbing System

Plumbing problems can be expensive and inconvenient to deal with. Even a small leak can cause extensive water damage over time. And a slow drain can lead to a full backup, resulting in costly sewer line repairs.

Fortunately, most plumbing disasters can be prevented with regular inspections and mindful practices. Read on to learn about some proactive measures you can take to ensure the health of your home’s plumbing system:

1. Inspect Your Pipes and Fixtures Regularly

A home’s plumbing system is often taken for granted until something goes wrong. Leaks, clogs, and other problems can be very disruptive to daily life and require costly repairs.

Regular inspections can help prevent many problems before they occur, saving homeowners time and money. They can also help ensure that water is safe to drink and free of contaminants, while increasing energy efficiency.

Look for signs of water damage, such as water stains or mold on the ceiling or walls. Be sure to close the main water valve if you are going to be away for an extended period of time. This will prevent flooding and water damage while you are gone.

2. Keep Your Drains Clean

Keeping your drains clean is one of the most important things you can do to prevent plumbing problems. It’s also easy and inexpensive to do.

Clogged drains are the number one cause of plumbing problems for homeowners. They’re usually caused by hair, food waste, grease, or soap scum.

Regularly flush your drains by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or an organic drain cleaner down the sink. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, which emit toxic fumes and can corrode pipes and garbage disposals.

Also, use a strainer to catch hair and other debris in your drains, and consider installing a garbage disposal with an enzyme digester to help break down food waste.

3. Install a Water Softener

Clogged drains and dripping faucets can be caused by a variety of things. Hair, food waste, grease, tree roots, and other debris can block your pipes, leading to costly repairs.

A water softener can prevent these issues. It removes hard minerals from your home’s water supply, preventing buildup that can reduce the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances.

When installing a water softener, be sure to leave a bypass valve on the inlet and outlet. This will allow you to bypass the softener if necessary, such as for maintenance or during repair work. Also, be sure to install a drain line that connects with a physical air gap (depending on your city code). This helps protect your home from bacteria and wastewater.

4. Install Strainers in Your Sinks and Showers

Soap scum, hair, and other debris that builds up in drains and pipes can cause clogs. A strainer prevents these clogs by catching these items before they reach the drain pipe. It is recommended to install a basket strainer, which looks like a small basket that sits on top of the sink drain with a back nut holding it in place.

Plumbing problems can wreak havoc on homes, resulting in stressful and expensive repair bills. By taking a proactive approach to maintenance and inspection, homeowners can reduce the frequency of plumbing disasters. For instance, noticing water stains or strange smells can alert homeowners to the presence of hidden leaks or mold.

5. Don’t Flush the Wrong Things Down the Toilet

The plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, faucets, toilets, and appliances that must work together in harmony. Many common plumbing problems stem from neglecting or improperly using these systems.

Non-flushable items like baby wipes and paper towels are notorious for clogging toilets and drains. It is best to dispose of these products in the trash can.

Food waste can also build up in drains and cause clogs. It is best to discard these items in the trash can or compost bin. Unusual odors from the drains could indicate that there is a problem with your pipes and sewer lines. These issues should be addressed as soon as possible to minimize damage and costs.

6. Check Your Water Heater

If you notice that your shower water is no longer warm or that the water pressure in your home has dropped, it may be time to check your water heater. Also, it’s a good idea to locate the main water valve and hang a label on it so that members of your household can easily find it in an emergency.

Small plumbing problems are easy to overlook, but neglecting them can lead to big trouble down the road. By taking preventative measures and performing regular inspections, you can keep your pipes and fixtures in good condition all year round. Avoid costly repairs and enjoy dependably hot showers with these simple tips.