Whether you live in an older or brand-new home, your plumbing is essential to your daily life. It’s important to know how to maintain your pipes at home to avoid expensive or inconvenient repairs. Here are a few tips to help you keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Check your pipes for leaks.
To ensure a healthy water supply, checking your pipes for leaks every so often is essential. A small drip may seem innocent enough, but it can waste much water and drive up your water bills if left unchecked.
A few minutes spent assessing the condition of your pipes and fixtures could potentially save you a significant amount in the long run. Leaks are more easily addressed when caught early, so don’t wait until it’s too late!
Fix leaks as soon as possible.
Taking care of water leaks in your home is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure your property remains safe and secure. Not addressing the issue quickly can lead to water damage, mold, mildew, and even potential insect infestations.
While safety is paramount with any leak, environmental considerations must be taken into account as well—the longer a leak persists, the more gallons of water you ultimately waste, which affects your water bill.
Therefore, if you suspect a leak, it is essential to take immediate action and call a qualified maintenance specialist or plumber to assess the situation as soon as possible. An ounce of prevention will save you a pound of cure.
Get your drains and pipes cleaned.
Keeping your home plumbing in top condition is essential for its longevity and keeping your family safe and healthy. Hiring a professional plumber to clean your drains and pipes once a year will give you peace of mind from being proactive with your maintenance needs. Professional plumbers have the industry-specific knowledge to know when it’s time to perform essential maintenance tasks, like cleaning out accumulated sediment build-up from years of use.
Pipeline cleaning can also save you money in the long run since thoroughly cleaning your pipes and fixtures can reduce water consumption and lower energy bills. Moreover, doing this simple annual task will help you avoid potential issues such as nasty smells, clogs, sewer backups, and other plumbing emergencies that can be costly to resolve. If you want well-running drainage in your home and to save yourself money in the future, scheduling regular professional cleanings every year is the smart way to go!
Know where your main water shut-off valve is.
Knowing where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located can be a lifesaver in an emergency, from plumbing problems to a burst pipe. If a problem does arise, you will want to be able to act quickly since flooding or a plumbing leak that goes unchecked can lead to costly damages.
You must seek out this information as soon as possible and ensure you know how it operates to prepare you for any situation. Ask a knowledgeable family member or neighbor who might be familiar with its operation if necessary–having the information on hand should any emergency occur is invaluable.
Check for any signs of corrosion.
One of the most common problems that plague homeowners is rusty pipes, which are caused by corrosion due to old age or environmental factors like high humidity levels. Corroded pipes can be hazardous to your health due to lead, so it’s important to know what signs to look out for to avoid potential risks.
Visual signs of corrosion include discoloration or rust at joints and unusual noise from pipes when water is running. Contact a plumber immediately to assess the situation if you notice these symptoms.
Learn how to deal with burst pipes.
Burst pipes can cause extensive damage to your home and cost thousands of dollars to repair. Recognizing the signs of a potential burst pipe and acting quickly can help you avoid such costly damages. You may hear loud sounds like water or air rushing through a pipe that could signify a broken pipe inside the wall.
Unexplained wet spots increased moisture, and discolored walls are also signs of an issue with your plumbing. If your water pressure begins to decrease than usual, it is another indicator that something is amiss with your pipes.
Stay aware of possible plumbing issues, and stop any water flow as soon as you notice signs of trouble for safety and financial reasons. Educating yourself about the symptoms of a burst pipe will help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the near future!
Following the tips above, you can keep your home’s plumbing in tip-top shape and avoid any major issues. Stay on top of leaks, hire a pro for annual cleaning, and know where your shut-off valve is located. If your water pressure starts to drop suddenly or you see any signs of a burst pipe, act fast! The sooner you call a professional plumber, the less damage there will be.