Plumbing emergencies are stressful and costly, often occurring at the most inconvenient times. Preventative plumbing maintenance can help reduce the risk and associated costs of these disasters.
If you notice your sinks draining slower than usual or see water pooling in your basement, it’s time to call a plumber. A little preventative maintenance from a professional plumber can save you from major flooding, sewage backups, and expensive repair bills. Contact Cleveland Plumbers for more information.
1. Install a Water Heater
The water heater is a vital part of any home. It provides hot water for cooking, washing clothes, showers and more. But without proper maintenance, it can fail.
While you might be tempted to install your new water heater yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional. Not only can they help you install the unit correctly, but they can also perform a routine inspection and flush your system to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens the life of the unit.
In addition, they can test the pressure release valve to make sure it is working correctly. If the valve isn’t working, it could lead to a burst water heater. They can also help you find drafty areas of your house that need to be insulated to prevent pipes from freezing in the cold weather. A leaking pipe can cause a lot of damage in just a few hours and lead to flooding, mold and mildew, and even structural problems.
Performing preventative plumbing maintenance is like popping the hood of your car every now and then to look at the fluid levels, hoses and battery. By doing this regularly, you can catch problems when they are small and inexpensive to fix. This will save you money and stress in the long run and protects your investment. The same is true for your home’s pipes and other plumbing components.
2. Install a Water Filter
A water filter is a great way to prevent bacteria and other harmful contaminants from getting into your household plumbing. The first step is to choose a location for the filter and shut off valves. You’ll want to make sure that it’s easy to access so you can change the filter regularly. Next, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the filter system and attach it to the water lines. It’s important to use Teflon tape on all of the fitting connections, as this will help to ensure a leak-free seal. Finally, turn the water back on and check for any leaks around the connections.
Leaks are the most common and expensive of all plumbing problems. You should make a point to check your plumbing for leaks at least once a week, looking in toilets and sinks for obvious signs of damage like water stains or musty odors. You can also check under appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers for leaking pipes.
You should also make a habit of unclogging drains as soon as they slow down to prevent them from clogging completely. It’s also important to avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper, as items like tampons, food waste, grease, and wipes can form solid masses that clog your drains. Finally, be sure to install pipe insulation in cold areas like crawl spaces and garages to prevent frozen and burst pipes.
3. Install a Water Softener
Whether you live in a city with hard water or have your own well, installing a water softener can significantly reduce the mineral content of your home’s supply. This can prevent the buildup of minerals in plumbing fixtures and help extend their lifespan.
Water softeners work by essentially filtering the water, so it doesn’t contain the minerals that can cause clogs and other issues. The system typically consists of a small tank that sits inside (or next to) a larger one, with the resin drawing calcium and magnesium from the water and holding it. A brine tank then contains the salt used to regenerate the resin, and a drain tube connects both tanks to the household plumbing.
In addition to a water softener, you should also consider other ways to keep your plumbing in top condition. For example, locating and knowing how to shut off your home’s main water valve can help you limit damage in the event of an emergency.
Another important step is educating all members of your household about proper plumbing practices. This includes teaching them what can and cannot be flushed or poured down drains. This can help avoid items like paper towels, “flushable wipes” that aren’t actually flushable, feminine hygiene products, grease, and other wastes from clogging pipes and sewer lines. While it may take more time and effort, educating your family on plumbing best practices can go a long way towards avoiding a plumbing disaster.
4. Install a Backflow Prevention Device
For many homeowners, backflow incidents can lead to significant medical expenses, property damage and even litigation. That’s because contamination from backflow can contaminate drinking water with chemicals, pesticides, bacteria and other harmful substances.
Fortunately, this type of contamination can easily be prevented with the help of a backflow prevention device. Backflow preventers are specifically designed to make sure that non-potable water stays out of your potable water supply, and they do so by creating an air gap. They also include a pressure relief valve that is designed to eliminate any excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion and keep your pipes safe from damage.
There are several different types of backflow preventers on the market, but RPZ (reduced pressure zone) devices are often the best choice for residential properties. They use two check valves for redundancy, and they have a chamber between them that sits at a lower pressure than your existing pipes. When this device detects contaminated water, it will automatically eliminate the water by releasing pressure.
In addition to installing a backflow preventer, it’s important to regularly perform routine maintenance on your plumbing fixtures and to educate your family about proper plumbing practices. This can be as simple as teaching everyone in the household to always flush toilet paper and waste down a drain and never pour anything down a sink or garbage disposal. This can greatly reduce the amount of clogs in your house and prevent any potentially dangerous backflow issues.
5. Install a Clogged Drain Cleaner
Clogged drains create a lot of problems for homeowners, including foul odors that permeate the house and expensive sewer line repairs. They also put additional pressure on the drainpipes, shortening their lifespan. Dealing with clogged drains quickly can save you from more serious plumbing issues later.
One of the simplest preventative maintenance tips is to use a homemade clog cleaner on a regular basis. Pour baking soda and vinegar down a drain in small amounts to create a reaction that harmlessly loosens and removes debris from the pipes. Then rinse the drain with hot water. This helps to dissolve grease and sediments that can cause clogs. Do this a couple times a year to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Avoiding clogged drains altogether is the best way to prevent expensive repairs and unpleasant problems. Watch what goes down the drains to ensure that things like food scraps, hair and wipes aren’t washing into the pipes. Only flush sewage waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
If you do encounter a clogged drain, call a plumber or make your own homemade clog snake. Many hardware stores sell long, flexible wire snakes that you can feed down the pipe to break up and remove the clog. Another option is to use a bent hanger wire with a hook on the end. Untwist the hanger and insert it into the clogged drain to jiggle the clog until you can hook it and pull it out.
6. Install a Faucet Filter
Like a car, a home’s plumbing system needs regular inspections and routine maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. By doing so, homeowners can avoid stressful and expensive plumbing emergencies down the road.
Dripping faucets, running toilets, and minor leaks can quickly escalate into major problems if left unattended. Promptly addressing these issues can reduce water waste, save money on water bills, and prevent costly damage to fixtures and piping.
The drain sinks in your bathroom and kitchen are one of the easiest places for clogs to develop. A simple solution is to regularly check these drains and clear any debris that may have accumulated. You can also use a natural mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to dislodge stubborn clogs.
It’s important to perform a thorough visual inspection of your entire plumbing system on a regular basis. This should include looking at pipes in finished areas, checking for signs of leaks and rusting, and ensuring proper insulation. In addition, you should regularly check the temperature of your water to ensure it’s not too cold, which can cause pipes to freeze and burst.
Finally, it’s important to educate everyone in the household on proper plumbing practices and to teach them how to spot early warning signs such as water stains on walls or ceilings. Doing so will help to avoid unnecessary plumbing disasters and ensure a happy, healthy home!
