Nobody likes to hear the sound of dripping water all day around their home. Leakages in the house can be annoying and, at times, even destructive. And the amount of money that these emergency plumbing services cost you can leave you feeling completely anxious. Hence periodic plumbing maintenance should become an integral part of routine maintenance.
Plumbing terms to know about
Knowing a little about the DIY job you are getting into helps you with the basics. Here are some plumbing terms that will make your maintenance job much easier.
Auger
Flapper
Drainpipe
Shutt-off valve
Water pressure
These essential parts of the plumbing system help keep the plumbing functionality of your home in place; having the right knowledge about them will help you diagnose them accurately. You will need to do some research based on the problem you are dealing with, but this will at least give you some background knowledge to help kick-start it.
1. Check appliances for water leaks.
A lot of appliances in our house are connected to the main water line, such as the water heater, washing machine, and refrigerators. The operating processes of all these appliances use up an extreme amount of water that sometimes ends up causing leaks at some point. Keep yourself updated on the condition of your appliances and keep inspecting the area around them, as you will usually find water stains or standing puddles in these areas if there is a leak. You may have received the guidelines for maintenance of these appliances in a manufacturer's manual to take good care of the product.
2. Keep your drains clear.
You may have encountered a situation where you would notice the water going down the drain relatively slowly; your bathroom may have a clogging problem. Regular plumbing maintenance will help you notice these little changes in your plumbing system.
3. Be conscious of what you flush down the toilet.
Do not just throw trash down your toilet; items like food waste, oil, grease, hair, and wipes form solid masses and clog the drains. Only waste and toilet paper are meant to be flushed down the toilet. Just ensure you don't dump anything else inside it; that way, you can avoid costly and unsightly emergency plumbing services.
4. Shutt off outdoor fixtures with seasons.
Keep a seasonal schedule for the outdoor fixtures; remember to always shut them off from time to time. Shut off the water supply to fixtures like outdoor hoses, faucets, and sprinklers; remember to drain and insulate them in the fall before the freezing temperatures arrive. You may have to go the extra mile and blow out your sprinkler system and usually follow a sprinkler winterization procedure. However, it is highly dependent on where you live; if your area does not experience harsh winters, you can skip this step and focus on the rest of the house's plumbing systems.
5. Inspect your Sewer Drains.
Homes are usually connected to either a septic tank or a sewer line, depending on where you live. With the help of a septic tank, your wastewater is treated on-site; it could be near or underneath your property. Unlike the main sewer lines that are connected to the city's water system, all your wastewater is sent underground to the nearby treatment facility.
No matter what sewage system your home has, it is your drains that you should get inspected by a professional from time to time. Taking care of these minuscule things makes your plumbing maintenance successful. The constant flow of water can clog the pipes with debris that causes problems with your sewer drains. Prevent that from happening with timely maintenance.
6. Fix leaking faucets and showerheads
Faucet water leaks are the primary cause of water wastage, and these leakages could result from a corroded valve seat, a worn-out washer, or problems with the O-ring.
These leaks not only waste so much water but can even contribute to increasing your water bills because of the constantly running water. Prevent that from happening by inspecting your faucets and showerheads on a regular basis for signs of leakage.
Leaking handles are the sneaky culprits for water leaks; check them first hand. Also, check under your sink to see if any of your pipes are leaking. If there are stains on the pipes, take that as a sign of leakage and address the issue right away.
7. Keep a check on the water pressure
You may have come across these moments at home when you were about to shower and suddenly, the water slowly started to trickle out. Pressure regulation is very healthy for our homes; low water pressure can cause leaks in your pipes and, at worst, burst them if the pressure is too high, hence why balance is the key.
One of the most useful plumbing tips one can give you is to keep a pressure gauge handy and measure the water pressure of your house, or you can install a pressure regulator to do the job. Pressure regulators are made to maintain the water level so the water pressure doesn't exceed the required level.
8. Never hesitate to reach out to a professional
Some timely plumbing maintenance goes a long way when you are keeping a consistent schedule and following preventative measures at the same time.
Look for an efficient neighborhood plumber to handle this at best. That is when Home Mechanics steps in for you. From the common plumbing problems to the obscure ones, we have seen it all, so give us a call for professional plumbing solutions in Boston without any second thoughts!