Everyone develope issues with their plumbing systems once in a while. However, you can reduce their frequency and severity by taking steps to prevent them in the first place. Here are 7 plumbing maintenance tips to prevent problems with your plumbing system.
Reduce Clogging
Clogging often happens when people are not careful about what they put into their toilets and sinks. Your toilet is not a garbage can. Tissues are fine, though even they should be thrown in with moderation. Q-tips, baby wipes, and other things should not be thrown in toilets. You can reduce clogging in your sinks by using a stopper to make sure food doesn’t go down the kitchen sink drain. Do not pour grease down the sink. Bathroom sinks and shower drains often get clogged with hair, so use screens or stoppers for your tubs and bathroom sinks to prevent hair from clogging them.
Avoid Chemical Solutions
If your sink does get clogged, do not use chemical solutions to clear them up. They often contain caustic components, and using them can damage your pipes and cause leaks, especially if you use them often to clear your pipes. Using a wire hanger to try to clear your sink can cause it to get ruined as well. Instead, get a plumber to clear them out professionally.
Fix Problems Early
Keep an eye on things and watch out for any issues. Check on your toilets, sinks, and appliances often. Keep your eye out for water stains on your ceiling or walls and for mildew buildup. If a leak or another problem arises, make sure to call a plumber right away. Do not delay. If you do, the leak will get worse and you may end up with an emergency on your hands. Check your taps regularly to make sure they do not drip. If your toilet seems to have trouble flushing or your sinks start taking longer to drain, call a plumber before the problem gets worse. You should also know how to shut off the water supply to your sinks, toilets, and other appliances. This way, you can prevent a flood from getting worse. In some cases, you may have to shut off the main water supply valve, so know how.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
A common winter plumbing problem is when pipes freeze and burst. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your pipes are insulated so that they stay warm. Keeping your home warm and opening the tap to a trickle will also help prevent water from freezing in your pipes. If your pipes do get frozen, shut off the water supply and call an experienced and licensed plumber immediately.
Maintain Good Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can weaken the pipes and eventually cause a leak. Check your water pressure or have a plumber check it for you and make sure that it is at the right level.
Keep Your Water Soft
Check the mineral content in your water and make sure that it is not too hard. Too much magnesium and calcium in your water can cause your pipes to get blocked, which will increase the water pressure. A plumber will be able to install a water softener system to soften your water. You may want to install a filter as well.
Have Your Plumber’s Number Handy
Make sure to have the number of a qualified plumber in your cell phone contacts and written next to your landline so that you know where to go in case of an emergency. Contact Aladdin Plumbing for professional emergency plumbing services in Park Slope or for more plumbing maintenance tips.