No one likes dealing with plumbing-related issues in their home. And while some issues that pop up simply can’t be avoided, there are plenty that can! At Plumbform, we often see leaky basins, broken pipes, clogged toilets and other plumbing problems that would have never occurred with some quick and easy preventative maintenance.
So without further ado, here are a few tried-and-tested tips for keeping your property’s plumbing in tip-top condition.
Check for leaks in your showerheads, faucets and other items with piping
When left unaddressed, leaks tend to get worse. Aside from the fact that they’re an inconvenience, drips and leaks can actually cost you a lot of money in wasted water over time, as well as water damage repairs.
Check underneath your sinks and basins while the water is running to see if there is any leakage, and inspect all your exposed pipes and appliances (such as fridges, washing machines, water heaters, disposals and so on).
It also never hurts to keep a small tray underneath appliances that may be likely to leak at some point, as this will minimise water damage to your floor and walls.
Unclog slow drains before the problem gets worse
If you notice that your shower or kitchen sink is draining slower than usual, it’s best to clear this blockage before you find yourself with a completely blocked drain that prevents you from being able to run any water through it at all.
Mixing hot water and vinegar together tends to do a good job of removing any debris, and if you do it often enough (every couple of months or so), the drain never gets a chance to clog.
Check your water pressure periodically
It’s common for the water pressure in our faucets and showerheads to decrease over time, usually due to a build-up of sediment or other blockages. Thankfully, this can be easily monitored by using a pressure gauge to regularly check the pressure, or you can install a pressure regulator to maintain a safe pressure level at all times.
You’ll often notice an improvement in your shower head’s water pressure simply by unscrewing it and giving it a good clean to remove accumulated sediment. As for your water heater, you should ideally drain it and clean sediment away once or twice a year.
Familiarise yourself with your sewer system line
This one may seem odd, but by educating yourself on how your sewerage lines run, you can identify any possibility for nearby tree roots to damage your system before it occurs. Figuring this out ahead of time can save you a whole lot of headache and unnecessary costs down the line.
Pump your septic tank regularly
If your property has a septic tank, it’s crucial that you pump it regularly and occasionally have it inspected by a trained professional.
Use common sense when flushing things down the toilet or drain
And finally, there are only two things that should be getting flushed down your toilet. One of them is toilet paper, and you can no doubt guess what the other one is! If your household is flushing anything else down there, chances are high that you’re going to regularly find yourself with a clogged toilet.
As for kitchen sinks and bathroom faucets, don’t pour anything down the drain that is likely to cause blockages. While you’ll never completely prevent food scraps and thick liquids from disappearing down the drain, it’s important to minimise it as much as possible.
Contact Plumbform
By investing just a little time and effort in regular preventative plumbing maintenance, you can save yourself the need to call commercial plumbing contractors. That being said, some issues are unavoidable, or too complex to be a DIY job.
So if you do require an efficient and reliable plumbing professional, don’t hesitate to contact us on 0424 794 641 and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free no-obligation quote over the phone.
We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services, and our team has over 17 years of industry knowledge and experience in domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing and gas maintenance.