Taking care of your plumbing system can help prevent expensive repairs, water damage and foul odors. One of the best ways to maintain your plumbing is by preventing clogs from forming.
Make a habit of inspecting your pipes regularly for leaks, especially under sinks and behind toilets. Leaks can quickly turn into major plumbing issues if left unchecked. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/blocked-drains-geelong/ have resourceful information on plumbing systems and services.
Install a Water Heater
You probably don’t think much about the network of pipes that delivers hot and cold water and eliminates waste in your home, but giving it some regular attention can lengthen its lifespan and help prevent costly leaks and repairs. Performing these plumbing maintenance items will also keep your family healthier and reduce the risk of toxic mold and mildew buildup.
Before you start, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve or the isolation valve for the heater’s incoming water line. Then disconnect the water pipes using a pipe wrench or channel-lock pliers for compression or union fittings, and tubing cutters for soldered connections.
Next, hook a hose to the drain valve and drain the tank. Be sure to use a nontoxic drain cleaner such as baking soda and vinegar to avoid chemicals that can corrode the pipe structure.
Install a Water Softener
If your home experiences hard water, you may want to install a water softener. This system helps eliminate the issues associated with hard water by removing magnesium and calcium from the water.
Adding a water softener is a DIY project that requires some mid-level plumbing knowledge. You’ll need to shut off the water supply to your house and cut pipes for the unit. A bypass valve is also important, as it allows you to feed water around the filter when performing maintenance.
Tools you’ll need include a copper pipe cutter, PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw and pliers for tightening and loosening fittings. You should also have a bucket and towels to catch drips. Consult your user manual for specific installation steps and programming instructions.
Install a Water Filter
The plumbing system is often ignored and taken for granted, but it’s actually quite simple to maintain your pipes. A little bit of care can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and replacements.
Your house’s drain lines connect to either a septic tank or a sewer line, depending on where you live. A septic tank is located on your property, while a sewer line runs
underground to the city’s water treatment plant.
You can help prevent clogs by placing drain strainers in all of your sinks and showers. Also, be sure to empty the P-traps under your sinks on a regular basis. Never dispose of hair, food, cloth pieces, or other solids down a drain. This can lead to blockages and odors.
Install a Water Purifier
Whether you live in an apartment or own your home, your plumbing system is one of the most essential parts of your life. Like any other machinery or system, it needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Clogged drains and pipes are a huge pain, but you can prevent them with simple maintenance tips. For instance, use a screen or drain cover in your shower and kitchen sink to keep hair and food debris from entering the pipe.
Another plumbing maintenance tip is to flush only human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Flushing things like sanitary pads, baby wipes, and even cat litter can lead to clogs in your sewage system. Also, look for any leaks in your pipes throughout the year and have them fixed immediately.
Install a Backflow Prevention Device
Backflow prevention devices prevent contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s municipal water supply line. Modern plumbing codes require them wherever there is a potential cross-connection. Backflow prevention devices can include air gaps, double-check valves or reduced pressure zone assemblies. Backflow prevention device installation can be a DIY project depending on the type of assembly and location. Enclosures are available for outdoor backflow preventer installations to protect them from harsh weather environments and tampering.
It’s important to make sure your backflow prevention system is inspected annually by professionals to ensure its effectiveness. This helps to catch any problems before they get out of hand. Keeping the drains in your house clean also helps to avoid backflow. Objects like hair, food waste, cloth pieces and other solid materials can build up and clog the drain, which can cause backflow.
