7 Tips to Keep Your Home’s Plumbing Healthy

Water damage can be devastating in many ways. It can lead to major disasters and huge financial losses. Water can destroy furniture, electronics, and other valuables in the house. Hence, handling plumbing issues promptly will save homeowners from lots of hassles. However, water damage isn’t the only concern for people, because even a dripping faucet can prove to be an expensive repair. Moreover, there are other concerns that result in wasting thousands of gallons of water each year. The following are some tips to maintain the home’s plumbing system.

1. Running toilet 

Every homeowner will experience running toilets at some point in their life. This problem refers to a toilet that constantly runs even when not in use. Diagnosing this issue can be a bit tricky because they are a lot of causes this to occur. Most importantly, running toilets may drive up the utility bills. Homeowners can fix a running toilet by themselves if they have the necessary tools like pliers or hacksaws. First, test the flapper with the stick and replace a broken flapper. Then, check the fill valve for any signs of a leak and replace it with the new fill valve.

2. Cleanliness 

Over time, the toilet jets get accumulated with bacteria and mineral buildup. People should keep their toilets clean with maintenance steps once per week. This will keep things running smoothly by getting rid of harmful bacteria and germs. Most importantly, it will avoid any risks of health concerns. The best way to keep the toilet clean is to brush once or twice a day. People can use vinegar as a cleaning agent to remove germs and refresh the part. Moreover, vinegar helps to break down the residue sedimented over time. Moreover, people may even use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect their toilets.

3. Garbage disposal 

Some households have the habit of disposing of their garbage in drains. This could clog the plumbing network and cause the drain to overflow. Some things shouldn’t be dumped into the drain. People can use garbage disposal tools to get rid of wastes and junk. Starchy foods like rice and vegetable peels also lead to clogs because they expand in the pipes. Other things include oils and grease that turn solid and become hard to clean. Experts suggest homeowners to cold water when they are disposing of garbage into the drain. The cold water helps to move items through the plumbing network by avoiding buildup.

4. Clogs 

Debris like soap and hair can also clog up drains. These items accumulate over time and cause significant damage to the pipes. Main homeowners prefer a quick fix for their clogs and use chemicals to get rid of the buildup. The best way to fix clogs is using plungers or drain snakes. Tough clogs can also be removed with p-traps that help to clean the buildup of debris. In severe cases, make sure to call professionals. They have the right tools and skills to get rid of clogs. They also avoid any expensive utility bills.

5. Seasonal fixes 

Winterizing plumbing networks is a practice that is beneficial in multiple ways. Water in the pipes will expand when the temperature drops. It will even block the water distribution when the water turns into solid. People need to have a device that monitors the temperature in the plumbing network and makes necessary changes to maintain the ideal levels. They can even use foam insulations to cover exterior pipes and have them sealed. If the individuals are planning for a vacation, they should take precautionary measures. Keep the thermostat around 60 degrees to avoid any pipe bursts.

6. Water pressure 

Maintaining an ideal water pressure level is essential to prevent any problems. Sudden drops in water pressure indicate a clogged pipe. Too much pressure can lead to bursts in the piping network. People should get a pressure gauge from a nearby home improvement store and screw the tool right onto the outside faucet. The typical level of water pressure should be 40 and 80 psi. When there are exceptions in this standard level, it means the pipe may suffer from extreme wear and tear. One way of avoiding this issue is by installing a pressure-reducing valve. The tool helps to regulate water pressure and prevent any problems.

7. Annual checkups 

The best way to keep the plumbing system healthy is to ensure annual checkups. Most services offer this annual maintenance service to prevent issues related to faucets, toilets, drains, or water pressure. A seasoned professional can maintain the health of the pipes and ensure optimal performance.