Plumbing repairs aren’t typically included in the average homeowner’s budget. Plumbing preventative maintenance may save a homeowner a significant amount of money in fees and damages. As a result, we’d like to provide a few pointers that may save you some time and money in the future.
10 Useful Plumbing & Maintenance Tips
- Do not flush toilet paper unless it is clearly labelled as such! Many things and substances, however, are disposed of down the drain or in our toilets when they have no place being there. Hair, feminine hygiene products, paper goods, wipes, diapers, grease, and oils are common examples. Because the paper fibres in face tissues do not decompose like toilet paper, they might cause blockages. This is not only harmful for the environment, but it may also cause obstructions and malfunctions in a plumbing system.
- Once a year, replace the flapper or ball within the toilet tank. This not only reduces the quantity of water wasted, but it also saves money on your water bill. If you have the funds and the time, you should consider updating to a more current tank fill mechanism.
- Think about improving your plumbing fittings. When you’re replacing a washer or inserting a component to fix an old leaky faucet, consider upgrading to a better choice, such as a washerless faucet. Newer washerless faucets operate better and require far less maintenance. Your local plumbing professional can advise you on the best products available.
- Shower heads should be cleaned to remove sediment buildup. Mineral deposits and silt that can accumulate in a shower head can alter water pressure, frequently decreasing it to an unfavourable level. No one enjoys a shower with a poor water flow, but thankfully, there are several solutions available at your local shop, including calcium, lime, and rust removal chemicals that may help remove the sediment. Many householders have discovered that soaking a shower head in white vinegar (typically warm to hot in temperature) for a few minutes will assist to remove the deposits if you want a more organic and chemical-free option.
- Remove any sediment that has accumulated in your water heater tank. You may not realise it, but silt and sediment may accumulate and settle at the bottom of a water heater’s tank. If not removed, this sediment accumulation can cause corrosion, reducing not just the life of the water heater but also its capacity to heat the water effectively. A homeowner should drain several litres of water from the faucet closest to the bottom of the tank to flush out and eliminate the buildup. Connect the faucet to a hose and send the discharged water into a nearby drain.
Check the pressure relief valve on the water heater. First and foremost, use extreme caution since the water flowing from the tank’s pressure relief valve will be extremely hot. Lift the pressure release valve lever with caution. Don’t keep it open; simply snap it back into place after raising it. A small burst of hot water should be spat out by the valve. If it does not, there is an issue, and you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to have a new pressure relief valve fitted.
- Repair any leaks immediately! Even though it may not appear to be much, a little leak can significantly boost a home’s water cost. As soon as the leak is discovered, turn off the water supply to the leaking location.
Keep an eye out for hot water leaks. A little hot water leak, whether from a faucet, pipe, or other supply line, can cause major problems. A hot water leak makes use of the hot water in the tank of the water heater. If it continues to leak, it will ultimately entirely deplete the water in the tank, causing the water heater’s heating element to burn out. Nobody wants to deal with that kind of repair! If a hot water leak is discovered, the homeowner must turn off the main water supply. In addition, the breaker that supplies power to the water heater must be turned off. The leak may then be rectified, and the water heater will not be harmed. An expensive repair can be easily avoided by simply turning off the water heater’s electric supply at the first sign of a leak.
- Drain strainers should be used! The simplest preventative measure any household can take to reduce the risk of clogged drains is to instal strainers in all shower, bathtub, and sink drains. The purpose of a strainer is to prevent hair, soap, and other undesirable substances from entering the drain and blocking the linked pipes. Strainers should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure effective water drainage.
- Be aware of the location of your home’s water shut-off valves. One of the first things a new homeowner should do is find the water shut off valves. There is no better time to look for them than in an emergency. Some are obvious, but others may be concealed behind an access panel or elsewhere.
- Keep an eye out for rust! Take a walk through your house and examine the pipes. What do you notice? Are there any green spots near shut-off valves or fittings? Is it possible that your pipes are orange or yellow in colour? Is the water discoloured at first when you turn on the water in the shower or sink? If any of the preceding scenarios apply to you, you most certainly have corroded or rusty pipes. Corrosion and rust can pollute your water and cause the pipes in your plumbing to fail. It’s only the start of a massive problem. A specialist should repair any rusted or broken pieces.
If all of the pipes in the home are of a similar age, it may be prudent to have them all changed to eliminate the need for continual repair of tiny pieces.
- Select a reputable plumber! Let’s face it: not every project is suitable for the self-proclaimed handyman. Sometimes a professional is required to complete a task. When DIY doesn’t cut it, keep the name and phone number of a reputable plumber on available.
When we consider the valuable components that comprise a well-maintained home, we frequently overlook the plumbing system. However, a homeowner may rapidly find themselves in a world of difficulty, full of costly repairs and annoyance, if their plumbing system is not properly constructed and maintained.
If you or a loved one needs a Professional Plumber in Melbourne, call J.O. Plumbing today!
