Plumbing problems can be very expensive, and in order to prevent issues that may require expensive repairs, it is important to keep your home plumbing in the best condition possible.
It’s easier than you think!
Below are 5 common plumbing signs that will warn you that something is wrong:
- Sudden weak water pressure
- Unusual water coloration
- Discolored pipes
- An unpleasant odor
- Higher than normal water bills
- Keep your drains clean and clear By placing inexpensive drain covers in sinks, unwanted particles such as food scraps and hair can be kept out of the drain, allowing water to flow freely and prevent winter ice formation and blockages.
- Don’t use your toilet as a waste basket Flushing paper towels, sanitary products and other non-flushable items out of the toilet bowl will help prevent blockages from occurring. These items are not supposed to be disposed of in this manner as they do not break down as easily as toilet paper.
- Don’t pour grease and cooking oils down the drain It may be convenient to pour cooking oils down the drain, but by doing this, the grease and oils will eventually solidify, and you may end up with a build-up deep down where a common household plunger will not be able to dislodge. The lines to the sewer system may also eventually get affected.
- Avoid corrosive drain cleaners Many of us will go to the supermarket or hardware store and purchase a bottle of Drano or a similar off the shelf item and pour it down a clogged drain. It usually works, but the chemicals can cause long-term corrosion damage to your drain, especially if they are used often.
- Soften your water supply When residues such as calcium and magnesium build up in the water, they create ‘hard water’. Hard water can build up inside the pipes eventually causing corrosion and clogged pipes. Hard water can also create similar issues for appliances.
- Insulate your water pipes. The initial investment can be high, but it can save you money in the long run, especially during a bitter cold winter. Water pipes in unheated places such as attics, crawl spaces and garages that are exposed to the cold need the attention.
- Flush out the water heater A water heater will have a build-up of sediments that can be detrimental to its operational efficiency. By flushing out the water heater once a year, you can remove these sediments and prolong the life of the water heater.
- Opt in for regular inspections Having a professional plumber perform an annual routine inspection of your plumbing and a tune up, is an important preventative measure that will prolong the life of your plumbing system. Problems like cracks or leaks that could flare up and become costly at a later time, may be detected during these annual plumbing inspections.