There are so many potential hazards when it comes to plumbing. There are pipes that run through your home, hidden behind walls and ceilings, and sometimes they break or have leaks that need repair. This can be frustrating, but it can also be scary. Luckily, there are many ways to avoid these issues. Here are some helpful tips for plumbing maintenance and prevention so you don't end up with plumbing problems in the first place. Keep reading to learn more about how to avoid plumbing problems in your home.
Know your pipes
One of the most important things to know when it comes to preventing plumbing problems is the location of your pipes. Where they’re located within your home will determine what sorts of issues you may have to deal with. For example, if you have a pipe that runs through an attic space, it’s likely to be susceptible to leaks.You should also know the make and model of your pipes, especially if they’ve been in the house for a while. Sometimes repairs can be avoided if you know which part is likely to break. For example, if you have a toilet that keeps running, you may need to replace the fill valve. If you don’t know what the inside of your pipes look like, you might end up repairing them unnecessarily.
Check your water meter
Water meters are often placed outside the home in a crawl space, and may be hard to see. If the reading on your water meter suddenly shoots up, it could mean someone has used lots of water from your house. This could be a sign of a leak, or someone stealing water from your house. It could also be that your neighbours are having a hose-off and using lots of water.If you suspect someone is using too much water, contact your local water department to report it. They can come out and shut off the water supply to your home until they investigate.
Have an emergency plan
Having an emergency plan for plumbing issues is a must. This could mean having a plumber come out right away, or buying parts for simple issues and trying to solve them yourself. Having a plan in place means that you won’t have to panic, and can address the issue in a timely manner.Many people choose to keep a plunger nearby for when a toilet gets clogged. If you have a toilet that runs continuously, that’s likely a sign that something is clogged. Keeping a plunger in a nearby cupboard could save you from having to call a plumber.If you have a broken pipe, it can be tempting to ignore it. However, you should always call a plumber as soon as possible. Broken or leaking pipes can lead to major issues, and it’s best to get them fixed as soon as possible.
Use pee-tanks
If you have a long working day or travel a lot, pee-tanks are a great way to avoid plumbing issues. They’re easy to install, and are a great solution for people who aren’t home during the day or have an odd schedule. You can fill the tank with water at night, and use it to flush the toilet the next day. This can save a lot of money, and is a great way to avoid a hefty plumbing bill.
Don’t use hair gels or gels as they tend to clog the drains
Hair gels and gels are notorious for clogging drains and causing clogged drains. This is because they contain a lot of chemicals that are not biodegradable, and can cause a huge clog if not dealt with properly. These gels are made up of sodium or potassium hydroxide, which can damage your sewer pipes. These gels are often used in salons, so if you’re at a salon, ask them to flush the drains before they close.If you find yourself constantly dealing with clogged drains, you can try using a plunger to clear out the pipes. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber to come out and clear the pipes out for you.
Summing up
There are many potential hazards when it comes to plumbing. There are pipes that run through your home, hidden behind walls and ceilings, and sometimes they break or have leaks that need repair. This can be frustrating, but it can also be scary. Luckily, there are many ways to avoid these issues. Keep these tips in mind when maintaining your plumbing, and you’ll stay on top of things.