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Home plumbing system is one of the things that you use on a daily basis but hardly ever give much thought to until the time when something fails. A water heater or a burst pipe may result in a huge amount of damage and thousands of dollars in repair. With a bit of preventative maintenance, luckily, a long way can be covered. You can easily detect minor problems by conducting basic inspections and doing basic tasks, which may lead to big plumbing disasters.
Watch for Small Leaks
A leak is the most frequently occurring plumbing problem that homeowners have to deal with. A dripping tap or a running toilet may look as an insignificant inconvenience, yet it consumes a colossal supply of water when taken in the long run. It is advisable to check under sinks on a regular basis in case the sinks are moist and also to check the toilets that refill even when they are not being used.
Check around the place where your appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine are set. Age causes the hoses to break or be loosely attached. When you find that there is pooling water or wet cabinets, then you must correct what is causing this. In the case that the issue appears to be complicated or needs to replace core mains, it is the safest option to seek the services of Active Plumbing to conduct a professional inspection in case of structural damage to your home.
Maintain Your Water Heater
Your water heater struggles to give you washing water and washing dishes. Gradually, the bottom of the water may accumulate sediments of minerals. This layer of sediment makes the burner work harder and thus will not be efficient and may end up cutting the duration it takes to operate the unit.
It is advisable that you empty your water heater tank at least once in a year to get rid of this. And by the way, you should check the pressure relief valve to make sure it is functioning well. In case your unit is older, you should look at the rust on the bottom. Early detection of a malfunctioning water heater will help you to avoid a flooded garage or basement.
Be Kind to Your Drains
What we pour down the drains causes a lot of clogging. In the kitchen, never pour grease and cooking oil down the sink. These are substances that liquidize at room temperature but become solid at low temperatures forming intractable obstructions in the depths of your pipes. Rather, pour oil in a container and dispose of it.
The largest foe of your drains in the bathroom is hair. Putting cheap strainers made of mesh in the shower and tub drains will filter out any hair and soap scum before it enters the plumbing. Harsh chemical drain cleaners should be avoided because they may occur with corrosion of your pipes. To go ahead and clean a slow drain, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar or a plastic drain snake.
Know Your Main Shut-Off Valve
All homeowners are supposed to be aware of the position of their main water shut-off valve. Should a burst pipe occur or even a huge leakage, being able to cut off the water supply in a short time will save your house a lot of water flooding.
Find this valve and check it to ensure that it rotates freely. In case it is clogged or rusted, they ought to be changed or reparaired before an emergency occurs.
Conclusion
It does not mean that you need to be an expert to take care of your plumbing. The life of the system can be prolonged by such simple habits as keeping an eye on leaks, service of your water heater, and covering your drains also. These are prevention measures that will save you money on utility bills as well as save you the hassle of making unforeseen repairs.
