How to Avoid Major Repair Through Preventive Plumbing
What goes down the drains might come back to haunt the plumbing as the drains will get backed up.
If the plumbing isn’t at its best, there’s a risk of clogged sinks, leaky faucets, and similar inconveniences. It also increases the potential of even bigger, costly repairs that come unexpectedly.
Here are a few preventative plumbing measures to save a wallet and a home’s water supply:
Check-ups
Like practically any other mechanical system, plumbing needs check-ups to catch problems as soon as possible. Schedule an inspection once a year with a professional plumber to look for leaks, corrosion, unusual growth, or other issues.
Keep an eye on water pressure
High water pressure might make for a great shower, but it is tough on pipes. Too much of it could lead to leaks. Get a pressure gauge from a hardware store and test the pressure. If it’s above 60 psi, install a pressure regulator to keep it in check.
Drains need care
What goes down the drains might come back to haunt the plumbing as the drains will get backed up. Grease, coffee grounds, and other sticky or hard food scraps will clog the pipes. Rather than risk it, consider catching debris with drain strainers.
Similarly, never treat the toilet like a trash can. Even too many flushables, other than toilet paper, can gradually clog up the pipes.
Watch for warning signs
Small leaks turn into big problems if they get a chance to grow. Look for damp cabinets, dripping refrigerators, toilets that run longer than they should, strange stains on walls, and similar. Act early, and there won’t be major repairs that cost a ton of money or cause a water catastrophe.
Insulate pipes
Frozen pipes can burst, and that’s a recipe for needing major repairs. Avoid the drama by insulating pipes in colder parts of the house, like basements and garages. Give the same treatment to external pipes, too. It’s an easy weekend project that will save the house from a burst pipe disaster.
Don’t ignore the water heater
The water heater needs attention, so flush it yearly to stop sediment build-up. Sediment can shorten the heater’s life and make it more wasteful. Check the temperature as well. It should lie between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to stop scalding and save energy.
Know DIY limits
DIY can be fine for small fixes, but it’s not for everything or everyone. When in any doubt about a repair or if the problem persists, a plumber deserves a call. Tackling a job out of your skill level might cost more than a professional plumber.
Take care of the plumbing
Preventative plumbing puts you ahead of leaks, burst pipes, and more. Have a keen eye for plumbing problems and know that prevention is always better than cure. Still, sometimes, getting help from a professional plumber is unavoidable.
If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.
