Your plumbing system works hard every day, and with the right care, it can last for many years. As with any other element of your home, it must be given some care regularly so that it does not incur costly repairs and infrastructure maintenance costs. Some of the uncomplicated things that can help a lot include monitoring and eliminating leaks and insulating pipes. This blog will describe six simple tips on how to extend the life of your plumbing system, save money, recover damages, and prevent unnecessary water damage to your home.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Make sure there are no leaks, clean drains, flush your water heater, and keep water pressure balanced. Get your pipes checked annually to detect issues before it is too late. A smart water leak sensor can alert you when a small leak exists, which could also destroy the foundation of your house. It can save your plumbing system as well until you fix something to avoid expensive damage to your place, and keep your home safe.
Protect Your Pipes from the Elements
Pipes that are accessible should be either wrapped or covered in insulation. Severe weather and sunlight may eventually damage your plumbing pipes. Where the uninsulated pipes are exposed, ensure that an insulating sleeve or foam wraps them.
Watch What You Put Down the Drain
A typical cause of drain blockage is fats, oils, grease, hair, and feminine hygiene products. Do not let these things go down the drain; dispose of them properly.
Clean Out Clogs and Slow Drains
Causes of corrosion and blocked pipes include slow drains and sewage clogs. Regular snaking or plunging should help remove any blockage in your pipes. The eco-friendly drain cleaners can dissolve grease, oil, soap scum, and other organic waste, and this clutter in the pipes can be removed.
Serious clogs and backups are the work of a specialist, as one might need to hydro jet the line or even replace a pipe section. Nevertheless, under no circumstances should one contemplate ignoring slow drains and learn to live with them. When pipes get blocked, they may burst.
Understand Your Pipe Materials
Understanding what kind of material is being used in your pipes can help you maintain them. PVC can be susceptible to rodent damage or sun damage, and galvanized steel can easily rust.
In case your pipes are pokey or wear and tear is evident, upgrade them or reline them. Old galvanized pipes may be replaced with copper or PVC.
Replace Corroded Pipes & Fixtures
When you have discolored water or the presence of orange-brown spots in the sink or the tub, then the pipe or fixtures are corroding. Pipe and plumbing-fitting corrosion may severely damage your plumbing system. It begins when a chemical reaction peels the metal surfaces’ protective layer made of oxide. High amounts of oxygen, chlorine, phosphate, or any other highly reactive compounds in water can help with oxidation.
An experienced plumber will tell you which plumbing pipes and fittings should be promptly replaced.
