The water and sewer pipes in your home are in use every day and are an important part of the structure and functionality of your home. Aside from normal wear and tear, other problems can occur that you may not notice on your own, like leaks or clogged pipes. Professional plumbing technicians can provide annual maintenance of the pipes in your home to catch problems when they are small and prevent major damage from occurring. In addition, there are preventative maintenance steps you can take at home to ensure that your plumbing system and pipes stay in proper condition:
Reduce water pressure.
High water pressure can be a luxury, but it puts unwanted stress on your pipes which increases the likelihood of leaks and other plumbing issues. The pipes’ joints and valves must work harder to maintain a high level of water pressure, ultimately lowering the life of your plumbing system. Normal water pressure ranges between 40-85 PSI, so if your pressure is higher, consider talking to a plumber about installing a pressure reducer.
Watch what goes down the drain.
Many clogs occur due to the flushing of inappropriate items in toilets or sinks. They can also be caused by buildup of certain substances or materials. Only flush small amounts of toilet paper or wipes in the toilet, and place thicker items like paper towels and tissues in the trash. Snake your shower drain a few times a year to prevent any buildup of hair or haircare products. Never pour grease down the drain, and dispose of all food scraps into a trash can rather than the sink.
Do not let small clogs or leaks go without repair.
Even small drips or leaks from pipes can turn into major disasters at any moment. Do not underestimate the power of a minor problem with your pipes and never neglect a plumbing issue, as even the smallest leak can cause water damage and mold.
Avoid chemical products meant for drain clearing.
Although they seem to offer an easy way to fix a clogged drain, a lot of chemical-based products advertised for cleaning drains can do more harm than good. Some contain chemicals that will eat away at your pipes over time and can erode cast-iron drainpipes. Most times, they don’t even have the power to completely clear a clog. A better option is to snake the drain yourself, or have a plumber do it for you.
If you want to ensure proper preventative maintenance, call a professional. A plumbing contractor will make a visit to your home and check everything from your faucets, to your supply lines, to your sump pumps. They will extensively search for leaks, clogs, and corrosion throughout your plumbing system and make sure there are no problems or causes for concern.
The professionals at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating are standing by to assist you with all of your plumbing needs. Contact us today with further questions, or to set up a preventative maintenance visit!