3 Tips for Keeping Your Plumbing in Good Condition
Keeping your plumbing in good condition is important for a wide variety of reasons. For one, you can save yourself a considerable amount of money that you would have spent otherwise on calling plumbers. Not to mention, you can conserve water and energy, and significantly save on bills. Lastly, plumbing issues can be downright inconvenient, and the less of them you have in your life, the better.
Here are some of the best tips for keeping your plumbing in good condition.
Inspect Regularly
The first step is making sure that you regularly keep an eye on what's going on with your plumbing. Identifying potential problems before they become an actual problem is key. Look for small leaks, or water stains. If you see leaky faucets or water that you notice is pooling around your fixtures, take action immediately. Inspect your pipes for signs of rusting or damage, and always react to strange sounds. Any banging or rattling of pipes means there's probably an underlying issue. By staying aware and addressing these minor problems as they arise, you can prevent more serious issues from happening down the road.
Avoid Clogs
It's important that you avoid clogs in your plumbing. These can lead to serious backups, and foul odors over time. Not to mention, you find yourself with an overflowing toilet which is never fun.
The best way to prevent clogs is to be extremely mindful of what you put down your drains. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down your toilet, and never dispose of grease or coffee in the kitchen sink.
Use drain strainers to catch hair and food debris. Also, drain out your pipes with a hot water and vinegar mix every now and then. This will help breakdown buildup and keep your drains clear. Once in a while, you might want to add a chemical drain cleaner, or even schedule a drain cleaning service with a professional for a more thorough clean.
Protect Your Pipes Against Freezing
Freezing temperatures are your plumbing system’s worst enemy. They can result in burst pipes and considerable water damage to your home. Make sure that you insulate any exposed pipes in areas that are not heated, such as basements or attics. Also disconnect and drain your outdoor hose before winter comes to avoid damaging the outdoor pipes. In winter, during periods of extreme cold, let your faucets drip slowly to relieve any pressure and keep the water flowing. This will help prevent freezing, and safeguard your plumbing system against the dangers of freezing temperatures.
By following these tips and acting quickly before letting issues get worse, you should maintain your plumbing system, and avoid expensive repairs and unnecessary headaches.
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