A fully functional plumbing system is crucial for every homeowner’s comfort and hygiene needs. The kitchen and bathroom are the highest-traffic areas in every home, so it’s important to make sure that all plumbing elements are in tip-top shape. Remember that even simple plumbing issues can cause a standstill in many important household activities.
The Importance of Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of your plumbing can prevent damage that leads to costly repairs. This will also ensure that your toilets, sinks, drains, and pipes last for many years. As with many household systems, prevention is key. You need to take care of your plumbing system so serious problems don’t arise.
Plumbing maintenance is simple enough, and every homeowner should be doing it regularly. Here are three crucial things you should be doing:
Keep an Eye on Water Pressure
Sudden drops in water pressure are very easy to notice, and they can happen for several reasons. It may be because of a high demand from other faucets in your house. If your plumbing system includes a pressure regulating valve, it may be malfunctioning due to blockage from debris. A decrease in water pressure can also be because of clogged pipes and faucet heads.
If you catch one of your faucets with low water pressure, check for any issues in the head or pipes. Check all other faucets in your house to see if it’s a problem with your overall system or if it’s isolated to just one faucet. Something as simple as decreased water pressure can be a symptom of a larger plumbing problem. If you can’t track down the cause, call in a professional plumber for an inspection.
Always Check for Leaks
All the members of your household should check your plumbing fixtures for leaks before and after using them. One leaking sink or toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water, which is a drain on natural resources and on your finances.
Look for water stains and other signs of excess moisture. If you start to smell mold or mildew, there may be a leak in your walls. Keep an eye out for leaks around your washing machine, refrigerator, and dishwashers, too.
It’s possible to fix minor leaks on your own. But if you can’t track down where the leak is coming from, or you suspect cracks in the piping, it’s best to leave the work to professionals.
Locate All Shut-off Valves
In the event of any plumbing emergency such as a major leak, the first thing you should do is turn off your water supply. You can do this through your main shut-off valve, usually located outside your house. This controls all the water coming into your home, so turning it off will keep flooding at bay. Your main plumbing fixtures have their own shut-off valves, too. If one of them starts leaking, you should cut them off your system to keep from wasting water.
All members of your household should know where the important shut-off valves are located. Test them every once in a while to see if they still turn easily or if they’re working at all. These valves should be in perfect condition so your home wouldn’t go through too much damage in case of a major plumbing emergency.
Conclusion
Simple care and maintenance steps such as checking for leaks and keeping an eye on water pressure will help you spot plumbing issues before they get worse. Being knowledgeable about your plumbing system will help you deal with minor problems and keep you from panicking in case of an emergency.
If you’re looking for a licensed, insured, and bonded plumbing company in Columbiana, AL, Professor Plumb is the best choice for you. We have been offering eco-friendly, affordable, 24/7 plumbing services in the area for over 20 years. Schedule an appointment with us today!