The plumbing system might not be the most glamorous part of any home, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most important. The inconveniences brought about by a faulty plumbing system are so dire that homeowners try their best to avoid them at all costs. However, achieving this isn’t something that comes naturally. Even with a new plumbing system, issues, major or minor, are bound to arise now and then.
Prudent and responsible homeowners will share the same sentiment that good home plumbing maintenance is a concerted effort involving both homeowners themselves and professional plumbers. However, the latter only visit your homes occasionally. Hence, most of the responsibility for good maintenance rests in the hands of the homeowners.
This might seem like a lot of work, but it’s a crucial part of homeownership. You need not be an expert in home plumbing, as even basic maintenance can go a long way in keeping your entire plumbing system in good condition. Read here to learn the basics.
1. Upgrade To A Low-Flow Toilet
When was the last time you changed your toilet? If you’re living in a home that is at least 10 years old, this should be your signal to buy a new one. The older the toilet, the more problematic it becomes, leading to more rigid maintenance requirements. Even if the bathroom is well-maintained, you’re still likely to face toilet-related plumbing problems now and then.
If it’s within your budget for this year, consider upgrading to better, more efficient, low-flow toilets. For comparison, toilets purchased in the 1990s used three to seven gallons of water for every flush. Newer models consume less, around 1 – 1.5 gallons per flush.
With more efficient toilets, not only will water consumption in the household be reduced, but it also means your water pumps won’t have to work as hard for each flush. Multiply that number each time one person uses a toilet in a day, then multiply again by the number of family members in the household. When you see a reduction in the numbers, you’ll realize what a significant difference it makes in minimizing your home’s water use.
2. Learn To Look For Water Leaks
A water leak is one of the earliest signs of a plumbing problem. Fortunately, water leaks are relatively easy to spot. If you’re vigilant, you can identify them as early signs of a plumbing issue and take action before the situation becomes dire.
To detect leaks, observe for dampness on walls, puddles, or dripping water. Keep an eye on your water meter and see if it continues to register an increase in usage, even when you haven’t used more water.
If you’re certain that your home has a leaking problem, hire professional plumbers immediately to address the issue. This is a routine part of plumbing maintenance but one that’s better left in the hands of experts rather than attempting to fix it on your own.
3. Avoid Using The Toilet As A Bin
One important aspect of home plumbing maintenance is to avoid using the toilet as a trash bin. It may be tempting to flush various items down the drain, but doing so can lead to significant plumbing problems. Ideally, only human waste should be flushed down the toilet. Other items such as sanitary products, hair, paper, cotton, and cotton swabs should never be disposed of in this manner.
When these non-flushable items are flushed, they can accumulate in the plumbing system and cause blockages. This can result in clogs, backups, and even damage to the pipes. Not only can these issues be unpleasant and inconvenient, but they can also be costly to repair.
It’s far better to establish a habit of using waste bins in every bathroom for the proper disposal of non-flushable items. By doing so, you can prevent potential plumbing disasters and maintain the smooth operation of your plumbing system.
4. Limit Your Use Of DIY Plumbing Cleaners
They’re readily available in supermarkets and hardware stores. Walk to the cleaning section, and you’ll undoubtedly come across many do-it-yourself (DIY) plumbing cleaners. Due to their ease of use and affordability, the temptation to rely heavily on these products can be strong. However, the truth is they may provide a temporary solution, but they often do more harm than good.
Because they’re manufactured with powerful chemicals, DIY plumbing cleaners can wear down the walls of your pipes. To prevent damage, use plumbing cleaners sparingly.
Final Thoughts
The suggestions above help avoid leaks not just in your home’s plumbing system but also in your wallet. Plumbing-related issues can be significant and costly, so it’s always best to take a proactive approach. With good maintenance, you can successfully prevent several plumbing problems, making it a worthwhile effort as a homeowner. Fortunately, maintaining your plumbing system isn’t as difficult as you might think, especially when you take the time to master the basics, starting with the suggestions above.