From fixing a leaky faucet to unclogging a drain, there are a number of simple plumbing repairs that every homeowner should know how to do.
Of course, we anyway have professionals to take care of more complex repairs, even the easy-peasy ones, if you wish so. But having a fair amount of plumbing knowledge can be helpful, especially in times of emergencies. It will also help you to communicate better with your plumber.
So, here, we will cover some of the basics of plumbing so that you can be better informed the next time something goes wrong in your home plumbing system.
What is Plumbing?
Plumbing is the system of pipes and fixtures that brings water into your home and removes waste from your home. Every construction must have proper plumbing systems installed. Primarily, a plumbing system has three components — Supply, drainage, and venting.
The main essential parts of a plumbing system are:
- Drains
- Sewers
- Water mains
- Fixtures (sinks, toilets, etc.)
- Pipes
Also, a few plumbing terms to know are shut-off valve, water pressure, drainpipe, auger, flapper, etc.
How Does Plumbing Work?
The basic principle behind plumbing is pretty simple—the supply system operates on water pressure, but the drainage system operates on gravity.
Wastewater leaves your home through drains in the floor or walls. This wastewater then flows through a sewer line to a septic tank or a city’s sewage system.
Maintaining a proper flowing system requires regular cleaning of grease, hair, and other debris that can build up and cause clogs.
With plumbing, even minor issues may turn into nightmares. For example, if you have a serious case of clogging, you may call for a blocked drain plumber in Point Cook. They will solve the situation with ease and efficiency.
16 Best Preventative Maintenance Tips
One of the best ways to avoid costly repairs is to practice preventative maintenance. Below are some of the best tips to take care of your plumbing:
- Check for leaks regularly and repair them promptly—even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water each year.
- Inspect exposed pipes regularly for signs of corrosion or leaks. If you see any, have them repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
- Avoid dumping cooking oil or grease down the drain. It will solidify and cause clogs. Instead, save it in a container and throw it away with your garbage.
- Don’t overload your garbage disposal with food waste. It can cause it to jam or break entirely. Rather, dispose of food waste in the trash whenever possible.
- Never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet—this includes hygiene products, paper towels, and wet wipes (even if they claim to be “flushable”). These items can cause major clogs that will require professional assistance to fix.
- Examine your water heater’s burner chamber. There should be no rust flakes within the chamber. Furthermore, ensure that the water heater’s flame is blue with no traces of yellow. If you notice a yellow hue, this might indicate that the jets need cleaning. You may even call for a specialist in hot water repair in Point Cook.
- Inspect your toilets regularly for leaks. A leaky toilet can waste gallons of water each day. If you see any water on the floor around your toilet, give your plumber a call so they can take care of it for you before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Get your plumbing system reviewed by an expert at least once every year. This will allow them to identify any potential problems before they become big and expensive.
- Never ignore strange noises coming from your plumbing. This could be a sign of serious damage that needs to be repaired right away! You better not wait until things start leaking before you call for help.
- Don’t overlook turning off the outdoor fixtures seasonally. If necessary, turn off the water flow to fixtures such as exterior hoses, taps, and sprinkler systems. Drain and insulate them before the temperature drops below freezing. You may need to blow out your sprinkler systems and adopt a sprinkler winterisation method depending on where you live.
- A pressure gauge may be used to check your water pressure levels. It will alert you if the water pressure is too high or too low. You can also install a pressure regulator as a precautionary measure. Pressure regulators keep your water level from rising over the recommended level. With these two tools, you can help keep your water expenses in check.
- If your home has a sewage system, it is important to know how your lines are laid out. And to minimise blockage, you should have your sewer pipes snaked (by using a snake tool) on a regular basis.
- Replace your hoses as and when needed if they are brittle or leaking.
- Water heaters can accumulate sediment and become less efficient over time. So, drain the water heater once or twice a year to eliminate sediment.
- Check for water leaks in any exposed pipes and appliances. A leak could be caused by your garbage disposal, fridge, or water heater. Look for apparent leak symptoms such as water stains on ceilings and walls, mildew, or puddles of water. So, as a preventive measure, you may install a drip tray beneath your washing machine and water heater to reduce the damage caused by the leaks.
- It can be an issue if the water drains slowly. So, before it spirals out of control, you can use a DIY combination of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water to dislodge any blockage. This preventative maintenance measure can be followed every few months in order to keep the drain flowing smoothly.
Also, it is best to keep the contact numbers of emergency plumbers in Point Cook with you so that you can get help no matter what time it is.
Conclusion:
Maintaining healthy plumbing is crucial for every homeowner, but it does not have to be difficult or expensive.
Following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can avoid many common plumbing problems. Of course, sometimes even the best preventive measures are not enough, and that is when you should call in the professional plumbers in Point Cook!
It is also an excellent idea to have routine plumbing maintenance by NLK plumbing. So, you may follow these tips to keep your plumbing system running smoothly all year long!
