In most homes, the plumbing system gets little attention until something goes wrong. Most water supply pipes are fixed behind walls or under sinks; thus, it is easy to take a properly functioning plumbing system for granted. It is crucial to pay regular attention and maintenance to keep the plumbing system continuously working well and avoid costly repairs. Here are tips to protect your plumbing system.
Prevent Clogging
Undrained water due to blockage puts pressure on your waste pipes and shortens their lifespan. Prevention is key when it comes to plumbing. Clogs can be avoided by watching what is drained down your drains. This means avoiding dumping food particles by scraping remains into the trash before doing dishes.
Never dump grease down the drain because it solidifies when it cools clogging the pipes. Also, keep hair out of your bathroom drains. Placing covers on the drains will help catch some debris, thus keeping the large particles out of your drains. In case of a persistent blockage, calling a plumber will alleviate the problem.
Depending on where you live, professionals like Naples Plumber Connection: Plumbers Naples Florida can help you unclog your drains fast or handle any other plumbing need for you.
Insulate Your Pipes
During cold weather, pipes are prone to freezing and cracking. It is important to insulate both cold and hot water pipes. On hot water supply pipes, insulation increases heat retention. On cold water supply pipes, it minimizes condensation, which can freeze the water, possibly causing ruptures of the pipes.
Before insulating your plumbing system, consider the material. Plastic pipes don’t need insulation, but copper pipes, on the other hand, get the utmost value from insulation.
Install a Water Softener
Hard water has a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and lime. As they build up, they form layers that can reduce water flow and even cause corrosion and damage to the pipes. Hard water can also damage some household appliances, including dishwashers and washing machines. It is advisable to handle this problem sooner rather than later.
You can install a water softener at your home’s main water supply line. It works by removing the hard minerals and replacing them with sodium ions, which soften the water hence minimizing the chances of damaging the plumbing system.
Install Leak Detectors
Leaks still happen despite putting the necessary preventative measures. Catching them early enough and fixing the problem prevents structural damage or mold growth caused by accumulated water. You can install a leak detector under sinks or washer to give you a heads-up in case of a leak.
With modern technology, leak detectors can sound an alarm or send notifications to your phone when water reaches places it should not. A new innovation, freeze detector, alerts you of freezing that could potentially burst a pipe.
Reduce the Pressure
High water pressure, especially when taking a shower or filling a pot may save you time, but it stresses the pipes increasing the likelihood of damage. It puts your plumbing system under pressure and reduces its life.
You can use a low flow showerhead to lower pressure on the shower. Also, consider hiring a plumber to install a pressure reducer on your plumbing system.
Bottom Line
Maintaining your home’s plumbing system is an essential part of home improvement. It reduces the risk of future plumbing problems and can even increase the useful life of some of your appliances. Applying these and other tips will protect your plumbing system and ensure it works smoothly and efficiently. If you are too busy for regular plumbing maintenance, consider calling a plumber and setting up a maintenance schedule.
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