9 Basic Plumbing Maintenance Tips & Signs Of Damage

Your plumbing system is one of the most important aspects of your home. Not only does it allow you to take showers and baths, but it also allows you to cook, clean, and do all the other things you need to do on a daily basis. It’s important to keep your plumbing system in good condition by performing regular maintenance tasks. In this blog post, we will discuss some basic plumbing maintenance tips that will help keep your system working properly and signs of damage, what to look for and how to impliment a temporary fix until you can get a local plumber out to your property.

1. Inspect your plumbing system regularly for leaks and corrosion.

If you notice any leaks or corrosion, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Leaks can lead to water damage and mould growth, while corrosion can weaken the pipes and lead to leaks.

Regularly inspecting your plumbing system will help you catch these problems early on, before they cause serious damage.

It’s also important to inspect your pipes for any signs of clogs. Clogged pipes can cause a number of problems, including backups, overflows, and sewage spills. If you notice any clogs in your pipes, be sure to have them cleaned out as soon as possible.

2. Flush your drains with boiling water once a month to clear out any clogs or build-up.

Boiling water is a great way to clear out any clogs or build-up in your drains. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it down the drain. Doing this once a month will help keep your drains clear and free flowing.

If you have hard water, you may also want to add a half cup of vinegar to the boiling water. This will help remove any mineral deposits that may be causing clogs or build-up.

5. Install water filters on all faucets in your home to reduce sediment build-up.

Sediment build-up can cause clogs and other problems in your plumbing system. To help reduce sediment build-up, it’s a good idea to install water filters on all of the faucets in your home.

Water filters function as a physical barrier, preventing or trapping debris (for example sand) and occasionally germs from passing through. The speed of the water flow will generally be determined by the size of the holes in the filter barrier or membrane. A slow-moving water flow may be anticipated with a fine filter with tiny gaps.

These filters will remove sediment and other impurities from the water before it enters your plumbing system.

6. Check your water pressure on a regular basis – it should be around 50-60 psi.

If your water pressure is too high or too low, it can cause a number of problems in your plumbing system. That’s why it’s important to check your water pressure on a regular basis and make sure it’s within the normal range (50-60 psi).

7. Replace worn gaskets and washers as needed.

Gaskets and washers are used to seal connections in your plumbing system. Over time, these can become worn or damaged, causing leaks. If you notice any leaks, it’s important to replace the gaskets and washers as soon as possible.

We always recommend contacting your local plumber if you are not confident in performing this sort of maintenance yourself. Mistakes can lead to more damage.

8. Keep a bottle of vinegar handy to dissolve clogs in the sink or tub.

If you notice a clog in your sink or tub, you can use vinegar to help dissolve it. Simply pour a bottle of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for an hour or two. After a few hours, flush the drain with hot water to remove the clog.

9. Repair any leaks in your plumbing system as soon as possible.

Leaks in pipes can cause a lot of damage to your house, causing water damage and mould growth if left unchecked. There are numerous short-term solutions for leaking pipes, such as epoxy putty or pipe clamps, while you wait for a plumber. If you want to repair the pipe yourself so that it is up to code, you may use a slip coupling to make the job simple. If you’re going to do anything with water supply turned off, be sure to turn it off first!

Locate the faulty pipe. Because of the high pressure, it’s usually easy to detect if a pipe is leaking, even if it’s hidden inside a wall or above a ceiling. Water may be heard spraying within the walls or ceilings. The drywall gets damp, especially at junction points between panels. Check for water behind walls, under floors, and inside or along the framework of a house. In some circumstances, such as in a crawlspace or basement, it is impossible to locate leaks without also examining the pipes. Under no circumstances should you use harsh detergents on rock hard stains; only clean mild soaps should be used. If there are no stains or drips overhead as proof that there’s a leak somewhere within your home, check your basement or crawlspace with a flashlight.

To remedy the leak yourself try these tips:

Apply a pipe repair clamp as directed in the package—typically, this entails centering a rubber sleeve over the leak and then fastening the two-part clamp to it.

You may make a pipe repair clamp out of a strip of rubber (from an inner tube, for example) and then clamped to the wrap using an adjustable hose clamp, a pipe-sleeve clamp, or a C-clamp if you don’t have access to one.

If the leak is near a joint, apply epoxy putty. Note that this is a temporary repair. The damages pipe section may need to be completely replaced. Call a plumber if you are unable to replace the damaged section of pipe yourself.

Conclusion

By following these simple plumbing maintenance tips, you can help keep your system in good working condition and avoid major problems down the road. If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing system, be sure to contact a local plumber for assistance.

Do you have any other plumbing maintenance tips that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below! And remember, if you’re ever in need of emergency plumbing services, our team at Steve Bennett Plumbing is always here to help! Just give us a call on our 24/7 Emergency Number 0413 158 600 and we’ll be there as soon as possible. Thanks again for reading!