Most people don't give much thought to the plumbing under their home, but it's the plumbing that is keeping their appliances and water supply flowing. However, plumbing problems can be inconvenient, time-consuming, and even dangerous. Fortunately, there are some simple measures you can take to prevent most plumbing problems before they start. Keeping up with maintenance on your plumbing will also help keep it in good shape so it doesn't develop problems that require costly repairs in the future. Luckily, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to help keep your drains flowing freely and your pipes avoiding costly repairs or replacements. Here are some great tips for keeping your plumbing in good working order – whether that is preventing frozen pipes or other issues that can creep up on you unexpectedly.
One of the easiest ways to prevent plumbing problems is to check your water meter regularly to make sure it's reading accurately. Each water meter has a unique number that it reads to determine how much water you are using. If the number is correct, it means you are using the correct amount of water. If the meter is not reading accurately, it is likely that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing. This can be challenging to track down, especially if you don't know where to begin looking for a problem. However, even a small leak can add up quickly if you don't catch it early enough. This is why it's important to keep an eye on your water meter regularly.
Before you turn on the water to test your water meter, you should check your pipes for any signs of leaks. You can do this using a bucket with a potholder or a plumber's helper to make a quick and easy inspection of the pipework. When you find a leak, you have two options: repair it or replace the entire section of pipe. This is an important step because you want to avoid expensive plumbing repairs in the future. If you find a leak, you also want to make sure you fix it as soon as possible. Leaking pipes can cause damage to your home and even create dangerous indoor conditions that can be hard to remedy.
This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to prevent plumbing problems is to keep your drains clean. This means keeping the drains in your home clean, including the drains in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. This can be done by using a small broom to sweep away debris from the drains in your home. You can also use a small shovel to remove larger debris such as tree roots or other materials that may have found their way into your drains. You can also use a small scoop to remove items that may have gotten stuck in the drains such as hair, paper, food, and other materials.
Another way to prevent plumbing problems is to change your water filter regularly. Many people don't think about how their water filter is impacting their water supply, but it's an important part of keeping your water safe and clean. Water filters trap harmful bacteria and other contaminants that can make their way into your water supply and cause potential health and safety issues. If you have a water filter in your house, make sure you change it regularly to ensure it is properly cleaning your water supply. Some water filters have a specific cleaning time that is recommended by the manufacturer. If you don't follow these directions, you could be putting your health at risk by drinking water that isn't properly filtered.
Once a year, you should have a professional come out and check your pipes for damage or issues that could lead to costly repairs in the future. You will need to schedule an appointment with a plumber so they can come to your home, inspect your pipes, and let you know what needs to be fixed. This can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. If you have an issue with your pipes, it can be costly to fix it on your own. A plumber will be able to repair your pipe or replace it with new sections if necessary.
These simple tips will help keep your plumbing in good working order. You can also help prevent plumbing problems by keeping your water supply clean. This means installing a water filter that will trap harmful bacteria and other contaminants that can make their way into your water supply. Finally, you can also help prevent pipes from freezing by keeping your water at a steady 55 degrees or above.