How to Take Care of a Plumbing System 

A plumbing system keeps fresh water flowing into and waste water flushing out of homes and businesses. A little care can help it last a long time and minimize problems. 

Plumbers often receive calls to open clogged drains. Many of these could be prevented with a little care and common sense. 

Check for Leaks 

Leaks are one of the most common plumbing issues that can cause major damage if not fixed quickly. It can also waste water, drive up bills and lead to a build-up of moisture and mildew within your property. 

Some leaks are easy to spot, such as a gushing pipe or puddles in your garden. But others are harder to detect, and can go unnoticed for a long time, which can result in extensive and expensive damage. 

To check if you have a hidden leak, first shut off all water use appliances (including your dishwasher and washing machine) and read your water meter. Wait 15 minutes and recheck the meter – if the dials have moved, then you probably have a leak somewhere in your system. If they haven’t, then the leak could be between your meter and the stop tap, which would be something that your water provider is responsible for. If this is the case, then a plumber will need to be called in. For help with plumbing services, you want to rely on professionals. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ have a lot of reputable plumbers that can help. 

Clean Your Drains 

A plumbing system is a network of water and waste pipes that deliver fresh, clean water and eliminate waste on demand. The best way to take care of your plumbing system is through preventative maintenance and natural drain solutions. 

The first step to a healthy plumbing system is keeping it clear of obstructions and organic buildup. Clogged drains can cause foul odors and slow down your water flow. They can also shorten the life of your waste pipes. 

You can avoid these problems by using mesh screens on your sink and bathroom drains, installing a hair catcher on the shower head, and cleaning drains regularly with baking soda and vinegar. Pouring a mixture of these two ingredients creates a chemical reaction that breaks down grease, soap scum, and debris. You can also use this solution to clean your faucets and showerheads. You should never flush cat waste or litter, “flushable” wipes, or oily rags down the drains. 

Install Drain Screens 

Keeping your home plumbing system working properly requires daily maintenance. Many plumbing problems can be avoided with a few simple steps that can be included in your routine. 

Clogs are common plumbing issues, especially in kitchen and bathroom drains. It’s

important to avoid putting things down your drains that shouldn’t be there, including grease, oils and coffee grounds. Installing a mesh drain cover for your sinks can help prevent clogs. Similarly, installing screens or hair traps in your shower and bathtub drains can keep out clumps of hair that can easily clog pipes. 

Leaking faucets and running toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year and lead to expensive repairs. Be sure to check your plumbing regularly for warning signs, such as puddles and damp spots on walls. You should also look at your water meter, as a rising reading can indicate a leak in your plumbing system. Turning off your water supply valve can kill the problem before it gets out of hand. 

Schedule Regular Inspections 

As with your car, your plumbing system requires regular inspections and maintenance to stay in good working condition. This helps prevent major problems, saves money, and preserves your property value. 

Scheduled inspections allow early problem detection, which means your plumber can fix issues before they become major and costly. This also extends the lifespan of your pipes and other components. 

Leaky pipes are one of the most common problems and can cause serious water damage if they are not repaired quickly. Regular inspections can catch these problems before they worsen, and save you from paying expensive water bills. 

Another way to reduce the risk of water damage is to check your water meter regularly and keep track of how much water you use. This will help you identify any sudden spikes in your water usage, which may indicate that a pipe has broken or is clogged. You can also cut down on water usage by reducing outdoor water usage, by removing weeds that compete with your plants for water, and by using fertilizers sparingly.