Best Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Your plumbing system is an essential aspect of your home or commercial building. It's responsible for bringing in clean water and removing wastewater, making it a crucial component in your daily life.

However, as with any other system, it requires regular maintenance to ensure efficiency and longevity. This article will outline some of the best plumbing maintenance tips to help you keep your plumbing system in excellent condition all year round.

Why Plumbing Maintenance is Important

Plumbing maintenance, including gas fitting and hot water system upkeep, is an essential part of home maintenance that is often overlooked until a significant issue arises. Here are some top benefits of conducting plumbing maintenance.

Saves money

Regular plumbing maintenance can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Minor issues such as leaks, clogs, and drips can quickly turn into significant problems if left untreated. Fixing these issues early on can prevent them from turning into costly repairs.

Prevents water damage

Water damage is a severe issue that can result from plumbing problems. Burst pipes and clogged drains can all cause water damage that can be costly to repair. Regular maintenance can help detect and fix these issues before they cause water damage to your home.

Ensures quality water supply  

The water entering your home through your plumbing system should be clean and safe. However, over time, pipes can become corroded or clogged, leading to issues with water quality. Regular maintenance can help ensure that your water is safe to use and free of contaminants.

Promotes health and safety

Plumbing problems can also pose health and safety hazards. For example, a leaky pipe can create a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues and ensure your home is safe and free of potential health hazards.

Improves energy efficiency

A poorly maintained plumbing system can also affect your home's energy efficiency. Leaks, clogs, and other issues can cause your water heater to work harder than it needs to, leading to increased energy bills. Regular maintenance can help improve your system's energy efficiency and save you money on utility bills.

Top Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Below are some of the best plumbing maintenance tips to ensure the system is in perfect condition and functional.

Create a plumbing maintenance schedule

The first thing to ensure your plumbing system is always in perfect condition is to create a maintenance schedule. This allows you to inspect and repair any issue before it escalates into a costly problem.

Take time to walk around your property; this will allow you to detect all issues that require fixing. You could work with your plumber to create a schedule on when to undertake the inspection and fix everything.

Address water leaks immediately 

Water leaks could lead to significant damage to your plumbing system and could also cause water damage to your property. Therefore, it's crucial to address leaks immediately when you notice them. Check for leaks regularly and fix them as soon as possible.

Some common signs of leaks include low water pressure, damp walls or floors, and increased water bills. Each appliance has a maintenance guideline on checking your appliance to ensure it is in good condition. Inspecting the appliances allows you to spot any issues and plan for the required repairs with your emergency plumber.

Clean your drains

Over time, your drains could become clogged due to the accumulation of hair, grease, soap, and other debris. This could lead to slow drains, foul odours, and even backups. To maintain your drains, your first option is to pour boiling water down the drain at least once a week.

Additionally, use drain strainers to prevent hair and other debris from entering the drain. You could also use natural drain cleaners like baking soda and vinegar to deodorise and clean your drains. Alternatively, you can also use an enzyme cleaner containing natural enzymes that clear your drains.

You could do this monthly or any time you find your drain flowing slowly. However, if you use the method and see that the drain is still not flowing effectively, you should seek help from your plumber.‍

Note: Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they could cause more harm than good to your plumbing system. They can easily corrode your pipes and cause leaks, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, these chemicals are harmful to the environment and can be dangerous if ingested. 

Be cautious of what you flush down your drains 

It is imperative to only flush toilet paper and human waste down your toilet. Flushing non-biodegradable items such as wipes, feminine products, or cooking oil could cause clogs and damage your plumbing system.

Inspect your sewer drains regularly

Depending on the location, your commercial or residential property is connected to a sewer line or septic tank. No matter the system you use on your property, a professional plumber should inspect your drains regularly.

With a constant flow of water, your drain can clog with debris leading to their blockage. To prevent this problem, you should maintain your sewer once a year. During the plumbing maintenance, your plumber clears out all the blockages before they escalate to major ones.

Check your property's water pressure

Water pressure that's too high could cause damage to your plumbing system, leading to leaks and pipe bursts. To avoid this, it's essential to check your water pressure regularly. You could purchase a water pressure gauge at your local hardware store to check the water pressure.

The recommended pressure is between 40 to 80 psi. If it's too high, you can adjust the pressure regulator to reduce it, which will, in turn, keep your water bills at a reasonable cost.

Inspect your shut-off valves

All your property plumbing systems feature shut-off valves for shutting off the water supply. The shut-off valves are vital when you experience a significant leak or any other plumbing emergency. They help you turn off the water supply before flooding your entire property.

Individual fixtures such as sinks and toilets feature valves enabling you to cut off the water supply to the individual fixtures. You can do this if one of the fixtures has a leak or wants to maintain it.

As part of your annual plumbing maintenance, check all the shut-off valves in your property; you know their location. This helps you deal with any emergency that may occur more effectively. Test all the valves to make sure they are functional. If the valves don't turn or leak when you turn them, you should replace or repair them immediately.

Insulate all your plumbing components

Insulate all exposed parts of your plumbing system to protect and improve their performance. Insulating the exposed pipes, especially those near the exterior walls or cold areas, ensure that water doesn't freeze. Insulation also prevents water loss, leading to reduced water bills. You can insulate using pipe sleeves or foam pipe wrap.

Install water-saving devices 

Water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can help reduce your water consumption and save you money on your water bill. These devices are easy to install and can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Keep your plumbing system clean 

Keeping your plumbing clean is crucial to ensure its efficiency and longevity. It's recommended to clean your faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures regularly. Use vinegar and water to clean your fixtures, as it's a natural and effective cleaning solution. Additionally, clean your toilet bowl with a toilet bowl cleaner at least once a week.

Hire a Plumber to Maintain your Plumbing System

While DIY plumbing maintenance could save you money, some plumbing issues require the expertise of a professional plumber. Hiring a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system at least once a year is recommended. Additionally, if you're experiencing any plumbing problems that you need help fixing, it's best to leave it to the experts.