Tips for maintaining your home’s plumbing system

As a homeowner, it’s important to take care of your home’s plumbing systems to prevent issues and ensure everything is running smoothly. Whether you are a first time homeowner or you have years under your belt,  this blog can be a great guide for how to best maintain your plumbing through the years. If you think your home’s plumbing system isn’t functioning properly, contact Hansen Family Plumbing & Air today for an inspection or repair estimate!

Check for Leaks

Checking for leaks is an essential part of maintaining your home’s plumbing systems. Even small leaks can lead to big problems if left unaddressed, including water damage, mold growth, and increased utility bills. Here are some tips for checking for leaks:

1. Check your faucets: Turn off all the water in your home and check your faucets for any drips or leaks. If you notice a leak, replace the washer or contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
2. Check your toilet: Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank and wait a few minutes. If the water in your toilet bowl changes color, you have a leak that needs to be addressed.
3. Check your pipes: Check your pipes for any signs of corrosion, damage, or moisture. If you notice any issues, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
4. Check your water meter: Turn off all the water in your home and check your water meter. If the meter is still moving, you likely have a leak somewhere in your home that needs to be addressed.

By regularly checking for leaks, you can identify and address any issues before they become major problems. It’s important to contact a licensed plumber for assistance with any plumbing repairs or issues.

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Pouring grease or oil down your drains is a common mistake that many homeowners make. When grease or oil goes down your drain, it can coat the inside of your pipes and solidify as it cools. Over time, this can lead to clogs that can cause backups and other plumbing issues. Here are some tips for avoiding grease buildup in your pipes:

1. Use a grease trap: A grease trap can capture grease and oil before it goes down your drain, preventing buildup in your pipes.
2. Dispose of grease properly: Let grease cool and solidify before disposing of it in the trash. You can also collect grease in a container and take it to a recycling center.
3. Wipe pots and pans before washing: Use a paper towel to wipe excess grease or oil from pots and pans before washing them.
4. Use hot water and soap: When washing dishes, use hot water and soap to break down grease and prevent it from building up in your pipes.

By avoiding pouring grease or oil down your drains, you can prevent clogs and keep your plumbing systems running smoothly. If you do experience a clog, it’s important to contact a licensed plumber for assistance in clearing it.

Use Drain Covers

Using drain covers is an effective way to prevent hair, soap, and other debris from going down your drains and causing clogs. Clogs can be a major inconvenience and can lead to costly plumbing repairs, so it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid them. Here are some tips for using drain covers effectively:

• Use the right size: Make sure you’re using a drain cover that fits your sink or shower drain properly. A cover that is too small or too large won’t be effective in preventing debris from going down the drain.
• Clean the cover regularly: Even with a drain cover, debris can still accumulate over time. Clean the cover regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Use a plunger or plumbing snake: If you do experience a clog, use a plunger or plumbing snake to clear it. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can be harmful to your pipes and the environment.
• Consider installing a water softener: Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your pipes, leading to clogs. Installing a water softener can help prevent this issue.

By using drain covers and taking preventative measures, you can avoid clogs and keep your plumbing systems running smoothly. If you do experience a clog, it’s important to contact a licensed plumber for assistance in clearing it.

Flush your water heater

Flushing your water heater is an important maintenance task that can help extend the life of your unit and ensure that it’s functioning properly. Over time, sediment and minerals can accumulate in your water heater, which can cause damage and reduce its efficiency. As a professional plumber, we recommend flushing your water heater once a year to remove sediment and minerals that can accumulate and cause damage to your unit. Here’s how we would approach the task:

Don’t use Chemical Drain Cleaners

While chemical drain cleaners can be a quick fix for clogged drains, they can actually do more harm than good for your home plumbing system. Here’s why:

Corrosion:

Chemical drain cleaners are highly corrosive and can damage your pipes over time. This can lead to leaks, burst pipes, and other plumbing issues.

Environmental damage:

Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to the environment, particularly if they’re not disposed of properly. When these chemicals are poured down the drain, they can end up in the water supply and harm aquatic life.

Health risks:

Chemical drain cleaners can also be harmful to your health if they’re not used properly. If ingested or inhaled, these chemicals can cause burns, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Ineffectiveness:

In some cases, chemical drain cleaners may not even be effective in clearing a clog. If the clog is caused by a solid object, such as a toy or piece of jewelry, chemical drain cleaners won’t be able to dissolve it.

Instead of relying on chemical drain cleaners, it’s better to address clogs in a more sustainable and effective manner. This can include using a plunger, plumbing snake, or natural drain cleaners like baking soda and vinegar. It’s also important to regularly maintain your plumbing system by checking for leaks, using drain covers, and flushing your water heater to prevent clogs and other issues from developing in the first place. If you’re experiencing persistent clogs or other plumbing issues, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

Test your Water Pressure

Testing your water pressure is an important maintenance task that can help prevent damage to your plumbing systems. High water pressure can put stress on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances, leading to leaks, burst pipes, and other issues. Here’s how to test your water pressure:

• Purchase a water pressure gauge: You can purchase a water pressure gauge from your local hardware store or online. Make sure you choose a gauge that’s compatible with your water system.
• Locate an outdoor spigot: Find an outdoor spigot that’s close to your water meter and doesn’t have a pressure regulator already installed.
• Attach the gauge: Screw the water pressure gauge onto the outdoor spigot and turn on the water.
• Read the gauge: Read the gauge and note the water pressure. The ideal range for water pressure is between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch).

If your water pressure is too high, it’s important to install a pressure-reducing valve to prevent damage to your plumbing systems. A pressure-reducing valve is a device that can be installed on your main water line to reduce water pressure. This can help extend the life of your pipes, fixtures, and appliances and prevent leaks and other issues.

By testing your water pressure regularly and installing a pressure-reducing valve if necessary, you can prevent damage to your plumbing systems and ensure that they’re functioning properly. If you’re not comfortable testing your water pressure or installing a pressure-reducing valve, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

Know Where your Main Shut-off Valve is

Knowing where your shut off valve is located is important for a few reasons:

Emergency situations: In the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or major leak, shutting off your water supply quickly can prevent extensive damage to your home. Knowing where your shut off valve is located and how to use it can save you time and money in emergency situations.

Maintenance tasks: Shutting off your water supply is also necessary for some maintenance tasks, such as repairing a leaky faucet or replacing a fixture. Knowing where your shut off valve is located and how to use it can make these tasks easier and more efficient.

Renovations or upgrades: If you’re planning on renovating your home or upgrading your plumbing systems, shutting off your water supply may be necessary. Knowing where your shut off valve is located and how to use it can help you plan these projects more effectively.

Overall, knowing where your shut off valve is located and how to use it is an important aspect of home ownership. It’s a good idea to locate your shut off valve and test it periodically to ensure that it’s functioning properly. If you’re unsure of where your shut off valve is located or how to use it, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

Get Regular Plumbing Inspections

Regular plumbing inspections are an important aspect of home maintenance that can help prevent costly repairs and ensure that your plumbing systems are functioning properly. Here are a few reasons why regular plumbing inspections are important:

1. Detecting leaks: Even small leaks can cause extensive damage over time if left untreated. Regular plumbing inspections can help detect leaks early before they cause major damage to your home. A licensed plumber can inspect your pipes, fixtures, and appliances to ensure that they’re in good condition and not leaking.
2. Preventing clogs: Clogs can cause water to back up in your sinks, showers, and toilets, leading to unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions. Regular plumbing inspections can help prevent clogs by identifying and removing potential clog-causing materials, such as hair and soap scum, before they cause a problem.
3. Ensuring water quality: The quality of your water can impact your health and the lifespan of your plumbing systems. Regular plumbing inspections can help ensure that your water is safe to drink and that your plumbing systems are not corroding or deteriorating due to poor water quality.
4. Saving money: Regular plumbing inspections can actually save you money in the long run by preventing major repairs and extending the lifespan of your plumbing systems. By identifying and addressing issues early, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements down the line.

Overall, regular plumbing inspections are an important part of home maintenance that can help prevent costly repairs and ensure that your plumbing systems are functioning properly. If you’re due for a plumbing inspection or are experiencing plumbing issues, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

Maintaining your Plumbing System is Crucial as a Homeowner