We don’t realize how much we rely on our plumbing system until we start having such emergency plumbing breakdowns. These can be clogged drains or toilets, leaky pipes, water issues, or even home floods. Each of these issues can be solved with a different solution, but they all have one thing in common- they can be incredibly inconvenient.
While some of these issues can be easy enough for you to solve with DIY at home, others can be more complicated and cause potential dangers. There may be a need for you to look for a plumbing company like this plumbing company in League City, TX to help you fix these plumbing issues.
Understanding how each of these common problems occurs and how to avoid them is essential for preventing future plumbing breakdowns and saving a lot of time, money, and effort to solve recurring problems.
According to a reliable plumber, here are four ways to prevent potential plumbing issues.
1. Prevent Clogged Drains and Clogged Toilets
Clogged drains and toilets are some of the most common and annoying plumbing problems. You can spot them as you see water backing up as you try to empty a sink, take a shower, or flush the toilet. The experienced professionals at North Hills plumbers explain that this can happen when something solid blocks the drains partially or entirely, such as hair, a shampoo lid, or even small bath toys that have got stuck in the pipes. You can avoid clogging by watching what goes down your drains and only flushing dissolvable waste products down the toilet. You can also install a hair catcher over the drain so that you can pull out your hair every few weeks. When it comes to your kitchen sink, don’t forget to scrape food into the trash before doing dishes, even if you have a food waste disposal system installed.
2. Prevent Leaky Faucets and Pipes
Leaky faucets and pipes are less of an emergency than clogged drains or toilets, but they can be a nuisance and add up quickly when it comes to your water bill. A faucet that leaks one drip per second is equal to 180 showers every year and is also very annoying as you can constantly hear the drips even if you are not in the room. Dripping faucets and pipes happen when the taps or the pipes are torn, dislodged, or stiff.
This is often caused by natural wear and tear, which is difficult to avoid but relatively easy to delay by turning your faucets on and off slowly with no excessive pressure on the handles. Reducing your water pressure while taking a shower can also help extend your plumbing lifespan. Make sure to do regular inspections on your pipes to make sure you spot any problems in the early stages.
3. Prevent Water Heater Issues
There is nothing worse than taking a freezing cold shower on a chilly day just because your water heater has issues. You may be able to spot some of the telltale signs, such as dripping or strangely colored water, or hear noises from the heater when it has problems. There are many possible causes, including leaks, mineral deposits, or sediment buildups. In some cases, you may be able to solve the issue yourself, but it’s recommended to have a professional to help, as there can be potential dangers. To prevent water heater issues, you should get regular professional maintenance on your water heater and flush the tank regularly to remove sediment buildups. It’s also important to check for drips and leaks around the tank and examine the pressure valve regularly.
4. Prevent Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is one of the most common problems in old houses, but it doesn’t mean new homes can’t also have this issue. It can happen out of nowhere or occur slowly over a long period of time, depending on the causes. Low water pressure is annoying because it makes rinsing things difficult and gives an unpleasant shower experience. For new homes, low water pressure can result from a water mains break, so when you suddenly experience low water pressure, ask if your neighbors have the same issue.
Low water pressure can also be from a leaking pipe within your home; in this case, turn off all your taps and check if your water meter moves for a few hours. You may also experience lower water pressure over time, which may be caused by the build-up of minerals and sediment that slows the water flow. This can be prevented by installing a filtration system to keep minerals out of your pipes. You should also examine your pipes periodically to find and repair leaks early.
A lot of the time, we take the network of water and sewer pipes inside our homes for granted, and when pumping breakdowns happen, it feels like a nightmare. However, a lot of these issues can be prevented with some really simple measures. Giving your residential plumbing some regular attention can prolong its life, prevent leaks, avoid expensive repairs, and save you from the inconvenience.