Tips to Avoiding Plumbing Problems

Clogged drains, bursting pipes, and leaks are among the many plumbing problems that most property owners face. However, learning how to avoid these plumbing issues is easy with the right tools.


New and old homes alike need great care and attention to plumbing issues. Therefore, you ought to always watch for plumbing issues. With the tips discussed in this article, you will be able to avoid plumbing issues that can literally drain you.

Check Your Water Pressure

Always monitor how the condition of the faucets, inside and outside of the house. Pressure fluctuations could mean a broken or a leak pipe within the system. Sometimes, the problem could be the water lines that connect to your house. If you cannot find anything, contact plumbing services immediately.


Avoid Pouring Grease into the Sink

According to experienced plumbers, kitchen sinks are where a lot of clogs are found. People like to pour fatty materials down the drain without knowing that the fat run-off sticks around, hardens and then narrows the pipes. Make sure you throw your grease in the garbage. If there is a lot of grease in the sink, drain cleaning is a must, and should be done immediately.

Use Cheap Drain Screens

Drain screens made of metal or plastics are cheap. You can use them in the shower, kitchen sink or bathtub to prevent particles from hair, food, and other materials that could possibly damage the drain. You can also put the plastic drain screens over the bathroom sink drains.

The screens are designed to hold soap slivers, hair and other kinds of clogging materials. Once the screen is filled with particles, toss them into the trash.
 

Leaky toilet

Most plumbing problems are also common in the toilet. Even though the toilet itself does not wear out, the interior parts can easily get damaged. Leaks are among the top concerns for most people. A single leaky toilet can lose up to 78000 gallons of water per year, which is sufficient enough to fill an entire swimming pool.

If your toilet has signs of leakage, you can pour some food coloring to confirm if it is actually leaking. If you see the color in the bowl, then there is a leak, and you must replace the flush valve.

Check the Main Water Valve

Make sure that you turn the main water valve off if you suspect any leakage. Doing so will help control the leak and make repairs much easier. You will also be saving tons of water.
 

Avoid Hanging Things on Exposed Pipes

This is a common issue found in most basements. Many homeowners like to press or hang wet clothes on exposed pipes. The pipes are so weak that cannot support the weight. Such strain could make the pipes burst- they are simply not clothing racks.

Install a Washing Machine Hose Screen

To ensure that your washing machine functions efficiently and last longer, install cheap hose screens on the cold and hot water hoses to prevent sediments from clogging the valves and pumps of the washing machine.

Checking the screens at least twice a year is highly recommended. Replace them if they have a lot of debris or sediments.