Table of Contents
Pipes can be considered as the blood vessels of the home. They carry liquids to various parts of the house and help keep the home running. And just like our own blood vessels, we need to keep our pipes clean and free from any obstructions so that they can function easily. Even the most minor things, like pieces of food scraps, washed down the drain can help clog up the pipes in your house. The plumbers over at Baulkham Hill have given us the tips that they teach to their clients so that you can keep your pipes free of any blockage and hopefully save you a call to your local plumber.
1. Stop Dumping
We know that this might sound repetitive but some people need to be reminded of this so, stop dumping food scraps and any other things down the drain. They can easily accumulate somewhere within the pipes and can cause a massive clogging issue especially if this practice has been going on for a long time now. The worst offender for this is grease. Many homeowners nonchalantly just dump the grease they used after cooking down the drain not knowing how this practice can be very dangerous for their pipes. The oily grease will stick to the interior of the pipes and can trap smaller debris thus making a bigger blockage. The grease can also harden making it that much more of a pain to unclog.
This tip can also be applied to your toilet. Stop flushing napkins, sanitary pads, and even toilet paper. Even those that say “Flushable” in their packaging. They can lead to some nasty blockages in your pipes which you would need professional services to get unclogged.
2. Plungers are Your New Best Friends
If you’re dealing with clogged pipes due to something that you might have dumped down the drain, the best way to help remove the clog without damaging your pipes is with the help of the good old plunger. With a little bit of elbow grease, you’d be able to get those annoying clogs out of your pipes in no time and before any damage can happen to them.
3. Shut it Off
Every homeowner should know where their water shut-off valve is placed. Usually, this is installed and located in the basement. Knowing when you should shut the water off, especially when you have some severe clogs happening that greatly obstruct the flow of water, can save you from having your pipes getting severely damaged and can keep them from exploding on themselves. A proper homeowner should know the location of all the valves that are connected to their appliance, not just the central valve.
4. Don’t Use Toxic Cleaners
When you do get clogs in your pipes you might think to yourself “Oh, I’ll use some toxic cleaners so that they can dissolve whatever is causing my pipes to be clogged”. This is one of the few things that the plumbers near Bexley hear far too often and most of the time it’s when they’re called to help fix some broken pipes that have been damaged by those toxic cleaners. An alternative to using those types of cleaners for minor clogs is just to put some elbow grease and start plunging or pour boiling water into the pipe to soften or liquefy whatever is causing the blockage. For more heavy-duty clogs, have your professional plumber come in to use his Plumber’s Drain Snake to get those chunks out once and for all.
4. Too Much Pressure
You might think that having high pressure in your sinks and showers is a good thing but having too much high pressure, just like in humans, is not good for your pipes. High pressures can affect the lifespan of the pipes by submitting the pipe walls and pipe joints to too much stress thus making them more prone to damage. It can also lead to more leakages and those can significantly affect your water bills.
You can reduce the amount of pressure that your pipes are experiencing by making sure that the pressure release or relief valve is working properly. This valve’s main job is to make sure that the pressure, which happens and builds up when you use the hot water function of your shower for everyday use, is released so that the pipes don’t experience any build-up thus preventing them from malformed, expanding, or worse, exploding unexpectedly.
5. Replace the Water Heater
The water heater might be a modern marvel that might not seem much to the ordinary person but to a homeowner, it is something to both be thankful for and fear. It is one of the most prone to damage and needs repairs due to either sedimentary build-up or just the intense pressure that it undergoes every day when you turn on the shower. When you find that the water heater isn’t as performing as well as it should be or as well as before, consider getting a new one and replacing the older model. This doesn’t just save your pipes from possible negative effects that the old unit might have done, it can also help save you a lot of money for repairs if ever you left the old unit in as it caused a massive incident that affects your whole house and family.
6. Hard Water
What is Hard Water? Hard Water, according to the skilled plumbers in Belmore, is water or any liquid that has a high quantity of mineral content, with magnesium and calcium being more present. These minerals can affect the interior of the pipes by creating built-up and over time can cause an effect on the flow of the water and eventually a clog in your pipes. A very simple way to deal with Hard Water is to get a Water Softener to help dissolve those minerals into a manageable state before they reach your pipes. And by doing so you would get yourself some Soft Water which is better when you do dishes, laundry, and most importantly your skin.
7. Get Your Pipes Insulated
If you live in either a very hot or cold place, consider getting your pipes lined with the appropriate insulators. These insulators can help prevent damage to the pipes themselves caused by the extreme temperatures of the outside world. These insulators, if you live in a place where you experience some very chilly weather, can prevent the pipes from accumulating frost thus making them weaker and more prone to damage, and bursting caused by the extensive expansion of the pipes due to the extreme cold. And if you live in an area where you experience very hot and humid weather, then these insulators can help minimize condensation thus lowering the chance of rust formations in your pipes and also helping prevent your pipes from expanding and creating more problems down the line.
8. Bring in the Big Boys
Even with the information above, not every problem can be fixed by just yourself. When you think that you’ve had enough or the situation is out of your league and you’re in over your head trying to figure out what to do and what is the right way in doing something, then it’s time to call in the BIG BOYS, also known as your local professional plumbers.
With their expertise and experience, they can easily handle whatever you might be needing to fix or maintain in your home. With their arsenal of tools and equipment that are designed and made to handle any plumbing job, they will perform with more ease and proficiency than if you did it yourself. And while they work on cleaning your pipes, they can give you tidbits of advice on what to do and what not to do in order for you to maintain the cleanliness or obstruction free of the pipes that run through your home and provide you with that all-important water that we all need to live.
What Are A Few Common Plumbing Issues That Can Be Avoided With Regular Maintenance?
For homeowners, plumbing problems may be a major source of stress. These issues, which can range from leaks and clogs to water damage and pricey repairs, can quickly accumulate and become a big cause of annoyance. Many of these problems, meanwhile, may be avoided with routine plumbing upkeep. You can avoid a lot of common plumbing issues and ultimately save time, money, and frustration by following a few easy maintenance procedures to keep your plumbing system in good working order. The following discussion will focus on some of the most typical plumbing problems that can be avoided with regular upkeep.
- Overflowing Of The Toilet:
An overflowing toilet is one of the most typical plumbing problems that homeowners have. Although it can be a messy and unpleasant issue to handle, it is frequently avoidable with routine plumbing maintenance. Regular toilet inspection is necessary. Examine the tank or bowl for any cracks, loose or rusted fittings, or worn-out flappers, among other indications of deterioration. In order to avoid more problems, it’s crucial to have any damage quickly fixed or replaced.
Make sure you are only flushing the proper materials down the toilet after that. Flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste can clog your plumbing system and cause backups. Regular toilet cleaning is a further crucial step. To clean the interior of the bowl and get rid of any accumulation or debris, use a toilet bowl cleaner and brush. Your pipes may not clog or back up as a result of this. Teach your kids how to use the toilet properly if you have kids in the house. Make sure they are aware that only toilet paper and waste should be flushed, and keep an eye on them to make sure they are doing it appropriately. Finally, think about regularly having a qualified plumber evaluate your plumbing system. Any possible problems with your plumbing system can be found and fixed by a plumber before they worsen.
- Leakage of Pipes:
Another typical plumbing issue that can be avoided with routine maintenance is pipe leakage. Regularly check your pipes for any wear or damage indications, such as cracks, rust, or corrosion. To stop future harm, it’s crucial to have any problems fixed as soon as you see them.
Ensuring that your pipes are adequately insulated is a further action you may take. In cold weather, insulation can help prevent pipes from freezing and breaking, which can result in leaks and other damage. Moreover, regular pipe cleaning might aid in preventing leaks. Remove any buildup or dirt from your pipes using a pipe cleaner to avoid clogs and leaks.
Consider installing a water softener if you have hard water, which can lead to mineral buildup in your pipes. Water softening can aid in preventing corrosion and buildup, which can lead to leaks and other plumbing issues.
- Low Pressure Of Water:
Plumbing issues like low water pressure can be aggravating and annoying, but they are frequently avoidable with routine maintenance. Verify that the main water valve is completely open. The low water pressure might result from the valve which is partially closed, which can impede the flow of water into your house.
Regularly cleaning your showerheads and faucets is another thing you can do. Low water pressure can result from mineral buildup and silt accumulation in some fixtures over time. To get rid of any buildup and reestablish appropriate water flow, use a descaling solution or a vinegar and water solution. Low water pressure may result from aging pipes in your home becoming rusted or clogged with mineral buildup. To establish whether your pipes need to be repaired or replaced, think about having a professional plumber examine them.
Also, it’s crucial to frequently check your water pressure regulator. Your home’s water pressure is controlled by this mechanism, which over time may suffer damage or malfunction and result in low water pressure. If necessary, a plumber can examine, repair, or replace your water pressure regulator.
- Sewer Blockage:
Sewer clogs are a common plumbing problem that can result in significant damage and expensive repairs. Yet, by doing routine plumbing repair, you can aid in avoiding sewer clogs. You should pay attention to what you flush down the drain and put in the toilet. Avoid flushing anything down the toilet besides human waste and toilet paper, and keep grease, oil, and food waste from going down your drains. Your sewer line may become clogged as a result of the accumulation of this debris.
Frequent drain and sewer line cleaning can also aid in preventing blockages. To clear any buildup or debris from your drains, use a drain cleaner, and think about having your sewage line regularly cleaned by a professional. Sewer obstructions can also frequently be caused by tree roots. If you have trees close to your house, make sure to routinely prune them and refrain from growing new trees close to your sewer line.
Moreover, think about scheduling frequent expert plumbing inspections of your plumbing system. Before they develop into more serious concerns, like sewer clogs, a plumber may see any possible problems with your plumbing system, including tree root infiltration or rusted pipes, and take care of them.
Conclusion
As stated in the beginning, the pipes in your home are like blood vessels in your body. Keeping them clean and obstruction-free should be high on your list as a homeowner and by following these tips, you can prevent bigger problems from happening. And if you feel that you might not have enough knowledge and know-how to do any of these tips, then contact your local professional plumber and ask them to come in and check out your pipes.
