Best Ways to Maintain a Plumbing System

The plumbing system is one of those things that we often take for granted, until something goes wrong. Luckily, most problems can be prevented with regular maintenance.

Make it a practice to check for odors, strange noises and other issues. Instruct occupants to report any problems immediately, and create an easy way for them to do so.

1. Inspect Your Pipes Regularly

Over time, mineral deposits and sediment can build up in pipes, reducing water flow and causing clogs. A regular plumbing inspection can help spot these problems before they become severe and expensive.

Detecting and repairing leaks quickly prevents water damage, lowers utility bills, and extends the lifespan of fixtures like toilets and faucets. Insulating pipes in cold areas can also reduce the risk of freezing and bursts.

In addition to inspecting your pipes, regularly check the condition of your valves and hoses, and make sure that all shut off and water supply valves are working properly. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, as food waste, grease, and wipes can form solid masses that clog drains. Also, clean your sink and shower heads regularly to keep water flowing freely.

2. Check Your Water Meter

Leaks can be a major contributor to high water bills. Detecting them early saves money and protects natural resources.

Checking your meter is easy and should be done at least twice a month. It works similar to an odometer in your car. If you turn off all your faucets and appliances, and the meter dial is still spinning, it indicates that water is being used, most likely from a leak.

Excessive water pressure can put strain on your pipes and cause clogs. Installing a pressure regulator is a good way to avoid these problems. You can also use a pressure gauge to identify issues.

3. Clean Your Drains Regularly

Every day, a large amount of waste makes its way down your drains. Hair, food particles, grease, soap scum and more build up inside your pipes and lead to clogs. Getting these clogs cleared quickly prevents them from becoming more serious. Use pantry staples like baking soda and vinegar instead of harsh chemical drain cleaners.

Avoid flushing feminine products, diapers, food waste, wipes or other non biodegradable items down the toilet. These materials create foul odors and can lead

to health issues, including respiratory problems and infections. Blocked drains also provide the perfect habitat for bacteria and mold, which can wreak havoc in your home by warping floorboards, rotting wall supports and causing leaks. Keeping your drains clear significantly extends their lifespan.

4. Install a Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator (also known as a PRV) is an important device that protects your home’s plumbing from excessive incoming water pressure. Excessive water pressure can damage pipes and cause leaks, which in turn can lead to expensive repairs.

Installing a PRV is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent high water pressure from damaging your plumbing. A plumber can install a PRV for you or you can do it yourself.

If you experience sudden fluctuations in your water pressure, it may indicate that your pressure regulator is not functioning correctly. This can put excess strain on pipes and fixtures, resulting in leaks or banging noises. Be sure to use pipe sealant on the piping interior and regulator inlet and outlet ports to avoid leaks.

5. Schedule Regular Inspections

Having your plumbing system regularly inspected helps prevent costly repairs, improves water efficiency, ensures health and safety, and protects property value. Regular inspections also save money over time through lower utility bills and reduced damage repair costs.

Small leaks that go undetected can snowball into major problems, such as costly water damage and unhealthy mold. Trained plumbers can spot leaks, clogs and other issues and repair them before they get out of hand. If you need answers to plumbing questions, or want to know how plumbing systems work, sites such as https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ have a lot of resources available.

In addition, a plumber can help you create an accurate map of your plumbing, which is useful during troubleshooting processes. Having your pipes, meter, and valves clearly labeled can make it easier for you or your maintenance staff to shut off water lines in the event of a leak or other problem.