Whether you’re moving into a new home or need to repair your current plumbing system, these tips from the highest-rated Plumber In Akron can help you extend its lifespan.
Everyday use puts a lot of strain on your plumbing pipes. It is important to master maintenance for longevity.
Inspect For Leaks
The plumbing system in your home is a vital part of the everyday operations of your house. It provides your family with fresh, clean water and removes waste efficiently. The pipes and fixtures in your house’s plumbing system can last a long time if they are properly maintained. Neglecting regular maintenance can result in clogged drains, leaky fixtures, and low water pressure. These plumbing problems are costly, inconvenient, and may cause serious damage to your home.
The most common plumbing problem that homeowners encounter is leaking pipes. Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as corrosion, faulty joints or fittings, and the age of the pipes. If left unchecked, a leaking pipe can cause severe water damage to the structure of your home and lead to mold and mildew problems. To prevent leaks, check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for signs of water damage. If you suspect a leak, call your local plumber right away to have the issue resolved before it causes further damage.
If you aren’t able to spot a leak on your own, use a moisture meter or sewer odor detector to find hidden water sources. Also, track your home’s water usage and note any sudden changes that could indicate a leak.
Leak detection tools are available from most hardware stores, and they include digital acoustic leak detectors or water leak correlators that detect sound waves emitted by leaky pipes. These tools can also help locate leaking underground pipes and other hard-to-find areas. In addition, many plumbers use specialized tools to pinpoint leaks, including flexible video inspection cameras, pipe inspection cameras, and advanced moisture meters that can detect moisture in walls or ceilings without drilling test holes. In some cases, plumbers will also flush non-toxic dye tablets into a toilet to pinpoint the source of a leaky flapper valve or supply line. They may also use an infrared camera to watch for hot spots on a home’s water heater. This can be a sign of a corroded tank or heat exchanger. In these situations, a plumber will likely recommend a water heater replacement.
Clean Your Drains
The drains in your home handle a lot of waste every day. Food waste, hair, soap, and dirt are just some of the things that go down your drains and can build up over time. If you don’t clean your drains regularly, they can become blocked with these substances and not function properly. When this happens, you will need to call a plumber for help to resolve the issue and clean the drains.
There are some drains that you can clean at home regularly to prevent the need for professional drain cleaning services. For example, you can pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your kitchen or bathroom drains. This can break down food waste and eliminate odors from the drain. For more serious clogs, you may need to purchase and use an enzyme-based drain cleaner that destroys bacteria and dissolves grease and soap scum.
You should also make it a point to clean your drains regularly throughout the year. This will prevent the buildup of debris and minimize the chances that a clog will develop. The best time to do this is in the spring before the summer holiday season arrives. This will allow you to clean the drains before hosting family and friends and putting your plumbing system under more stress.
If you notice that your drains are taking longer than usual to clear water, this is a sign that something is blocking them. You can try to remove the blockage yourself by removing the stopper and then running hot water down the drain. If you can’t unclog the drain or smell a foul odor, it’s likely that there is a problem with your main sewer line and will require the services of a plumber.
When you hire a plumbing service to perform maintenance cleaning on your drains and pipes, this will limit the number of times that they become blocked or damaged over the year. This will help you save money in the long run by avoiding expensive plumbing repair bills and avoidable emergency call-out fees.
Flush Your Water Heater
The luxury of a hot shower after a long day at work is one that most people enjoy. However, did you know that your water heater requires a little maintenance to prevent sediment buildup and other issues? Ideally, you should have your water heater flushed by a professional. However, if you prefer to save some money and do this task yourself, here is a step-by-step guide on how to drain and flush your water heater.
First, you’ll want to turn off the power to your water heater. This can be done by shutting off the power at your home’s breaker box or at the gas line going to your tank (if you have a gas water heater). Once that is done, you’ll want to find the drain valve located on the bottom of your water heater. This is usually a brass or plastic valve that looks similar to the hose bib on your exterior, but it may be different in some cases. Connect the end of a garden hose to this valve and lead it outside or into a safe location that can handle a large volume of water and heat.
Once you have your hose connected to the drain, open it and start letting out the water from the tank. As the water begins to run out of the hose, it will carry away any sediment that has built up inside your tank. Continue to let out the water until your bucket is empty. Once that is done, you can close the drain valve and turn your water heater back on.
You should have your water heater flushed at least once a year to prevent sediment from building up and causing damage to the unit. You can also install a water softener to reduce the amount of sediment in your water, and this will help your home’s plumbing and appliances last longer. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment to have your home’s water heater flushed, contact a local plumber. They can help you understand what’s going on with your system and recommend any necessary repairs.
Maintain Proper Water Pressure
Plumbing maintenance is important to keep your home’s water flowing in and waste out. Most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing until something goes wrong, but taking a few preventative steps can save you from large and costly problems in the future.
Leaking Pipes
Even a small leak in your plumbing can cause serious damage, so regular inspections and maintenance are key to identifying problems early. A professional plumber can find and fix these issues before they get out of hand, saving you money and stress in the long run.
Clogged Drains
Debris build-up in your drains can restrict the flow of water, leading to sewage backups and unpleasant odors. Preventative maintenance can keep clogs from occurring, such as regularly cleaning your drains and using a garbage disposal that disposes of food properly.
High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure can strain your pipes and appliances, leading to leaks and damage. Maintaining the recommended water pressure for your home can avoid these issues, as well as conserve water and energy.
Check the pressure in your home’s pipes with a water gauge, available at most home improvement stores. This can help you determine if the problem is due to water supply issues, like a leaking hose or a clogged faucet. If the problem is caused by an internal issue, such as a clogged pipe or a faulty showerhead, a plumber can help.
Maintaining proper water pressure can also reduce your water bill and prevent waste. If your home has a lot of people using water at the same time, such as during a party or during the summer when everyone is watering their garden, it may seem as though you have low water pressure.
A professional plumber can advise you on how to deal with these issues and more, keeping your plumbing working efficiently for years to come. Following these expert tips from the top plumbing companies can help you prolong your plumbing system’s lifespan, avoid unexpected failures and costly repairs, and have a comfortable home for your family.