How to Take Care of a Plumbing System

The plumbing system in your home is the network that brings fresh water in and sends waste out. It’s so integral to everyday life that it’s easy to take for granted, until something goes wrong. 

Making plumbing maintenance a regular part of your household can catch small problems before they turn into big ones and save you money over time. 

Prevent Clogs 

Clogged drains are a common problem that can lead to slow drainage and water backups. They can also reduce the lifespan of pipes due to increased stress and strain. For help with blocked drains in Melbourne, look for a reputable plumber to assist. 

A regular drain cleaning routine can help prevent clogs. Run hot water through all of the drains in your building on a weekly basis. This can remove soap scum, dirt build up, and other debris that can lead to clogs. 

It is also important to educate household members about what can and cannot go down a drain. Things like food scraps, grease, coffee grounds, and paper towels should not be put down the drain. They can build up and block a pipe, or even the entire sewer line. 

It is also a good idea to place a mesh hair screen over tubs and showers, and to install a lint catcher on the laundry room drain. These simple fixes can save a lot of headaches and money in the long run. 

Check the Water Heater 

You’ll want to make sure your water heater is leak free. The most common cause of leaking is the drain valve, located near the bottom of the tank. It looks like a spigot and may have a handle that you turn to open or shut it. If you find that it’s leaking, this is an easy fix – just cap the spigot with a garden hose or a sprayer. You should 

also check the T&P valve (temperature and pressure relief) on top of your tank. This is a safety feature that opens when the pressure gets too high to prevent a tank explosion. This will usually have a discharge tube that goes down towards the floor. If this is leaking, call a plumber to replace it. They’ll be able to find the cause of your high pressure and make repairs so that your hot water tank doesn’t explode! 

Other sources of water leaks from your hot water heater include the cold and hot water supply lines that bring water into the tank for heating. These can be tightened with a wrench. 

Check for Leaks 

Leaks can be a huge headache. Not only do they cause property damage, but they can also lead to a lot of extra water bills. While some leaks may be obvious - such as the puddle under a sink or a hissing sound in a ceiling - others can be harder to

detect. 

If you think you might have a hidden leak, shut off all your water sources and check your water meter. Write down the numbers and come back an hour later to see if the readings have changed. If they have, then you probably have a leak somewhere in your building. 

Many plumbing companies offer services that can help you find and fix hidden leaks in your building. Plumbers can use a variety of tools to locate leaks, including moisture meters and borescopes. They can also simply listen to your pipes to hear if they’re making any noises. This helps them narrow down the location of the leak without having to remove drywall. 

Schedule Regular Maintenance 

Just like getting your car’s oil changed, scheduling regular maintenance for your plumbing system is the best way to catch small issues before they turn into major problems. Taking the time to check your pipes, water heater and fixtures will help you avoid the costs, inconvenience and stress of emergency repairs. 

Leaks, clogs and inefficiencies can all be easily fixed through regular inspections, helping you save money and reduce waste. Detecting and addressing these issues early on can also prevent damage to your property and disruptions to your business. 

A well-maintained plumbing system will work more efficiently, reducing your water and energy bills and contributing to a sustainable future. If you have a question about the frequency of your maintenance or are interested in creating an annual inspection plan, talk to one of our team members today! We’re happy to discuss your needs and recommend the right services. We can even provide you with a protection plan to make the process as easy and affordable as possible.