An Overview Of Plumbing Systems

What are plumbing systems?

All plumbing systems are linked by a network of pipes that serve two functions: providing us with water and disposing of trash. Plumbing is an essential aspect of our daily lives. It serves as the foundation of our homes, businesses, and communities.

It is the network of pipelines that enables us to transport water, sewage, and other fluids from one location to another. The plumbing system is built to handle the amount of water we use, and when it fails, it may be dangerous and expensive. If you’re currently facing an emergency, we can help.All plumbing systems are linked by a network of pipes that serve two functions: providing us with water and disposing of trash.

How do I maintain my plumbing system?

Almost every homeowner has a plumbing problem now and then. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is so prevalent that it’s easy to take for granted, at least until something goes wrong. Fortunately, taking care of your plumbing and avoiding the most common problems, such as leaks, damaged and rusty pipes, and blockages, is not difficult. Most fixtures are built to last a long time, with sinks and toilets lasting decades. Click here to learn how often to get plumbing maintenance.

Why Plumbing Maintenance Is Important

With proper use and care, most plumbing systems and fixtures will survive for a long time. Regular maintenance is always less expensive than dealing with plumbing emergencies and the harm that they cause.

Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to maintain your plumbing and avoid the most common issues, such as leaks, clogs, and damaged pipes.

Check for Leaks

Make it a habit to check for leaks around your house on a regular basis. Even little leaks waste a lot of water and raise your water bill. Every day, a leaking faucet loses up to eight gallons of water. Every day, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water. Small leaks in garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines can all lead to costly damage and large repair fees.

Low water pressure or an unexpected increase in water use are indications of concealed leaks. Call a plumber if you fear you have a leak somewhere in your home but can’t find it. Leaks that go undetected can cause structural damage and attract pests like termites and carpenter ants.

Clear Slow-Moving Drains

A slow sink drain is typically caused by soap scum and hair forming on the drain walls. There are various simple techniques to get drains running properly before they become entirely stopped.

Removing and cleaning the stopper may be sufficient to resolve the issue. A simple baking soda and vinegar mixture is an affordable and frequently extremely efficient approach to unclogging clogged drains. If these measures do not work, a deeper blockage in the drain must be found and removed by a skilled plumber.

Watch What Goes Down Your Drains

Drains in homes are narrow and easily clogged if they are not properly maintained. Hair, soap, food particles, and grease, among other things, can quickly clog kitchen and bathroom drains. The use of the incorrect type of toilet paper (or the use of too much toilet paper) can block older pipes. Hair and other things are kept from blocking drains by using affordable mesh drain covers on sink and bathtub drains.

Don’t Use Your Toilet Like a Trash Can

Toilets and plumbing systems are built to accommodate human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else (even flushable products) can cause clogs and damage to pipes.

Even flushing toilet paper-like things, such as facial tissue and paper towels, can cause blockages since they are not designed to break down quickly when they come into contact with water. Dispose of feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, and any other materials in a trash can.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you have a slow-moving drain or blockage, it’s tempting to use a chemical drain cleaner. These products may provide temporary relief, but they rarely dislodge a clog completely. That implies you’ll have to continue using them in order to keep the drain clear. Furthermore, most drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that are hazardous to both humans and pipes.

Do Not Place All of Your Garbage in the Garbage Disposal

Despite the name, there are some items that should never be disposed of through a garbage disposal. Grease and oils should never be poured down the drain or into the garbage disposal. Pasta, rice, fibrous or starchy vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grounds are among other products that should not be thrown away.

Garbage disposals are only intended to handle tiny amounts of food scraps safely. To avoid nasty backups and clogs, be cautious about what you put in your disposal and use lots of cold running water anytime you turn on your unit.

Insulate Your Pipes

It’s a popular assumption that frozen pipes only affect homes in cold areas. Homes in generally warmer climates are more vulnerable because pipes may not be properly insulated against cold temperatures.

Pipes in basements, attics, crawlspaces, and other unheated places require additional insulation against freezing temperatures. Exposed pipes can be protected from freezing by installing affordable pipe insulation sleeves. To avoid damage from freezing temperatures, inground sprinkler systems, swimming pools, and hot tubs should all be properly winterized and insulated.

Examine Your Water Pressure

The water pressure in most house plumbing systems should be between 40 and 50 psi. Water pressure that is too high puts a load on your plumbing system. High water pressure weakens pipe joints, making them brittle. Low water pressure is frequently indicative of a leak in the plumbing system.

DIYers can test the water pressure in their home using a variety of water pressure gauges. If you discover that your water pressure is too high, hire a plumber to install a regulator.

Regularly Inspect Exposed Pipes

Many plumbing leak sources, such as corroded or rusted-out pipes, do not occur quickly. Pipes deteriorate with time due to continual use.

When homeowners hang clothing or other objects from exposed pipes in basements or utility rooms, the pipes can deteriorate. Plumbing pipes are not intended to support even a few shirts or pants.

Shut Off Your Water

When you see or suspect a leak, the first and most important step is to turn off the water supply line. Hundreds of liters of water might swiftly enter your home due to an overflowing toilet or a blown washing machine hose.

It is critical to understand where the shut-off valves are located and how to use them. Individual shut-off valves on toilets and sinks should be tested on a regular basis and replaced if they are not operating properly. It’s also a good idea to have an easy-to-access and easily operated main water shut-off valve.

When to Call a Plumber

While these tips can help prevent difficulties, most households will encounter a plumbing issue that necessitates the services of a licensed plumber at some point. If you find a leak or a broken pipe in your house, having it professionally repaired as soon as possible is the best way to avoid costly water damage.