Proactive Leak Detection

Leak detection is important to help your plumbing last longer. A small leak may seem like no big deal, however if left unchecked it can get a lot worse. Water leaks are important to take care of right away. The longer a leak goes, the more damage  it will do and the more water it will waste. A leaky pipe or fixture can waste thousands of gallons over the course of a year, which is just wasteful and costly. Leaks also provide the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause health problems and damage the surrounding area.  To prevent waste and damage from leaks make ongoing leak detection part of your routine maintenance. 

Make Sure The Pressure Is Right

It is important to make sure your water pressure is where it is supposed to be to help your plumbing last longer. Low water pressure can be the result of corrosion inside of your pipes. Copper pipes are pretty resilient when it comes to sediment buildup, however in areas that have exceptionally hard water, they may still be susceptible. A water softener can help reduce the mineral deposits in your water, thereby reducing the corrosive properties in your water.    Water pressure that is too high can also be a problem. If water comes shooting out of the faucet when you open the tap, your water pressure may be too high. Residential water pressure should be no greater than 80 psi. When water pressure is too high, it can cause all kinds or plumbing problems like: leaks, banging pipes, and damage plumbing fixtures. A water pressure gauge helps regulate the water pressure in your home. If you live in a tall building, by a fire hydrant, or at the bottom of a hill, you may have high water pressure, in which case you probably have a water pressure gauge installed already. If it isn’t working properly it needs to be replaced.

Watch What Goes Down The Drain

One of the leading culprits of plumbing problems is people not watching what goes down the drain or gets flushed down the toilet. Your plumbing isn’t designed to remove trash, and so when items like: paper, plastic, diapers, dental floss, hair, grease, leftovers, fibrous food peels, egg shells, and coffee grounds end up down the drain, they can wreak havoc. These types of items can get stuck, where they can expand and collect other debris, eventually forming a clog. These clogs can not only stop the flow of your drains but also create a bottleneck where too much pressure can build up. When this happens  it can cause leaks, burst pipes, and backups. To prevent this from happening, watch what goes down the drain and invest in drain screens to keep unwanted items out.  

Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaner

If you find yourself in the midst of a clogged drain, don’t reach for the liquid drain cleaner. Liquid drain cleaners are extremely abrasive, making them dangerous to handle and dangerous for your pipes. They have to be made of some pretty heavy duty stuff in order to eat through clogs, and when they are finished with the clog, they can continue to eat right through your pipes causing more damage. And with that in mind, they are also horrible for the environment. So steer clear of liquid drain cleaners, a plunger can be just as effective. If you are dealing with a particularly stubborn clog, it may be time to call a local plumber. 

Regular Drain Cleaning

Regular drain cleaning should be part of your regular maintenance plan. Over time soap scum, bacteria, and other debris collect on the walls of your pipes, forming a nasty sludge. This sludge can eventually obstruct the flow of water and lead to slow drainage and clogs. It is a good idea to have your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year to keep the buildup at a minimum. 

Pay Attention To Slow Drainage

Slow drainage means there is a blockage somewhere in your pipes. This can lead to an increase in pressure that builds up inside of your pipes, which can eventually lead to a leak or burst pipe. If you notice your drains not draining properly, don’t ignore the problem, as it will only get worse. Call your plumber right away.   The better you take care of your plumbing, the longer it will last. Plumbing maintenance isn’t at the forefront of most people's thoughts, however it is important to keep things running smoothly. Schedule your maintenance today! Contact Rooter Hero Plumbing to learn more.