Maintenance to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Plumbing
Generally, households will not place a high priority on the maintenance of their plumbing. This neglect and lack of inspection are what eventually leads to plumbing emergencies. Nevertheless, plumbing repairs can be prevented if the appropriate preventative measures are in place. Not only will this save you exorbitant costs, but it can also function to enhance the efficiency of your plumbing system. Below are some of the maintenance measures that you can take to prolong the lifespan of your plumbing before calling in plumbers to really get the job done.
Replace worn out fixtures and appliances as need be
A wrong assumption that some homeowners have is that replacement of plumbing fixtures is only for aesthetic reasons and they will rarely do so unless they are engaging in home renovations. The reality is keeping your fixtures up to date is not simply a renovation luxury. It also works toward decreasing your water-related bills while also limiting the wastage of water in the home. Updating appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines with energy efficient models can greatly decrease your monthly water usage. Replacing taps and showerheads can also increase your household's water efficiency. Carry out an inspection of the various appliances and fixtures in your home to determine which need to be gotten rid of.
Identify and remedy hidden leaks
Your household may have sprung a hidden leak that will stay concealed to you until it develops into a full-fledged flood. Unless a water pipe has burst, these leaks can go undetected for some time. It is prudent to carry out a regular inspection of your property so that any minor leaks are arrested before they pose the risk of extensive damage to your home. Some of the signs to be wary of when in search of hidden leaks include:
- Wet spots in areas where they should not be
- Cracks in the foundation
- Faint sounds of water running in the home
- Musty odours in certain areas of the home
- A sudden unaccountable spike in your water bill
Ensure exposed drains are adequately shielded
Most homeowners will know not to throw debris down their drains. Nevertheless, particles will still make their way down the drain in the form of food particles, grease, hair and more. Left undeterred, this debris will coagulate and form clogs within your drains. As the clogs keep accumulating, you will find yourself having to contend with blocked drains. A simple preventative measure for this would be to install strainers on every exposed drain.