If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think much about the network of plumbing pipes inside your walls that deliver your water at the turn of a faucet and eliminate waste at the touch of a lever. That is, unless something goes wrong. But did you know that giving your plumbing a little attention now and then can prevent leaks and clogs, reduce costly repairs, and prolong its lifespan?
Here’s are just a few ways to show your plumbing system a little TLC.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Clogged drains are among the most common home plumbing problems, and when faced with one, many homeowners reach for a bottle of drain cleaner to get things moving again. But these products can do more harm than good. Because they typically don’t remove the entire clog, the problem is likely to recur. And each time you pour a chemical drain cleaner down a drain, it has the opportunity to eat away at the pipes a little more. For a mild clog, reach for a natural enzymatic cleaner that won’t harm your pipes. For tougher clogs, snake the drain or contact a licensed plumber to get to the root of the problem.
Prevent Future Clogs
A clog isn’t only annoying, backed-up water can put added pressure on your wastepipes and shorten their lifespan. Avoid clogs by watching what goes down your toilets and drains. In the kitchen, toss food scraps in the garbage or compost pile and never poor grease, oil, or melted fats down the drain. Keep hair out of bathroom drains with a shower drain catcher. And don’t flush anything but sewage and toilet paper down toilets.
Reduce Water Pressure
As good as high water pressure can feel in the shower, it puts added stress on your pipes, pipe joints, faucets, and appliances, decreasing their lifespan and increasing the chance of a leak. You can measure your home’s water pressure with an inexpensive gauge available at your local hardware store. Simply attach it to an outside spigot and open the line. Normal pressure should register between 40 and 85 psi. If it’s above that, contact a plumber about installing a pressure reducing valve.
Soften Your Water
Hard water (water that has a high mineral content) can shorten the lifespan of your plumbing and water-using appliances. Naturally occurring minerals such as magnesium and calcium can build up inside pipes over time, restricting water flow and increasing pressure. What’s more, hard water can corrode joints and fittings. The only way to effectively deal with hard water is to install a water softener to counteract or dissolve the minerals in your water.
Keep Your Sewer Lines Clear
If you have municipal sewers, hire a licensed plumber to snake your main sewage cleanout every few years to remove tree roots that may have worked their way into these pipes. Otherwise, the roots can cause pipes to crack, leading to a messy and expensive sewage backup. If your home has a a septic system, get the tank pumped out every three to five years or as recommended by your septic company.
Fix Problems Quickly
Even the smallest of leaks can waste gallons of water, make pipes corrode more quickly, encourage mold growth, and cause significant water damage. Whether it’s a running toilet, a pinhole leak in a washing machine hose, or a barely-there trickle from a faucet, tending to minor issues right away can prevent costly issues down the road.
At Eagle Service Company, we handle plumbing problems big and small. From clogged sewers and drains and leak repair to gas connections and new pipe installation, Eagle has the tools and expertise to get the job done right – the first time. Contact us today or anytime for all your plumbing needs.
