Plumbing is something every homeowner must consider, as it’s vital for any home. After all, living in a home without access to water isn’t something anyone wants to deal with. Properly maintaining your plumbing system is very important, no matter how you look at it. Additionally, plumbing issues tend to escalate very quickly, and water damage is very expensive to fix. So, as a homeowner, you should know how to keep your plumbing in good shape to be safe. Thankfully, maintaining plumbing isn’t too difficult as long as you know what you’re doing. In order to help you out, we’ve put together a list of plumbing maintenance tips for new homeowners, and we hope it helps you keep your plumbing in working order.
Keep an eye on your water pressure
Low water pressure often means that there is either a damaged or clogged pipe in your plumbing system. Neither option is good, so make sure to always keep an eye on the water pressure in your home. There are a lot of potential causes for low water pressure, some of which are much worse than others. So, if you notice that the water pressure is dropping somewhere in your home, get in contact with a plumber to get your plumbing checked out. Of course, if you understand water pressure, you could possibly figure out the issue yourself. However, we don’t recommend trying to fix anything on your own, as you can also make the problem worse. Remember, water damage is no joke, so you should always take plumbing problems seriously. Work with experts to make sure nothing goes wrong, and everything is done properly, just to be safe.
Check for water leaks often
First up on the list of plumbing maintenance tips is to check for water leaks often. This is because even the smallest leak can cost you quite a bit in the long run, purely through water bills. However, leaky faucets can also indicate serious issues that you must deal with quickly. For example, a leaky faucet is usually a good indication that a pipe in your system is either rusted-out or corroded. These can escalate into bigger and bigger water leaks which can cause a lot of damage to your home. So, never ignore leaks and get them fixed immediately. And, if you’re moving into a new home, for example, in San Francisco, you should check for leaks after the move. Of course, you can settle in with experts by hiring local movers to make a move easier. Regardless, after the move, you should always check for potential problems.
Inspect your water heater regularly
Needless to say, water heaters are very important to our day-to-day lives. We are so used to having hot water always available that living without it is quite annoying. As such, regularly check your water heater and ensure everything is up to snuff. Additionally, learn how to properly flush your water heater and keep an eye out for leaks. These days, new water heaters are built to last, but even the most advanced ones can leak and need to have the sediment which gathers at the bottom flushed every now and again. Also, knowing the lifespan of your water heater is very important since, when they get to the end of their lifespan, it’s better to replace a water heater than to repair it. So, keep an eye on your water heater and make sure everything is working well, and don’t hesitate to replace it.
Be careful what you put down the drain and what you flush
Clogged drains and toilets are very annoying to deal with, no matter what. Thankfully, these problems are easily fixed through preventative maintenance. The best way to maintain them is to ensure nothing goes wrong in the first place. When it comes to toilets, besides waste, the only thing that should be flushed should be toilet paper. Anything else has a very high chance of causing a clog and leading to problems. And even if certain items are marked as “flushable,” they’re just as bad for your toilet as anything else. The same applies to drains; the only thing that should go down a drain is water and soap, and even some soaps can be problematic. Loose hair, in particular, is a very common cause of clogged drains. And while you’re at it, make sure to keep an eye on your sewer pipes as well, just in case.
Check for tank leaks with food coloring
One of the simpler plumbing maintenance tips is to check your toilet tank for leaks by putting some food coloring in it. Leave it for an hour or so, then come back to check if the coloring has leaked into the bowl. If it hasn’t, you’re good; if it has, you should replace the tank ball. This should fix the leak and save you quite a bit of money on water bills. However, if this doesn’t fix the leak, you should contact a plumber to check it out. After all, there can be quite a few reasons why the water tank might leak. And, while it’s not as dangerous as other types of leaks, it can still cost you quite a bit in the long run. After all, you should always make sure all of your plumbing is in good shape, and minor things like this count.
Plumbing maintenance tips for new homeowners – closing thoughts
Maintaining your plumbing system is incredibly important in the long run, no matter how you look at it. After all, water damage can get very serious, and the best way to deal with it is to prevent it. So, take the time to regularly check your home for leaks and other possible issues, and get them fixed quickly. Even if it’s something minor, getting it fixed quickly should be a priority, as problems can escalate. We hope this list of plumbing maintenance tips for new homeowners helps you, and we wish you a good day.