Want in on a plumbing secret? The best way to solve plumbing problems is to avoid them in the first place, and you can accomplish this by doing some preventative maintenance on an ongoing basis.
There are a few simple tasks that, when done regularly, will improve your plumbing system’s performance, reduce your water bills and the likelihood that you’ll need repairs. Curious as to what these jobs are? Here are our best suggestions to get you started.
Follow the Rules for DIY Plumbing
If you are taking on plumbing projects on your own, it can be a great cost-saving measure.
However, ensure that you adhere to local code in Fredericksburg, VA. Plumbing system code is in place to ensure that you’ve got high-quality work that will stand the test of time and work reliably.
Using Hair Traps
One of the biggest clog causes in a household is hair falling down the drain.
It’s inevitable that you are going to lose a bit of hair when showering or bathing, but it doesn’t necessarily have to go down the drain.
Use hair traps to catch the hair before it gets that far. They are cheap, easy to use and clean out.
Adjusting the Water Pressure
When your water pressure is too high, it puts undue strain on your plumbing system. Over time, with this continued pressure on the pipes, drains, and fixtures, they will become weak.
You’ll eventually end up with plumbing leaks as a result, which can cause a great deal of damage. Check your water pressure regularly to make sure that it is in the safe zone.
Ideally, you’d like it to be in the 45-60 psi range. Don’t have it exceed 80 psi. Even though you can lather up quickly in the shower, it’s not worth the beating that your plumbing will take.
Keeping Your Drains Clean
It’s so much less work and expense to prevent clogs from happening at all than having to deal with getting rid of them once they are formed.
You can be proactive by making sure that things that shouldn’t be in your drains don’t get there. Put food debris in the garbage or composter instead of letting them fall down your sink.
Don’t put sanitary napkins, diapers or wipes down the toilet. Think about getting a professional drain cleaning done once a year. It’s worthwhile and keeps your water flowing freely. Adopt these good plumbing habits, and you’ll be able to rely on your plumbing working well.
