Most homeowners realize the importance of home maintenance to protect their investment. But when we think of routine tasks around the home, the plumbing system might not be top of mind. So here are some plumbing tips to keep your drains and pipes well maintained and working correctly.
Plumbing Tips to Protect Your Home
Bathroom Plumbing Tips
- You can reasonably quickly check for hidden slow leaks in your toilets. All you have to do is apply a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking, you will see color appear in the bowl in about half an hour.
- Turn the water supply valves underneath your toilets and sinks to prevent sticking.
- Manually check if your toilets are flushing correctly. Suppose you find that you must hold down the handle to flush the entire bowl, or you need to jiggle the handle to stop running water. In that case, you probably need to replace old, defective parts in the tank. Consider a low-flow toilet or HET.
- Clean any mineral build-up apparent in your showerheads. Unscrew the head and soak it in a plastic bag filled with vinegar. You can also apply the bag of vinegar to the showerhead directly without unscrewing it using a rubber band. Let the showerhead soak overnight, and then gently brush out any built-up sediment.
- Check faucets and drains for leaks. Some repairs can be done by yourself, but you may need a professional plumber for others. These plumbing tips will save you money as you lower the cost of your water bill in the long run.
Tips for Appliances
- Slowly drain a few gallons from your water heater to clear sediment build-up. This plumbing tip will help increase the life of your conventional water heater and increase energy efficiency.
- Check the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker supply hoses for leaks or bulges. Any hose over ten years old or showing a defect should be replaced. Stainless steel hoses are much more dependable if you need a replacement.
Outdoor Plumbing
- Ensure your gutters and downspouts are open, cleaned out, and free of sediment build-up.
- Check for bird nests in unwanted areas in or near pipes and gutters.
- Check outdoor faucets and pipes for any cracks or leaks.
Miscellaneous
- If your home has a sump pump, you can make sure it is working correctly by pouring some water into the pit of the sump. It should turn on reasonably soon, pump out the water, and turn off without a hitch.
- If you have ever had a problem with sewer backup, consider having a plumber install a back-flow valve. This will help prevent any subsequent sewage backups.
- Run some water into drains that aren’t used very often to prevent nasty smells.
While many of these plumbing tips can be done by yourself, some homeowners might need or prefer to have the expertise of a plumber for routine maintenance tasks.
Ensure efficiency safety and save the cost of plumbing malfunctions with your checklist or an annual appointment with a pro.
