Any kind of household issue can cause major headaches, but I think most of us would agree that plumbing emergencies are at the top of the list of things we never want to experience. Regardless of whether it’s a burst pipe, blocked drain or a malfunctioning hot water system, these plumbing issues can throw off your whole day leaving you stressed and out of pocket.
However, you can avoid them with a little TCL and preventative maintenance. Trust us, a little hard work every now and then will help you save money and avoid lots of stress in the long run. So, today we want to give you a few tips to keep your plumbing flowing so you won’t have to deal with emergencies.
Tip #1: Check Your Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs and damage to your home. Similarly, low water pressure can indicate a leak or blockage in your pipes stopping the water from flowing freely. Normal water pressure should be between 140 and 500 kPa (kilopascals) or 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). This equates to a minimum of approximately 20 litres per minute.
So, as for maintenance, make sure to just take note of any unexplained drops in your water pressure or if it takes an unusually long time for appliances like washing machines or dishwashers to fill or run through their cycles. You can also manually check your water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to an outdoor tap. If it shows a reading outside of the normal range above you’ll need to check for leaks and call a plumber to do a full check.
Tip #2: Inspect Your Pipes
Inspect your pipes regularly to check for leaks or signs of wear and tear, cracks and corrosion, especially around the joints, connections and valves as these are common weak spots and can be prone to leaks.
During this inspection, you should also check for any signs of shifting or settling in your house's foundation, as this can cause pipes to become dislodged or damaged. Make sure to inspect any exposed pipes, such as those visible under your house or in attics or crawl spaces.
Tip #3: Clean Your Drains
Hair, soap scum, food scraps and grease can build up in your drains over time, causing clogs and backups. To prevent this, run hot water through your drains regularly to clear out any debris. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to naturally clean your drains and eliminate odours.
One method to clean your drain is to:
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain
- Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar
- Let it sit for a few hours or overnight
- Rinse with hot water
This natural cleaning solution is gentle on your pipes and won't harm the environment or water treatment plant (if you have one).
Tip #4: Check Your Hot Water System
Despite your hot water system being one of the most used and appreciated plumbing appliances in your home, it’s easy to take it for granted–at least until it stops working. To continue enjoying hot showers daily, check your hot water system regularly for leaks, rust and corrosion.
Also, to ensure your hot water system is not at risk of future damage, it’s important to check the sacrificial anode and have it replaced regularly if it shows signs of corrosion. Then, finally check the temperature and pressure relief valves are working properly and not damaged, as these valves are responsible for preventing scalding and excessive pressure buildup in the tank.
Tip #5: Don't Ignore Leaks
Even minor leaks can lead to significant damage if left unchecked for too long. Leaks often also indicate a larger underlying problem such as a damaged or burst pipe somewhere. So it’s important not to ignore them.
Addressing leaks (even small ones) ASAP can prevent costly damage to your home and appliances.
Here are some signs you may have a water leak:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Warped or buckled flooring
- Musty odours or mould growth
- Unexplained increases in your water bill
If you suspect you have a leak, turn off the main water supply shut-off valve immediately and contact a professional plumber.
Tip #6: Consider Upgrading Your Plumbing Fixtures
Older plumbing fixtures can be inefficient and prone to leaks. If your house and plumbing are on the older side, consider upgrading to newer, high-quality, low-flow fixtures and toilets to minimise the risks of wear and tear damage, reduce your water consumption and lower your water bills.
Low-flow fixtures use significantly less water than traditional fixtures, which means you'll save money on your water bill and reduce your environmental impact, while also having peace of mind that your plumbing won’t break or spring a leak.
Tip #7: Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is your key to preventing plumbing emergencies. Schedule annual check-ups with your local plumbers to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.
Our experienced plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services, for example, will inspect your entire plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, and appliances. We'll identify any potential issues and provide recommendations for repairs or replacements.
Prevent Plumbing Emergencies with Simple Maintenance
By putting in a little extra effort to maintain your plumbing throughout the year you can minimise the chances of a plumbing emergency. If you’re ever in doubt about anything regarding your plumbing system or notice any of the signs we mentioned above, it’s important to call in the professionals.
Don't wait until it's too late! Contact our passionate, trained and experienced plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services today to schedule a maintenance check-up or repair any existing issues before they turn into a plumbing emergency.