Your home’s plumbing is a complex system responsible for bringing fresh water, heating it, and distributing it around the house. Access to clean, fresh water is so ordinary that it is easy to take for granted until something goes wrong. Thankfully, it is not too challenging to take care of your plumbing system and avoid leaks, broken or rusted pipes, and clogs. 

Here are some basics of plumbing maintenance that will help keep your system in good shape so you avoid unexpected problems. 

Basic Plumbing Maintenance 

1. Knowing What You Can and Cannot Flush 

The only thing you should flush down a toilet is toilet paper and your own waste. You should never flush things like sanitary products, plastic, or cotton swabs that will build up the line and cause clogging. This problem is an easy fix- have a wastebasket in the bathroom, use it, and save your sewer line. 

2. Stop an Overflowing Toilet Before It Is Out Of Control 

Watching the water level slowly rise in the toilet till it spills on the floor can be quite alarming. Stop the overflow before it gets too bad by opening the tank and pushing the flush valve down. This action will stop the water and buy you time to address the issue causing the toilet to overflow. 

3. Check for Leaks in Your Tank with Food Coloring

Do you suspect your toilet tank is leaking into the bowl? Test your theory by putting some red food coloring in the tank and waiting an hour or so. If the red water has leaked into the bowl, you need to replace the tank ball to keep water from seeping out and lower your water bill. 

4. Clean Your Showerheads with Vinegar

Over time, your showerhead will get clogged with mineral deposits from the water. This clogging makes your showerheads less effective or can completely block them up. To clean the showerhead and clear it of the mineral deposits, unscrew the showerheads and soak them in vinegar for 24 hours. If soaking them in vinegar does not do the trick, it is time to replace your showerheads. 

5. Clear a Blocked Toilet with Soap 

If you do not have a plunger or it does not seem to be doing the trick, you can use soap and hot water to clear a blocked toilet. Take hot water from the tap and add as much as you want to the toilet bowl until it is complete. Add a generous amount of liquid soap to the bowl. The hot water will help break down the clog, and the soap will help move it. 

6. Install Drain Covers 

Hair, beauty products, and other debris cause clog when they fall into your drain. Mesh drain covers in your sinks, showers, and baths can save you the trouble of having to snake your drain regularly. 

7. Flush Your Water Heater 

Flushing out your water heater once or twice a year will help eliminate the mineral sediments that accumulate in the bottom. Flushing your water heater helps it last longer. If not flushed regularly, sediment will build up, causing your water heater to rust. In addition to flushing your water heater, you should change the anode rod every five years. If you take good care of your water, it can last a long time.  

8. Regularly Inspect for Leaks 

Many causes of plumbing issues like rusted-out or corroded pipes, do not happen all at once. Regular inspections of your home's exposed pipes for signs of damage or decay will save you money in the long run. Rust, drops of water on the outside of the pipes and warping all indicate problems that require a qualified plumber to resolve. 

Benefits of Regular Plumbing Maintenance 

1. Reduced Water Bills 

Running toilets and minor leaks in your home’s pipes add up and can end up causing you a lot of money. Regularly checking for these issues will save you money and prevent water waste. 

2. Improved Water Quality 

Over time, plumbing pipes wear out, exposing the metal part to rust corrosion that will cause contamination of your water supply. Along with this, plumbing leaks create water patches that cause bacteria growth. Regular plumbing maintenance will help identify sources of contamination and help to resolve these issues early. 

3. Improved Lifespan of Your Plumbing System 

Standard plumbing maintenance helps continue the functionality and efficiency of your water piping system. Excess water pressure will strain your system’s joints and pipes and could lead to pipe bursts. Water leaks also damage your appliances as the water builds up at the base of the machinery. 

4. Better Water Pressure and Air Quality 

Water leaks can affect water pressure causing lower pressures in some faucets and sinks around the house. Fixing faulty taps will help restore your water pressure to the proper levels. Water leaks can also affect the quality of air in your home. The moisture from the leak provides an excellent environment for mold growth. Repairs to leaking pipes help to eradicate the mold problem permanently. 

5. Prevent Plumbing Emergencies 

Ignoring plumbing issues can worsen the situation and lead to extensive property damage. Burst pipes wreak havoc on your home, causing damage to your walls, floors, and ceilings. Regular maintenance with your local plumber will help identify minor issues before they escalate. 

Contact A Plumbing Professional Today

If you see the need to check on your plumbing system, it is best to contact a professional plumbing company as soon as possible. At Jordan Air and Plumbing, we service homes needing all plumbing repairs and maintenance needs. Give us a call or book an appointment online, and let us help you today. 

Jordan Air and Plumbing
1165 Athens Rd
Crawford, GA 30630
(706) 769-0661
https://www.jordanairinc.com/