Your plumbing system is a complex network of pipes that deliver hot and cold water and eliminate waste on demand. While it may seem daunting to care for your home plumbing, routine maintenance and preventative measures can go a long way in preserving its functionality.

Keep in mind that small household leaks can add up to gallons of water wasted each day. Safeguard against these issues by heeding these five essential plumbing tips from Chris West Plumbing:

Check Your Water Heater Regularly

The water heater is a vital part of your home’s plumbing system. Without proper care, the appliance can suffer from numerous problems, such as leaks, insufficient hot water production, and more. Fortunately, you can prevent such issues by observing some simple maintenance tips.

Leaks are a common culprit of wasted water and high utility bills. These silent culprits can lead to costly repairs and even damage your home’s infrastructure. Fortunately, you can avoid such issues by keeping an eye out for any visible signs of leaks around your water heater, such as puddles and dampness in the surrounding area. You can also monitor your water meter by writing down the reading, waiting an hour without using any water, and then checking the meter again to see if the number has changed.

Aside from leaks, you should also regularly check your pipes for signs of clogs and corrosion. Be particularly careful about what you flush down the toilet; only human waste and toilet paper should go down the drain. Other items, like hair, food waste, grease, and wipes (even “flushable” ones) can form solid masses that clog your drains. Ensure that your kitchen and bathroom drains are cleared of any sediment buildup at least once a month by using a solution of baking soda and vinegar.

You should also familiarize yourself with the location of your main water shut-off valve, so that you can quickly shut off your home’s water supply in case of an emergency. And don’t forget to schedule regular professional inspections of your plumbing pipes so that any potential issues are addressed before they become worse.

Clean Clogged Drains Regularly

It’s easy to take your home’s drains for granted – until one of them gets clogged. Debris from food scraps, hair, soap scum, toilet paper, baby wipes and other waste can bind together to create solid masses that block a drain. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent clogs and keep your drains running smoothly.

The easiest way to check a drain is to remove the cover and look down inside. If you see standing water, you may have a clog. If you don’t, the clog could be in a different part of your plumbing system. It is important to assess each drain separately so you can choose the most effective and safe DIY unclogging method.

Depending on the type of clog you have, you can try to fix it using household items like baking soda and vinegar, boiling water, plungers or chemicals. For a grease clog, pour a little bit of liquid dish soap down the drain followed by a cup of boiling water. This combination should dissolve most clogs, but it is not guaranteed to work for all types of clogs.

If you are unable to fix your clogged drain, call in a professional plumber. Clogged drains can lead to sewage backups, which are much more expensive and hazardous than small maintenance issues.

Clean drains regularly to help your home smell fresh and avoid odors that are caused by bacteria, mold and other organisms that collect in slow or blocked drains. Bacteria and mold can also cause health problems for your family members.

Keep Your Faucets and Valve Snug

A dripping faucet may seem harmless, but those pesky drops can lead to astronomical utility bills and water damage if left unchecked. In addition, those tiny leaks can also attract bugs and rodents to your home. It is therefore important to fix any leaks promptly. You can do this by regularly checking for leaks around sinks, toilets, drainpipes and hot water heaters.

If you find a leak, make sure to fix it as soon as possible and replace any parts that have worn out. You can also avoid a leaky faucet by ensuring that all of your pipes are properly insulated. This can prevent frozen pipes and minimize your risk of costly plumbing repairs in the future.

You should also know where your shut-off valves are located. By knowing where they are and how to turn them off, you can quickly stop a flood or a burst pipe in its tracks. Additionally, you should be able to identify the signs of a serious plumbing issue like low water pressure and water discoloration so that you can call a plumber before it gets out of control.

Finally, if you live in an area with hard water, you should drip your faucets slightly during cold temperatures. This will help prevent the formation of mineral deposits and scale on your fixtures. Plumbers told KUT that you should drip your kitchen and bathroom faucets as well as any other rooms with an exterior wall. However, you should not drip all of your faucets because it could cause a loss of water pressure. Also, make sure to drip both the hot and cold faucets. The preferred drip tempo is a beat-drip or a pitter-patter.

Check Your Water Pressure Regularly

The last thing you want to hear is the sound of a dripping faucet or shower head. These leaks can be caused by a number of things, including worn-out washers and O-rings, rusty pipes, or even by just age and wear. The good news is that they are usually easy to fix if caught quickly. However, if you let a problem linger, it can worsen and lead to costly repairs.

That is why it is important to test your water pressure regularly. This simple task not only ensures that you are getting a satisfying shower but also protects your plumbing system from damage. Water pressure that is too high can corrode your pipes, cause burst hoses, and reduce the lifespan of appliances and fixtures that use water. On the other hand, water pressure that is too low can cause sagging pipes and may not even be enough to rinse your hair or wash your dishes.

When you check your water pressure, make sure to turn off all of the faucets and water-using appliances in your home. This includes your washing machine, ice maker, dishwasher, and toilets. You can purchase a pressure gauge at most home improvement stores or online for around $15. Usually, the pressure reading should be somewhere between 35 and 170 psi, but you can always check with your local water company to get an accurate number, with remarkable plumbers like Lubbock plumbers who can assist you along the way.

If you notice that your water pressure is lower than usual, it is a good idea to have a plumber come out and take a look. This can help save you from a major plumbing disaster that will require costly repair bills in the future.

Schedule Regular Inspections

The plumbing system in our homes is a critical component of our daily lives, and it can be easy to take it for granted – until something goes wrong. A plumbing disaster can be a major disruption to your life, and it can also be extremely costly to resolve.

The key to avoiding costly emergency repairs is proactive maintenance and regular inspections. A plumber can check for potential problems, such as leaks, clogs and water pressure issues, and address them before they cause serious damage.

Leaky pipes are a common problem that can occur anywhere in your home, including behind the walls where you can’t see them. While small leaks may seem insignificant, they can actually waste large amounts of water and significantly increase your water bill. Leaky pipes can also lead to structural damage and mold growth, so it is important to have them fixed as soon as you notice a leak.

Frequent clogs or backups are another sign that it is time to schedule an inspection. In addition to preventing unnecessary water damage, a clogged drain or sewer backup can also be very hazardous to your health and the health of others in your home. A professional plumber can use a camera to inspect your drains and sewer line for any blockages or other issues.

For homeowners, creating a plumbing maintenance schedule is an effective way to prevent major issues and keep your home’s plumbing functioning properly for years to come. A plumbing inspection conducted by a qualified plumber, such as the professionals at Metro Flow Plumbing, can detect and repair minor problems before they become expensive emergencies. A routine plumbing inspection can also help your plumbing fixtures last longer, by identifying any signs of wear and tear so they can be replaced sooner rather than later.