Plumbing systems endure a great deal of wear and tear, so it’s important to maintain them regularly. Plumbing Express, Inc. can help prevent costly repairs down the road.
It also helps avoid safety hazards. For example, a faulty water heater could leak and cause flooding. Knowing where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it can help minimize damage in an emergency.
Many people only think about their plumbing system when they have a problem, but taking preventative measures can help keep your home’s pipes running smoothly for years to come. Educating yourself and your family about the most common causes of drain clogs can help you avoid them.
Kitchen drains clog most often due to food scraps or grease that accumulates and blocks water flow. Installing a sink strainer and regularly using hot water to clear out debris can help minimize this issue. Likewise, educating household members about the importance of only flushing toilet paper, human waste and toilet tissue can reduce the number of foreign objects that end up in sewer lines.
The shower is another frequent culprit of drain clogs. Soap combines with minerals in hard water to form a thick residue that can build up and block pipe walls. Keeping a drain screen in the tub or installing a shower curtain can catch hair and soap scum before it goes down your pipes, and regular shower water cleaning with a commercial product can also prevent these issues.
A gurgling sound coming from your drains can indicate that there is trapped air trying to escape past an obstruction. Whether it’s from a garbage disposal or a broken pipe, this is an important warning sign that it’s time to call your plumber for maintenance or repair services.
Clogged toilets and drains can lead to significant and costly plumbing problems. Recognizing the early signs of these issues can help you save money and stress by calling a plumber before the problem escalates. Preventative maintenance, regular drain cleaning, and an annual inspection by a professional plumber can all help keep your drains flowing freely.
It’s important to test your water pressure at least a couple of times per year as part of your plumbing maintenance routine. A pressure test involves pumping pressurized air into your plumbing to check for leaks and other issues that can cause low or high water pressure in your home’s fixtures and appliances.
It’s best to conduct the test when no water is being used in your home, so turn off all faucets, washing machines, sprinkler systems, and ice makers. A standard pressure gauge can be found at most hardware stores. To start the test, open the main water valve located where it enters your home’s house. Then, use the pressure gauge to gradually increase the water pressure in your plumbing system. It’s important to monitor the pressure closely, so you know if it begins to drop or if any leaks are detected.
If your water pressure is too high, it could damage your pipe connections, water heater, and other fixtures. It can also cause blowouts in flex lines and washing machine hoses, which may flood your home. Too little water pressure can also cause sluggish showerheads and trickling faucets. To solve this issue, you can try adjusting your water meter, shut-off valves, or installing a water pressure booster system.
One of the most common causes of low water pressure is clogged pipes. Minerals, rust, and debris accumulate inside the pipes over time, narrowing the passage of water and restricting flow. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your plumbing. It’s also a good idea to invest in a water softener to minimize sediment buildup. In addition, you should replace old or inefficient pipes to ensure proper water flow and pressure.
Leaking outdoor faucets, also known as spigots or hose bibbs, are a common plumbing problem that can lead to costly water damage. They can also cause a measurable increase in utility bills due to wasted water. To prevent these issues, homeowners should regularly inspect their spigots for signs of wear and tear.
Common causes of leaks are worn-out washers within the faucet stem or loose packing nuts. These problems can usually be fixed by tightening the faucet handle, but if the leak persists, replacing the washer or valve stem may be necessary. It is also a good idea to upgrade to frost-proof spigots, which have a longer valve stem to keep the shut-off closer to the warmer interior of the home and are less prone to freezing in winter.
If you notice rust or mineral deposits around the spigot, it’s important to clean these components to prevent further damage. It’s also a good idea to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses during the winter season to prevent frozen pipes. Additionally, homeowners should regularly insulate exposed pipes to protect them from cold weather damage and periodically replace washers and O-rings to improve seals.
Finally, an annual maintenance check-up from a trusted plumber can help catch any problems before they become serious. During this appointment, the plumber can inspect for any clogs or cracks, and make repairs as needed to keep your home in tip-top shape. This is a small price to pay for peace of mind that your home is well-maintained and protected from costly water damage. With the proper care and attention, your outdoor spigots can serve you for years to come. If you’re ready to schedule a plumbing inspection, contact us today!
Gutters and downspouts play a critical role in the function of your roof and home. They move water away from the foundation to prevent moisture intrusion, which can cause rot and mold. However, if the gutters are clogged, the system is ineffective and could lead to costly damage. Regular cleaning and inspections are essential to a well-functioning gutter system. You should clean the gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, in spring and fall, to keep them working properly.
Before you start cleaning, it’s a good idea to set up a ladder next to the downspout and secure it with a rope or bungee cord. This will prevent you from falling off the ladder and hurting yourself. Once you’re up on the ladder, you should wear sturdy work gloves and a hat. A gutter scoop or garden trowel is also helpful to get rid of large debris. Start at the end of the downspout and work your way toward the dead end, checking for clogs along the way.
If the downspout is clogged, use your hose to flush it. This should clear out any lingering debris and ensure that water is flowing freely through the downspout. You can also hose down the entire gutter to help rinse it off. This will help the gutters stay cleaner longer and reduce the risk of clogs.
Once the gutters and downspouts are cleaned, it’s a good idea to test them. Have a helper push a hose down into the downspout to see if it flows freely. If not, it may be time to invest in a plumbing snake or hire a professional plumber. You can also re-route the downspout if necessary to prevent it from getting clogged. It’s typically suggested that downspouts be redirected at least 10 feet away from the property foundation to avoid issues with water flow.
Tree roots are opportunistic and they take advantage of any cracks or holes in your sewer lines to gain access to water. Once they’re inside the pipes, they can form a tangled web that restricts water flow and causes clogs. Untreated, these clogs can lead to serious structural problems and costly repairs.
Signs of an invading root include slow drains, gurgling noises from the toilet and foul odors from the sinks. If you notice any of these symptoms, call a plumber immediately for a professional inspection.
If you can’t get rid of the roots using root killer, rock salt, or copper sulfate, it’s time to call a professional plumber for help. A plumber will use a mechanical auger or a hydro-jet machine to cut away the roots and repair any cracks or leaks in the pipe.
The best way to prevent invading tree roots is to install a barrier. This is an excellent solution for homeowners who want to keep their trees but don’t want them to cause damage to their plumbing system.
While it’s possible to do some basic preventative maintenance on your plumbing, a plumber is always the best choice when it comes to more extensive issues. The most common plumbing problems involve leaking or broken pipes, and without the help of a trained technician, they can become dangerous and expensive to fix. Angi connects you with specialized plumbers who can diagnose and repair any issues quickly and effectively. Contact us to schedule your plumbing service today. We offer free estimates and fair pricing. We also offer financing options for your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!