6 Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Mar 23 2023

The plumbing system of our homes usually runs like clockwork. We do the dishes, take showers, cook, clean, and water plants on a regular basis without really giving active thought to what actually makes it all tick. Usually, we only truly give attention to the condition of the plumbing system when something goes wrong and needs to be repaired.

Instead of having to deal with the chaos caused by broken pipes, clogs, or leaks, we would be much better off adhering to proper plumbing maintenance in the first place. The good news is that this isn’t too much of a chore as it is a habit. What’s even better is that these little best practices will save you both headaches and money.

Keep the sinks, toilets, and other waterways in your household in perfect shape with the help of these six essential plumbing maintenance tips!

    1. Watch What You Flush

The first order of business: flush responsibly.

We bet that you’ve heard this one before, but it’s easy to rebel against this basic yet essential rule of plumbing maintenance. There are just some things that you must not flush down the toilet or the sink drain. Some of the most plumbing-armageddon-inducing items you can flush include toilet paper, wet wipes, plastic, sanitary products, and oil.

One thing to note about oil is that it can stick to the pipe walls and catch other debris. Other times, it chooses to solidify to create a solid blockage. You can save yourself tons of trouble by learning how to properly dispose of cooking oil.

So, remember, watch what you flush!

    2. Know How to Fix a Toilet Overflow

Have you ever been faced with the horrors of a toilet’s water level rising to the brim? If you can already predict a catastrophic toilet bowl overflow, don’t panic! All you have to do is open the tank and push the flush valve down. This will give you time to find out why your toilet is overflowing.

    3. Test For Leaks With Food Colouring

If you suspect that your toilet tank is leaking into the bowl, it’s time to put this theory to the (colour) test!

Choose a bright shade of food colouring, pour some into the tank, and wait an hour to see the results. If you see the colour in the bowl, it’s time to replace the tank ball to prevent water from leaking through. This DIY plumbing maintenance tip is also great for keeping your water bills in check. Wasting water is a big no-no, so always have leaks repaired immediately.

    4. Soften Hard Water to Prevent Clogged Drains

Hard water is rich in calcium or magnesium content. And you guessed it—they accumulate!

Thanks to the prominent presence of these minerals, hard water can cause drain blockages in the long run. A sure-fire indicator that your household has hard water running through it is white buildup on the faucets. The nugget of wisdom we can offer to remedy this is to install a water softener to dissolve the minerals.

Fun fact: the lack of harsh minerals in your water can do wonders for your skin and hair. So, that’s a huge plus point right there!

    5. Inspect Water Pressure On a Regular Basis

Strong water pressure may sound ideal, but that may not always be the case for the condition of the pipe walls, pipe joints, faucets, and showerheads. Excessive water pressure can actually put stress on your home plumbing system, making it more prone to damage.

To steer clear of this plumbing peril, you can use a water gauge. If the pressure is too high, it would be advisable to install a water pressure regulator.

    6. Use Non-Toxic Drain Cleaners

Beware of some commercial cleaning products made from toxic chemicals. These harsh cleaning agents—such as acids, caustics, oxidizers, esters, ethers, ketones, and aromatics can melt or damage the pipelines.

Always use non-toxic cleaning solutions to cleanse pipes and drains. In the event that it may need something a little stronger, it’s time to call the experts for a professional fix.

Do You Need a Sump Pump and Backwater Valve?

Yes, you definitely need a sump pump and backwater valve.

These two elements are indispensable in the game of plumbing maintenance. This is because a sump pump prevents water from flooding your property and damaging your belongings by pumping it away from the foundation.

To supplement the efforts of a sump pump, a backwater valve stops municipal sewers from flooding your home. This efficient device sits dormant, but in the event of a municipal sewer system overflow, it activates a valve to prevent water from entering your home.

So in addition to carrying out these six essential plumbing maintenance tips mentioned above, be sure to have these two efficient devices installed in your home.

Perfect Plumbing Courtesy of 1st Rooter

Keep your home plumbing system in tip-top shape with the help of the pros at 1st Rooter.

From plumbing maintenance and effective repairs, you can put your trust in our team of highly-qualified pros that has been serving the Hamilton community for over 25 years.

We’ve got you covered, all day, everyday, 24/7. Give us a call to learn more about our plumbing services!