We're certain that, like most people, you don't like to call a plumber unless it's an absolute emergency. Apart from the cost of getting plumbers, they can also be very disruptive to your daily routine.
But if you leave your plumbing system without regular maintenance, you're practically begging for a big repair bill down the line. So save yourself the money and grief, and do some basic plumbing maintenance around your home.
Here are six maintenance tips that every homeowner should be able to carry out on their plumbing system:
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Avoid low water pressure by cleaning your showerhead regularly
You don't always have to call a plumber because you have low water pressure from your shower. If your showerhead is covered in mildew, limescale or mineral deposits, it can cause a decrease in water pressure. Fortunately, you can clean the showerhead with a simple vinegar solution.
Just unscrew the showerhead and soak it overnight in a cup of vinegar. In the morning, brush away any remaining deposits with an old toothbrush and reattach the showerhead. You should see an improvement in water pressure right away.
You should keep mildew away from your bathroom by wiping down surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water. This will also help prevent mold build-up that can lead to unpleasant odors in your bathroom. Also, leave a window open or the extractor fan running when you are using the shower.
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Clean your garbage disposal
The garbage disposal is meant to prevent clogs in your pipes, but it can also cause them if it isn't properly maintained. Avoid expensive repairs by keeping your garbage disposal well maintained. One way to do this is to place ice cubes and cold water in the disposal and turn it on. This will help break up any food particles stuck in the blades and prevent them from building up into a clog that requires a plumber's services to remove. You may add lemon peel to give the garbage disposal or garburator a pleasant smell.
Let everyone in your home know what should and shouldn't go into the garburator. Putting the wrong item leads to blockages. These should not go into the garbage disposal;
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Fruit pits
- Grease and oil
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Keep banging noises at bay by securing your water pipes
Plumbers are sometimes needed in homes because of banging noises from water pipes. These noises are most prevalent in homes with copper pipes. They occur as a result of the contraction and expansion of these pipes as hot or cold water runs through them. If the issue occurs in loose pipes running along the wall, you can secure the pipes with plumbing straps or clips for every foot.
If the pipes are behind a dry wall, then there's not much you can do about the noises. You don't have to worry as your plumbing system is not about to shut down. You should note that if the sound occurs when an appliance like a washing machine is turned off, it is called hydraulic shock or water hammer. This is due to a valve shutting off quickly. To avoid this, create a space full of air before the outlet, to absorb the pressure.
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Unclog a toilet as soon as you spot the issue
Clogged toilets are often caused by people flushing items that don't belong down the toilet. Many plumbers have to deal with a clogged toilet at least once or twice a week, so if you spot the issue early on there's no need to call them in.
One way to prevent a clogged toilet is by avoiding flushing certain items down the drain. Some of the things you should educate your family members never to flush are;
- Baby wipes
- Food
- Diapers
- Excessive toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
If you detect a blockage, stop using the toilet immediately to avoid making the clog worse. To resolve the problem, pour about three gallons of water into the bowl. If that doesn't work, the next thing you should do is reach for a plunger with an extension flange on the bell-shaped end.
Place the plunger with the rubber end over the toilet trap. Apply a bit of force to avoid splashing water all over. Now try plunging in and out while applying more force. This should loosen the clog. If this doesn't work, then you can try using a toilet auger to break up the clog or call the experts at Titan Plumbing And Electric.
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Maintain your hot water supply
A common reason why plumbers are called out is because of hot water not being hot enough. Simple maintenance can help avoid this problem. Even after it occurs, it's often easy to fix. One common cause of this problem is a thermostat in the wrong setting. You may forget to turn your thermostat up in winter after turning it down in summer. Sometimes people also bump into their thermostats. It helps to check yours frequently.
In tank-based systems, sediment buildup may be the cause of the problem. Regularly draining and cleaning the tank can prevent this issue.
You should note that not all water heater problems can be handled by you, the homeowner. A leak, a broken dip tube, a broken gas valve, or a broken heating element are all issues that are best left to professional plumbers. Most plumbing contractors offer water heater services.
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Have some tools at home just in case
One of the most important things to do is to have some plumbing tools handy just in case. This makes it easy for you and your family members to fix minor problems when they arise and save money in the process.
You should consider investing in a plunger and a toilet auger or plumber's snake to clear toilet clogs. You'll need an adjustable wrench and a few screwdrivers to handle leaking faucets. A pipe wrench may also come in handy while a blocked sink will require a hand-held auger and a cup plunger.
Get In Touch With Our Team Today
If you notice a water leak, contact Titan Plumbing And Electric as soon as possible. We offer 24/7 emergency services to ensure that your plumbing issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. We can also help you with regular plumbing maintenance. Call us today at (813) 680-2075 for more information about our services.
