The Importance of Regular Plumbing Maintenance

One of the most significant investments a person can make is purchasing a home and in doing so, it should be in your best interest to take care of it. This includes periodic maintenance of your home’s plumbing system which is responsible for proving you with clean water supply. If you neglect the maintenance of your pipes, not only are you more vulnerable to losing on-demand hot and cold water, you also risk running into major (and costly) repairs down the line.

Not all plumbing issues need to be serious headaches. By following these maintenance tips, you can prevent some of the most common plumbing problems and save yourself plenty of time, money, and energy. Here’s why regular plumbing maintenance should be one of your top priorities and if it is not then it is imperative you get in touch with the leading plumbers in Rockingham who can assist you further.

Prevent clogged drains

Clogged drains are a major nuisance. If left unattended, it can cause corrosion, flooding, pipe leaks, and in worse cases, sewage backup. Thankfully, drain blockages can be prevented/reduced by placing sink strainers over drains in sinks and tubs. These strainers filter out food waste, gunk, hair, and other debris that can clog the drain pipes in your home. Simply take out the strainer, dispose of the rubbish, clean the strainer, and put it back in. It’s a simple preventative measure that will go a long way towards keeping your drain pipes clog-free.

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners

If you notice that your sink is draining slower than usual, your first thought might be to purchase a chemical drain cleaner. However, chemical cleaners can actually do more harm than good to your home plumbing systems, especially if you have porcelain and stainless steel sinks. Furthermore, these chemicals don’t remove blockages entirely. If you’re looking to unclog your drains without damaging your sink or the pipes, it’s best to call a plumber.

Address leaking taps immediately

Leaking taps not only waste precious clean water but can also indicate a more serious problem that can sometimes go undetected. If the leak is coming from the base of the tap, it could potentially damage your cupboard and countertop once you spot a leaking issue, make sure to call your local plumber immediately to remedy the problem.

High water pressure

High water pressure is a recurring issue in most homes and can cause unseen damage to pipework and taps. One sign of this is a super sensitive shower hot water tap, where a small turn of the knob can make the shower too hot or too cold. It can depend on your location as some areas have higher water pressure than others.

High water pressure can lead to pinhole leaks in pipes, wear out tap seats and washers more quickly, and create additional leaks and home damage such as rotten subfloors and grout cracks. Having the correct water pressure in your home will help extend the lifespan of the washers, taps, and your hot water system as a whole.

How often should you have your plumbing system inspected

Having your plumbing system inspected on a regular basis is crucial to ensure things are functioning properly as identifying potential issues early on can mean a huge difference between a small leak and a big one. Like with most home repairs, it helps to be proactive when it comes to inspecting the condition of your home’s plumbing.

Most professional plumbers recommend that a home’s plumbing system should be checked at least once or twice every 2 years. There are instances when inspection should happen more frequently and here are a few examples:

• Older homes – Older homes built before the 1960s may have plumbing systems that use steel pipes. Back in the day, steel pipes were predominantly used on home plumbing systems due to its strength properties. But the problem is that pipeworkers overlooked the fact that steel and water don’t go well with each other and the end result is the pipes deteriorated over time. This can lead to leaks, bursts and lead content in the water supply.
  
• Properties with mature trees – Mature trees surrounding a property have an extensive root system underground that is not always easy to see or track. Growing roots can potentially push right through underground plumbing pipes and cause damage.
  
• Moving into a new home – If you’re moving into a new home, it’s probably a good idea to have a thorough plumbing inspection by an experienced professional. This ensures your home’s plumbing is in great shape and you won’t have to deal with any repair headaches for the foreseeable future.

When choosing a plumber to provide a thorough inspection of your plumbing system, be sure you choose one that has the experience to back up their reputation. You’ll want a plumbing company that is qualified and familiar with the techniques and tools necessary to deliver a top-notch inspection.