Your plumbing system is, without a doubt, one of the most important parts of your home. It allows you to run water, cook, take showers, clean dishes and wash your clothes without a second thought.
But with so many pipes running throughout your home, there is always a chance of something going wrong. Whether you live in the cold of Alaska, the warmth of Miami or the moderate temperatures of Indianapolis, plumbing issues can occur. They can not only be hard to detect, but can also do a lot of damage.
The key is prevention. Regularly having your drains checked prevents more significant problems from occurring. It’s why plumbers are so valued whether you’re in Indianapolis or Melbourne, Australia. Working with one of them in clearing blocked drains guarantees that your pipes can serve you through all conditions and times of the year.
However, there are some things you can do to avoid plumbing problems, or at least reduce their chances of occurring. Keep reading to learn a little more about avoiding common plumbing problems in your home.
Check for Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most common plumbing-related problems that homeowners will have to deal with. While some leaks will be obvious when they occur, others can exist for days or weeks before you discover them.
Sometimes, you’ll know there’s a leak if you see a spike in your water bill. But at this point, you’ve already lost a lot of water. It’s best to go to your water meter and watch how the reading goes after you’ve shut off the main water valve. If you see it moving even with the valve closed, there’s definitely a leak somewhere.
As a result, it is a good idea to frequently check for leaks. You should look under your sink, and check out the walls or ceilings under your kitchen and bathrooms to see if any mold or discoloration is occurring. While you can do this yourself, you can also find a local company by searching “leak detection Indianapolis,” or wherever you live.
If you discover a leak, it is a good idea to get it dealt with ASAP, and not simply leave it alone. Leaks can cause a lot of damage, so you need to deal with them appropriately before they cause bigger issues in your home.
Be Careful With What You Flush
Another plumbing problem is clogged pipes. This can happen for a number of reasons, but is often due to the fact that many people flush things that they shouldn’t. There are some things you should never flush, as they can cause clogging that can be expensive and time consuming to fix. In most cases, they will require a professional plumber, which can be expensive.
You should not flush paper towels, flushable baby wipes, diapers, dental floss, cotton balls, hairs or bandages down your toilet. You should have a garbage container somewhere in your bathroom, and never use the toilet like a garbage can. Even some thicker and plush toilet paper can lead to clogs in older plumbing systems, so consider using toilet paper that dissolves and disintegrates well.
If your toilet gets clogged, it could lead to many problems. The first one is the inconvenience it’ll cause your family. Another is the problem of clogged water flowing back to the bathroom resulting in a foul smell and dirty water going everywhere. This can endanger your health and inflict substantial water damage to your floors and carpets if it reaches those areas.
Grey water damage requires you to replace all your carpets if they get soaked for 48 hours. Not only do they look bad on your property but also encourage the growth of pathogens and mold. Doing so will naturally put a dent in your wallet.
Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is
One of the best ways to avoid a major plumbing issue is knowing where your shut-off valve is. When you are experiencing a major leak or other plumbing problem, this valve can simply be closed to prevent water damage. This will shut off all water to your home and can stop leaks and burst pipes from doing more damage. This simple step has the potential to save you thousands of dollars worth of damage, and is generally a very easy thing to do.
This valve will often be in your basement, along an interior wall somewhere in your home, or may even be outside. When you first move into a new home, it is wise to find out not only where the shut-off valve is, but also how to turn it on and off. It is important to note that if you live in an apartment, there is a chance you may not have a shut-off valve in your space.
Keeping Your Plumbing in Great Shape
Any or all of these tips should help you avoid major plumbing problems. These plumbing issues can cost a lot of money and do a lot of damage, so you always need to be careful. When in doubt, call a professional to take a look.
