5 Helpful Monthly Plumbing Maintenance Habits for Your Home
Keeping your home in tip-top shape is a big responsibility and can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together these plumbing maintenance habits to adopt. You’ll be amazed at how much smoother things go when you have a plan, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Following these monthly tips can avoid costly repairs down the road.
1. Flush Your Toilet
If you have an older toilet, it might need more frequent flushing (7 gallons per flush) than newer models. The main reason is that older ones retain more waste particles in their tanks than in recent models. To test whether your toilet needs to be serviced, put a dollar in the tank and flush. If the tank fills up within 1.5 minutes and then flushes, it’s okay. If it takes longer than one minute, there’s a problem.
An alternative method is flushing some oil-based dyes, such as food coloring, down your toilet. If your toilet bowl turns blue, your toilet is leaking, and you should call a plumber immediately.
2. Install Mesh Drain Covers
A mesh drain cover is a simple tool that can prevent the accumulation of hair, soap scum, and other debris in your drains. Place them over the top of your drain and let them catch all the gunk that would generally get stuck on your pipes. You should change them out once every three months, but if you notice any buildup in your drains, you can remove them and clean them as needed.
3. Clean Your Drains
Cleaning your drains will help prevent clogs and buildup in the pipes. First, use a plunger to clear hair or debris that might be stuck in the drainpipe. If the plunger doesn’t work, try pouring vinegar and baking soda solution (1 cup baking soda + 1 cup vinegar) and then follow up with boiling water. It would help if you did this weekly while running the shower or washing dishes to flush the accumulation.
If this still fails, try using a drain snake or drain auger to clear any blockages.
4. Check the Water Pressure and Leaks
If you notice that the water pressure in your house is low, it could indicate something wrong with your pipes. To test for leaks, put food coloring into a spray bottle filled with water and spray around areas where pipes or valves are coming into your home. If any colored water appears outside of these places, there’s a problem, and you should call a professional.
Please turn off all faucets in the house and turn on the cold-water faucet closest to where it enters the house. When using a pressure gauge, the pressure should be between 40 pounds per square inch (psi) and 60 psi. If it’s too high or too low, adjust the valve on the aerator until you get it right. If you see the pressure is less in one or more faucets, call a plumber immediately to fix it before it worsens.
5. Monitor Water Consumption
According to studies, you use 60 liters of water to run the dishwasher. The easiest way to monitor water use in your household is by checking the bill. You can see how much water you’re using each month, and if something looks out of place, it might be worth calling an expert. Also, installing a water meter on the main line that supplies the water to your house helps. If this isn’t possible, use a flow meter on individual fixtures such as toilets or sinks.
Take Away
Follow the tips above help avoid plumbing issues in your home and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. For instance, ensuring your pipes are in good shape and no leaks will help. Coastal Mechanical Contractors are your best experts for homeowners needing plumbing repair and HVAC repair and installation. We focus on overall maintenance and repairs to maintain your home. Please contact us at (985) 876–6187 for plumbing issues in your home.