Plumbing

Overview

It’s crucial to maintain your home’s plumbing system to ensure it runs smoothly and prevent expensive repairs. Important strategies include not disposing of grease and oil down the drain, using sink strainers to catch debris, and being careful about what you flush—only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet.Regular pipe inspections, annual water heater maintenance, and locating your main water shut-off valve are essential practices. Using natural alternatives to chemical drain cleaners, installing whole-home water filters, and using plungers effectively for clog removal can also greatly benefit your plumbing system.

Additionally, practicing water conservation by using low-flow faucets and showerheads, addressing leaky faucets promptly, and considering the age and efficiency of your water heater can save water and energy. Proper garbage disposal maintenance, such as using eggshells for cleaning and avoiding overloading, along with preventive measures like insulating pipes and regularly checking for leaks, helps maintain plumbing efficiency. In case of emergencies, keeping a professional plumber’s contact handy is advisable to avoid exacerbating issues with DIY fixes.

Home Plumbing Success: 10 Essential Tips

Maintain your plumbing system with these key strategies:

    1. Instead of disposing of grease and oil down the drain, store them in a container to prevent potential blockages over time.
    2. Place sink strainers to trap food particles and debris, ensuring unhindered drainage, and make sure to clean them regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
    3. Please refrain from flushing anything except human waste and toilet paper to prevent serious clogs. Avoid flushing items such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and paper towels.
    4. Make sure to inspect your pipes every year to catch any leaks or cracks and avoid expensive repairs down the line.
    5. Please refrain from using chemical drain cleaners because they can damage your pipes and create health hazards. Instead, you can opt for natural alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar, or you can enlist the help of a professional.
    6. Combat hard water and filter impurities by installing a whole-home water filter system, ensuring better water quality for your plumbing and overall health.
    7. Use a plunger to dislodge sink or toilet clogs, avoiding chemical cleaners. Ensure a proper seal and repeat the plunging process if necessary.
    8. Make sure you know where the main water shut-off valve is located so you can quickly deal with any plumbing emergencies.
    9. Arrange for a licensed professional to perform an annual inspection and maintenance service on your water heater to extend its lifespan and efficiency and keep the warranty valid.
    10. When faced with a plumbing issue, enlist the expertise of a licensed professional plumber rather than attempting DIY fixes, which may exacerbate the problem.

Essential Plumbing Tips and Tricks for Homeowners

It’s important to keep your plumbing system in good condition to ensure your home runs smoothly. Here are some helpful suggestions and guidance for maintaining the top performance of your plumbing:

  1. Address leaky faucets promptly to prevent water wastage. Even a small leak can add up to gallons of wasted water over time.
  2. Make sure to insulate your electric hot-water storage tank and pipes in order to save energy, but be careful not to block the thermostat.
  3. Similarly, insulate your gas or oil hot-water storage tank and pipes, but avoid covering crucial components like the thermostat, burner compartment, or top and bottom of the water heater. When in doubt, seek professional assistance.
  4. Install non-aerating low-flow faucets and shower heads to reduce water consumption and save money on your water bill.
  5. Consider the age of your water heater. While most last 10-15 years, it’s wise to start researching replacements once yours is over 7 years old. This proactive approach ensures you have time to select the best option for your needs.
  6. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to a reasonable temperature. Factory settings can sometimes be unnecessarily high. A setting around 115°F is typically sufficient for most households.
  7. Every three months, remove a quart of water from your water tank to get rid of sediment buildup, which can hinder heat transfer and decrease efficiency.
  8. Living in a warm and sunny area means that if you reside there, think about installing a solar water heater, especially if you use electricity for heating. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective option in suitable conditions.

Valuable Plumbing Tips and Tricks for Home Maintenance

Maintaining the plumbing system in your home in excellent condition is crucial for ensuring comfort and efficiency. Below are a few useful suggestions and guidance to ensure everything continues to operate smoothly.

1. Garbage Disposal Maintenance:

  • Clean garbage disposals effectively by using eggshells.
  • Make sure not to overload the disposal with too much food all at once.
  • Prevent clogs by using plenty of water while running the garbage disposal.
  • Avoid putting rice, pasta, bones, corn cobs, or beans into the disposal.

2. Water Conservation:

  • Opt for showers over baths to conserve water; showers use less hot water.
  • Select a water heater that has a first-hour rating suitable for your family’s hot water requirements.
  • Consider off-peak electricity rates for electric water heaters.
  • Water heaters that run on natural gas, oil, and propane generally tend to be more cost-efficient compared to electric models.
  • Install a timer for electric water heaters to save energy.
  • Switch to low-flow faucets and showerheads in order to decrease water consumption.

3. Safety and Efficiency:

  • Ensure proper ventilation for gas and oil water heaters to prevent back-drafting of combustion gases.
  • Install the water heater in a heated area, not in an unheated basement.
  • Minimize the length of piping to your bathroom and kitchen to improve efficiency.
  • Use biodegradable soaps to conserve water and protect the environment.

4. Preventive Maintenance:

  • Regularly check all pipes for leaks, as even minor leaks have the potential to squander considerable quantities of water.
  • Check for leaks by monitoring your water meter when no water is being used.
  • Have your septic system checked twice a year for proper function.
  • Replace old showerheads with newer, water-efficient models to save water.
  • Avoid overusing detergents and chemicals, as they can harm septic systems.

5. Dealing with Clogs:

  • Use appropriate plungers for toilets and sinks to remove clogs effectively.
  • If plunging doesn’t work for a clogged toilet, contact a professional plumber.
  • Try pouring baking soda and vinegar down a clogged drain, followed by boiling water.
  • Let a clogged toilet sit for a few hours or overnight before attempting to flush again.
  • Avoid using toilet flushing tabs, as they can cause problems in the long run.

6. Cleaning Tips:

  • Use distilled vinegar to remove hard water stains on showerheads.
  • Clean dishwasher by running it with white vinegar.
  • Use half a lemon to remove hard water stains on faucets.
  • Clean toilets with Coke or let vinegar-soaked bags sit on the showerhead to remove stains.

7. Emergency Preparedness:

  • Keep a plumber’s contact number handy for emergencies.
  • Turn off the water valve behind the toilet immediately if it starts to overflow.

8. Additional Tips:

  • Avoid putting disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, and other items down drains.
  • Consider installing a corner toilet in small bathrooms to save space.
  • Place a bucket in the shower to catch water for other household uses, such as washing your vehicle.

9. Maintenance Tips:

  • Check your water meter for an easy-to-read leak indicator to detect leaks.
  • Test for leaky toilets using food coloring in the tank.
  • Retrieving items that have fallen into the toilet can be completed by utilizing a wet/dry vacuum.
  • Make it a habit to regularly check your sump pump for any signs of malfunction, such as strange noises or a lack of water discharge.
  • Ensure the float in your sump pump is free of obstructions and the outlet is pumping water effectively.
  • Consider installing a check valve and a dedicated electrical circuit for your sump pump to enhance its efficiency and safety.
  • Avoid using extension cords to plug in sump pumps and turn off power to basement outlets before attempting repairs.

10. Maintenance Warnings:

  • Beware of using chemicals to unclog drains, as they can corrode pipes.
  • Watching home improvement shows doesn’t equate to professional plumbing expertise; complex plumbing issues are best handled by licensed professionals.
  • Address leaky faucets promptly to avoid costly repairs and water waste.

11. Emergency Preparedness:

  • Keep a licensed plumber’s contact number handy for plumbing emergencies.

12. Water Conservation:

  • Choose showers over baths and install WaterSense labeled toilets to conserve water.
  • Avoid overusing detergents and chemicals, as they can harm plumbing systems and septic tanks.

Dos and Don'ts of Plumbing

Plumbing can seem daunting, but with some basic knowledge of dos and don’ts, you can keep your system running smoothly. Here are essential tips:

Dos:

  • Flush Only Toilet Paper: Flushing anything other than toilet paper can lead to clogs. Stick to flushing only toilet paper to avoid costly repairs.
  • Regular Leak Checks: Check faucets, pipes, and toilets for leaks regularly to save on water bills and prevent water damage.
  • Know Your Shut-Off Valve: Make sure you know where the primary water shut-off valve is located in case of emergencies such as burst pipes. Turning off the water promptly can help to minimize additional damage.
  • Replace Old Fixtures and Pipes: Replace worn-out fixtures and pipes to avoid future repairs. Use plumber’s tape for threaded connections to prevent leaks.
  • Use Drain Strainers: Prevent clogs by using drain strainers to catch debris and particles before they enter the plumbing system.
  • Insulate Pipes: Protect pipes from freezing and bursting by insulating them during cold weather.
  • Dispose of Fats and Grease Properly: To prevent clogs, it’s best not to pour fats, oils, and grease down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in the trash.
  • Be Mindful of Garbage Disposal: Only dispose of appropriate items in the garbage disposal to avoid damaging the blades.
  • Empty Traps Regularly: Regularly empty P-traps under sinks to prevent odors and blockages.

Don'ts:

  • Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals to clear blockages, as they can damage pipes. Call a professional plumber for assistance.
  • Avoid Overloading the Garbage Disposal: Avoid putting bones, fruit pits, or vegetable peels into garbage disposal as they can harm the blades.