Most people take their plumbing for granted. Your water systems inside your house and office blocks allow you to use toilets, faucets and hot water from geysers. However, without the correct plumbing maintenance these water systems can break or leak, causing damage to property. That’s why it’s important to have regular checks done by local commercial and residential plumbers to maintain your water systems. Also do your own checks so you know when to call them.
Not sure how to go about it? Here are top 10 plumbing tips for home and business owners to keep their water systems in tip-top shape.
1. Locate Your Shut Off Valve
You should always know exactly where your shutoff valve is in case of leaks or a burst pipe. This way you can turn your water off immediately to prevent water from damaging your property. The water shut off valve is also used when you want to install new pipes in the home.
Typically, the main water shut off valve is located outside a building. Familiarise yourself with its location so you know exactly where it is when you want to shut off the water system temporarily.
2. Know Where Pipes are Before Drilling
You may want to put up extra shelves or towel hangers in the bathroom. These fixtures require wall drilling. However, you should never drill into kitchen or bathroom walls without knowing where your pipes are located. You could accidentally drill a hole into a pipe and water will gush out.
Get a professional plumber to come through to help you locate the pipes. Once you know where the pipes are situated you can safely drill holes in your walls with peace of mind.
3. Inspect Pipes Under Sinks for Leaks
You may not realise that there’s a leak under your kitchen or bathroom sink until your floor is saturated with water. The water leaks can attract pests such as ants and it can generate mould growth.
Inspect your pipes regularly so if they are leaking you can fix the problem immediately. Let a professional plumber come out to tighten your fixtures under sinks and toilets for you. Professional plumbers have the correct tools to get it right the first time, so leave it to them to help you out.
4. Replace Your Geyser After 15 Years
Over time, your geyser’s pipes may break and the tank itself can develop cracks. It’s crucial that you replace your geyser after 15 years. A bonus is that newer geyser models are more energy efficient so you will save on utility costs.
Installing a new geyser can be incredibly complex so you want it to be done correctly. Avoid faulty pipe connections by opting for a professional plumber to come and install the tank for you.
5. Don’t Misuse Your Toilet
Some people throw all sorts of non-degradable junk down their toilets such as sanitary wipes or thick papers. Any item that can’t be broken up easily by water shouldn’t be thrown down your toilet because it can cause the pipes to clog.
If you’re in an office environment, ensure you train staff on what can and can’t be thrown down the toilet. Homeowners should inform family members not to throw waste into that drain, other than toilet paper.
6. Inspect Your Faucets Regularly
A faucet that leaks can waste up to three litres of water a day. That’s why it’s important that you inspect your faucets regularly to ensure they aren’t dripping unnecessarily. A non-dripping faucet is environmentally friendly and you’ll save on utility costs.
7. Watch What You Wash Down Drains
Homeowners or people in the food industry tend to flush food down the drains when washing dishes. Throwing foods, sauces and oils down the drain can cause the pipes to clog. Make sure you throw scraps away before you put plates and cups inside the sink to wash. This will prevent unnecessary problems.
8. Use Wet Dry Vacuums to Dislodge Drains
Small toys, jewellery and other tiny items can accidentally fall down the drain & block it. To dislodge small items, use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to suck it out of the drain.
9. Don’t Over Tighten Fittings
Some homeowners or business maintenance men will over-tighten fittings which can cause them to break over time. Washers can snap or links can strip which causes leaks. Let professional plumbers tighten fittings for you with their spanners or other tools that gets the job done right.
10. Remove Mineral Deposits
Mineral build-up can develop around taps and showerheads over time which reduces the performance of these fixtures. Unscrew the fixtures and soak them overnight in vinegar to remove the deposits. After these fixtures have been cleaned water will flow through them more effectively.
Final Thoughts
If you’re having any plumbing problems at home or in the office, phone a plumber to come and fix the issues for you. Plumbing jobs are typically quick and won’t rob you of too much time, as long as you call in the pros early enough. So, remember to inspect your water systems regularly to maintain its durability & function.