Your plumbing is often hidden away, such that you often appreciate its significance only when there is a problem. Many different issues could arise, ranging from leaky faucets to clogged drains. It is wise not to ignore any signs of a fault in your system. Here are seven tips for how you can avoid damaging your plumbing.
Adopt Preventive Measures for Clogged Drains
One of the most common problems you may experience with your plumbing is clogged drains. When there is an obstruction in your plumbing, you’ll notice that the water is backing up in the sink. Toilet water may rise and overflow. Something could be partially blocking the movement of water as it goes down the drain.
You can prevent clogged drains by being mindful of what goes down the toilet. Even though flushable wipes are intended to disintegrate in water, they take time to dissolve. Therefore, when you use them often, your plumbing will clog.
The other reason behind clogged drains could be hair strands and detergents. When hair combines with shampoo or other cosmetic products, it forms balls that cause obstructions in the drainage. You can avoid those problems by ensuring only dissolvable material is flushed down the toilet.
Grease also seems harmless, but it coats your pipes and makes it easier for debris to stick to the inner walls. Food particles and hair will accumulate and eventually cause clogging. You should, therefore, dispose of grease properly rather than pouring it down the drain.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals in the Drain
You can damage your plumbing by misusing harsh chemicals such as drain cleaners or household bleaches. Many people assume that because the pipes are made of metal, they can withstand the chemicals. However, even mild cleaners designed for drains can corrode the pipes, especially with frequent use.
Drain cleaners are meant to break down the debris that is clogging the pipe. However, when there is no obstruction, it will act directly on your plumbing. If you have been experiencing clogs frequently, it is wise to seek the assistance of a professional.
Flush Your Water Heater Periodically
There’s nothing more disappointing than a water heater that breaks down unexpectedly. That’s why you ought to schedule maintenance to ensure you always have a reliable supply of water. You can call Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Norcross if you notice leaks, inconsistent temperature, and colored water.
One of the common causes of water heater problems is mineral deposits on the heating element. The sediments may be any materials that coat the components of your heater, but they are usually composed of magnesium and calcium found in the hard water.
If there are mineral deposits on the heating elements, you may hear a knocking or popping sound. The noises are the results of the sediment breaking up. That means that the minerals have to heat up before the water temperature can start to rise. As a result, your equipment will need a lot more energy, which will raise your utility bills.
If you suspect that your water heater has a problem, you can talk to our certified professionals in Norcross. Your tank may need professional cleaning to remove the deposits. We also recommend flushing your equipment periodically as a preventive measure that could extend your heater’s lifespan.
Do Not Ignore Even Minor Leaks
A dripping faucet seems harmless, so you may decide to address the issue later. However, those drops of water can add up to a considerable amount and raise your utility bills. According to the EPA, a household can lose up to 3,000 liters of water annually due to such leaks.
Leaks can also cause damage to flooring, walls, and other critical parts of your property. Sometimes the cause behind leakages is the natural wear and tear on your plumbing. Galvanized steel pipes can last between 20 to 50 years. However, your pipes’ longevity will depend on several factors, such as your day-to-day use and maintenance. The best way to avoid the deterioration of your plumbing is to schedule maintenance periodically.
Address Low Water Pressure Problems
Low water pressure can point to a wide range of issues. But before you make any conclusions, you’ll need to rule out the most obvious problem, which is a rise in demand for water in your home. If that is the problem, the pressure should return to normal when you are only using one fixture.
Another source of the problem may be corrosion, which leaves deposits on your pipe. Those deposits will block water flow to some faucets, which results in uneven pressure across your plumbing. If there is corrosion, you may notice colored water coming out of the pipes.
Another reason you may be having low water pressure could be the shut-off valve is turned off. You may have a partially closed valve after a plumbing job. Make sure it is fully open before you consider other possible causes of low water pressure.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t ignore signs of water pressure problems. Your piping may be outdated and may need to be replaced. Also, make a point of periodically looking out for leaks around the tank and checking the pressure valve. Technicians from Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Norcross can inspect your plumbing to prevent unnecessary damage.
Be Mindful About How You Treat Your Plumbing
It goes without saying that how you treat your plumbing will determine its longevity. Therefore, you should insulate your plumbing from freezing weather during the cold season. Also, when you are away from home, consider draining your pipes.
Water will expand as it freezes, and it could burst your pipes and cause flooding on your property. You can prevent damage by ensuring exposed outdoor piping has insulation.
Avoid mixing up plumbing materials fixtures. Some metals like copper and galvanized steel can react when they come into contact with each other. Galvanized steel contains zinc, which can cause corrosion around the joints. The rust will weaken at the connections, eventually starting leakages.
You can consult Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing whenever you need to change your pipes in Norcross. Some materials, like plastic, cannot handle hot water, so you should be clear about how you’ll use the fixture and its effect on your home plumbing.
We also recommend that you have your septic tank inspected by our professional plumbers at least once a year. Sewage backups from the septic tank can have a devastating effect on your property.
Sewer backups can introduce contaminants that can cause diseases. It can wreak havoc on your lawn and may even cause electrical faults. Cleaning up the waste from your property could prove to be expensive in the future.
Act Quickly to Address Plumbing Issues
Sometimes it is the seemingly minor problems that can cause the most devastating damage to your home. For example, a leak may be an indication that there is corrosion in your plumbing.
The longer you wait, the more damage it will have on your property, and it will be more expensive to fix. Scheduling inspections will catch problems as they arise that could otherwise cause irreversible damage later.
You don’t have to organize over the problems with your plumbing. We provide quality solutions for pipe replacements, and we can maintain, repair, and install both heating and cooling systems. For prompt services, call Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Norcross today.
