We don’t pay much attention to our plumbing system. Plumbing systems in our houses are critical because they efficiently perform water disposal. They help keep the harmful and dirty water separate from the clean drinking water.

Plumbing is an integral part of residential and commercial buildings as they supply clean water for drinking and other uses. We take plumbing for granted and pay very little attention to its maintenance.

It is essential to notice minor plumbing issues to avoid further damage and costly repairs. If you often face plumbing issues and don’t have much idea about the plumbing system, this article might help you.

Here are some things you didn’t know about plumbing system maintenance.

1.    Leak Detection

The main issue we face in our plumbing is the leakage of water. There are several ways that can help you find leakage in your plumbing. If you notice a leak in your plumbing systems and won’t be able to find it, then you can use blue dye tablets. They can help you find the leak. You can drop a tablet in your toilet and locate your leakage.

Leakage detection tablets help you in finding the location of the leak. After detecting the leakage, you can determine whether you need to call a plumber or you can fix it yourself. One tablet is required for a month to see any leak. There are many other ways you can find out the leakage spot.

2.    Clogged Toilet

Every plumbing system has its problems. Having a clogged toilet is the most common issue in plumbing maintenance. Bathrooms can get easily blocked if you don’t pay attention. They can get clogged with anything such as toilet paper or a toy etc. The main reason they get clogged and don’t flush properly is that may be something stuck in the pipe, which makes flushing difficult.

If your toilet gets clogged, turn the water off and plunge it and while doing so, remember to follow manufacturer instructions. If you don’t know how to clear the issue and then you can take the help of many plumbing maintenance companies, just like plumbing companies, plumbing companies which can help you solve your problem.

3.    Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are harsh, and they can damage your water pipes. Many commercial cleaners are available in the markets that are famous for their cleaning actions, but they can damage your plumbing system. Chemicals in these drain cleaners eat away at the enamel of your pipes which leads to corrosion.

Try to choose natural drain cleaners that you can easily make at home. Baking soda and vinegar have cleansing properties, and they can’t damage your pipes. Follow the cleaning instructions mentioned in the manual and after cleaning, flush with plenty of water to get clean drains.

4.    Replace the Pipes

If you want to keep your plumbing system up to date, replace your pipes when they are damaged beyond repair. The trick is to know when to change your pipes. With time the pipes may be cracked, damaged, or leaked. If you start noticing these problems, replace your old pipes with new ones. One of the five things you did not know about the plumbing maintenance system is when to change the pipes.

If you wait too long to replace the pipes, then this can lead to more severe issues such as the bursting of pipes. A burst pipe might result in extensive damage or flooding.

5.    Insulation of Pipes

Pipes are an essential part of plumbing systems. You have to look for exposed or damaged pipes when you detect an issue with your plumbing system. To prevent pipes from getting frozen, you can insulate them. Insulated pipes can prevent them from any external damage caused due to weather conditions.

You can find pipe insulations at any hardware store, and they are affordable. Buy insulation and cut that to the size of a pipe. Now slip the insulation over the pipe and protect it. Insulations also prevent pipes from bursting and save you the cost of repairing or changing pipes every season.

Basic Parts of Plumbing

To better understand the plumbing maintenance system, let’s look at some of the essential parts.

1.    Main Valve

Every home has a main water valve installed in the house’s plumbing plan. This pipe controls the flow of water in the place and can be used in emergencies. The water main valve is primarily located in the basement, so you can turn off this valve to avoid flooding in case of leakage or bursting.

2.    Water Meter

The water meter gives the overall read of the water system. You can buy a water meter from the market to detect any leakage and provide you with detailed information on your water usage. You can also find out the average water use in a day which helps you decide whether you need to slow down on your water usage or continue at the present rate.

3.  Cut-off Valve

Cut off valve is also an essential part of the plumbing system. They prove helpful where you need to cut off the flow of water. These valves prove beneficial when your toilet leaks, and you can cut off the water supply of that sink or toilet to fix it.

4.  Water Pressure Regulators

The water pressure regulator will provide you the information about the water pressure. You can easily control the amount of water entering your house. A water pressure regulator will set the water pressure according to your need.

5.  Other Valves

Gas, electric, and hot water valves are essential parts of plumbing systems. A hot water valve is helpful when you need a hot shower, and you can set the temperature according to your needs. Gas and electric valve are used as fuel sources for your water heaters.

Wrapping Up:

Plumbing is an integral part of any house, but most people neglect its maintenance. To ensure proper water flow, you should keep an eye on your plumbing system.

Guest Contributor: Laiba Azhar