Tips on How to Prevent Home Plumbing Disasters

The homeowner’s worst fear is a plumbing problem. What seems to be a mere drip can soon be an incredible deluge, creating expensive damage, water destruction, and disruptions to your routine in mere seconds. However, most plumbing catastrophes are easily avoidable by just taking routine checks and exercising a little foresight. Affinity Maintenance Services offers practical preventive maintenance tips in this guidebook to keep your home plumbing system healthy and avoid costly repairs.

Inspect for Leaks Periodically

Leaks are the most common plumbing issue. A single drip does not seem like much, but it can cause visible water damage and increased utility costs in the long run. Inspect under sinks, toilets, and around appliances periodically for water or mildew. The moment you notice some wet spots or unusual water buildup, you must repair the issue.

Quick Fix:

Tighten loose fittings.
Replace worn-out washers on faucets.
Plug small leaks with plumber’s tape.

Clear Drains

Clogged drains are one of the primary reasons for plumbing disasters. Grease, hair, soap scum, and food waste accumulate over time to form clogs or slow draining. Do not pour grease down the drain and use drain strainers to catch rubbish.

Preventive Measures:

Flush boiling water down the drain weekly.
Clean with baking soda and vinegar solution to break down buildup.
Never flush non-biodegradable waste like wipes, cotton balls, and paper towels down the toilet.

Test Water Pressure

Wonderful shower pressure is great, but excessive water pressure is not because it ruins your plumbing system. Excessive pressure will burst the pipes and lead to leaks or bursting.

How to Test:

Purchase a water pressure gauge and hook it up to an outdoor spigot.
Maintain the reading at 40-60 psi.
Install a pressure regulator if needed.

Insulate Pipes in Winter

Frozen pipes bursting can ruin your house. If your area is extremely cold in the winters, then you will need to insulate pipes.

Insulate Pipes in Winter

Frozen pipes bursting can ruin your house. If your area is extremely cold in the winters, then you will need to insulate pipes.

Prevention Methods:

Pipe foam insulates pipes with it.
Get faucets serviced dripping slowly in extreme cold weather.
Leave cupboard doors ajar so that pipes receive a flow of heat around them.

Maintain Your Water Heater

Your water heater is part of your plumbing system. Sediment buildup inefficiency costs energy, charges maintenance fees, and causes system failure when appropriate care is not carried out according to a maintenance schedule.

How to Maintain Your Water Heater:

Drain and flush tank every year or so.
Check anode rod for rust.
Set thermostat at 120°F to prevent overheating.

Flush Only What You Should, Carefully

Toilets are only meant to flush toilet paper and human waste. Other items, however, clog toilets and cause sewer overflows.

Items Never to Flush:

Baby wipes (even “flushable” baby wipes)
Female products
Cotton swabs
Grease or oil

Look for Plumbing Problem Signs

Early detection of plumbing issues may save you money on repairs. Be on the lookout for these signs:

Slow drains

Brown or rust-colored water
Gurgling toilets and drains
Recurring clogs and obstructions
Unexplained increase in your water bill

If you notice any of the above symptoms, book a professional plumber in advance.

Install a Water Softener (If Necessary)

Hard water will cause mineral deposits to build up in pipes, decrease water pressure, and efficiency. A water softener will extend the life of your plumbing system and appliances.

Advantages of a Water Softener:

Prevents scaling of pipes and appliances
Makes soap and detergent more effective
Less wear and tear on plumbing fixtures

Test Your Sump Pump Every Few Months

If your house has a basement, a sump pump is essential for avoiding flooding. Test your sump pump every few months to keep it working properly.

How to Test:

Add water to the sump pit until the pump turns on.
Make sure it drains the water efficiently.
Clean the sump pump regularly to prevent sediment buildup.

Schedule Professional Inspections

Whereas DIY servicing catches it partially sometimes, expert checks lay bare what is not visible. That much is what a professionally trained plumber can do, e.g., leak testing, check the health of the pipes, and verify that your system is operating at its best working condition.

Advantages of Professional Check:

Early detection of likely problems
Improved efficiency and longer lifespan of plumbing system
Having the confidence that your home is secure

Call Affinity MS for Professional Plumbing Service

Plumbing issues can be annoying and expensive, but through professional assistance and preventive maintenance, you can have your home’s plumbing system at its best. At Affinity MS, we provide emergency plumbing services, repair, and preventive maintenance to have your home secure and operational. Also we offer top quality ac services, duct cleaning, solar panel cleaning, water tank cleaning, electrical services, and gardening services. Call us immediately for professional plumbing services that are designed to address your needs. For emergency repair or maintenance, our professionals stand ready to serve. Schedule your appointment online.

We are dedicated to ensuring that each task is successfully completed according to the unique needs of every customer, with a satisfaction guarantee.

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