It is easy to take your plumbing system for granted. But by investing a little of your time in maintaining it, you will save yourself from potentially costly repair work when things go wrong.
Your plumbing infrastructure is such a vital part of your home, and it represents a significant percentage of the value of your property, so it really pays to take care of it. Our tips and tricks show you very simple ways to protect your investment.
10 Tips to Avoid High Plumbing Repair Costs
- Have your faucet and toilet checked immediately as soon as you notice leaks. By letting them continue to drip, you are not only wasting water, but you may also end up doing damage to the fittings themselves.
- Be on the lookout for weird smells from your drains. Oftentimes, it indicates clogged drainage and pipes. By dealing with potential blockages before they get bad, you will potentially save yourself the extra costs associated with sewage spills and flooding.
- When cleaning drains, avoid using liquid drain cleaner chemicals. These solutions are rarely effective and can likely cause serious damage to your plumbing fixtures. Not to mention the dangers of using caustic products inside your house. Your best bet is the gold old-fashioned plunger.
- Avoid pouring hot water down your toilet in an attempt to clean it. It could cause cracks in the porcelain.
- Keep your gutters, stormwater grates and downpipes free from build-up to avoid rusting and to make sure they can function properly when the rains get heavy.
- Have your hot water system serviced every 3 years. Doing so catches small issues before they can get worse and extends the life of your system.
- Do not over-tighten taps when turning off, as this can cause the washer to split and may result in running taps.
- Check for leaks you can’t see by noting the number on your water meter, then doing it again a couple of hours later, WITHOUT using any water in the interim. If the number has changed, you might have a hidden leak.
- If you have flexible hosing under any of your sinks, replace them every 5 years to avoid cracks or wear and tear, causing leaks and potential flooding.
- Be smart about gardening. Know where the pipes and drains are on your property, and don’t plant anything with a larger root system nearby to prevent the roots from damaging the pipes.
There you have it. A list of 10 simple tips and tricks that you can start today to avoid larger issues in the future.
If you already have a problem, our team of skilled and professional plumbers here at Level Plumbing Canberra can help you. We will show you how to maintain any repair work that we undertake so you do not have the same problem again. Call us at 6188 6088 for more details.