It’s crucial to maintain your plumbing system to avoid future expensive and annoying problems. While some plumbing activities necessitate specialist knowledge, there are several fundamental maintenance procedures you can carry out on your own to keep your plumbing in good shape. You can ensure the durability and effectiveness of your plumbing system while avoiding costly repairs by investing some time in these straightforward activities. A crucial aspect of plumbing maintenance is routinely checking for leaks in visible pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Additionally, less severe issues can be avoided by clearing clogged drains and ensuring enough water pressure. We’ll review some easy DIY plumbing maintenance techniques in this guide to help you keep your home’s plumbing in great shape, providing a hassle- and worry-free living environment. For professional assistance in the Bixby area, consider reaching out to our experienced Bixby plumbers.
5-6 important plumbing maintenance steps you can perform on your own.
So, below are the steps you need to follow.
● Check for Leaks
Before starting the inspection, gather essential tools such as a flashlight, adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, paper towels, and a bucket or container.
Begin with a visual examination of all visible plumbing components. Look for moisture, discoloration, or water stains on pipes, joints, and fixtures. Pay close attention to areas under sinks, around the base of toilets, and near water heaters.
Turn on all faucets in your home, including showers, sinks, and tubs. Inspect the faucets and fixtures for any drips or visible leaks. Additionally, check for any water pooling around the base of these fixtures.
Leaks from toilets are frequently discovered when you add any decolorizing agent to the tank and wait 30 minutes without flushing. If the color starts to show up in the toilet bowl, there is a leak in the flapper valve that needs to be repaired.
Look for any moisture or corrosion symptoms near the water heater’s base. Early discovery of a water heater leak is essential since it can cause extensive damage.
Look beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks for any signs of dripping or moisture. Check the connections to pipes and supply lines. If you notice any dampness or corrosion, address the issue promptly.
● Outdoor Hose Bibs
If you have outdoor hose bibs, inspect them for leaks as well. Turn on each outdoor faucet and observe for any visible leaks or drips.
● Listen for Sounds
While running water in your home, listen for unusual sounds like hissing, whistling, or dripping. These sounds can indicate hidden leaks.
Inspect all visible pipe joints for signs of water seepage. Use a flashlight to look closely at these connections. If you see any moisture or water droplets, it’s a sign of a potential leak.
Record the water meter reading and wait a few hours (ideally overnight). If the meter reading has changed without any water usage, it suggests a hidden leak within your plumbing system.
● Clean Drains
To prevent clogs and slow drains, clean your drains regularly. Remove dust, soap scum, hair, and debris from drains of showers and sinks using a drain-cleaning solution or drain snake. Avoid pouring grease down the drain for kitchen sinks, as it can solidify and cause blockages. If you encounter persistent plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced Bixby plumbers for assistance.
● Inspect Toilet Components
Before you start, turn off the water supply to the toilet. The shut-off valve is typically located behind or near the toilet and can be turned clockwise to close it.
Look for any signs of water on the floor around the toilet’s base. If you notice any moisture, it could indicate a leak from the wax ring or a cracked toilet base.
- Ensure the flapper valve is in good condition and properly sealed. Replace it if it’s worn or damaged.
- For any indications of rust or leakage, inspect the fill valve. Verify that the tank is being filled to the proper level.
- Examine the flush handle and lever to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Inspect the toilet bowl for any visible cracks or damage. Also, ensure that the bowl is securely attached to the floor.
If you have noticed leaks or a loose toilet, inspecting and replacing the wax ring may be necessary. This is a bit more involved and may require removing the toilet, so it’s best suited for those with some plumbing experience.
● Test Water Pressure
Verify that your water pressure is within the recommended range (usually 40–60 psi). At an outside spigot, you can gauge the pressure there using a pressure gauge. Install a pressure regulator to protect your plumbing fittings if the pressure is excessive.
● Flush Water Heater
To begin flushing a water heater, it’s essential to turn off the power supply to the unit. This means shutting off the circuit breaker for electric heaters, while for gas heaters, like those serviced by our Bixby plumbers, the pilot light should be extinguished. Safety precautions should always be a priority when working with hot water and gas appliances.
Next, locate the drain valve at the base of the water heater. Attach a hose to this valve and run the other end to a safe drainage area, such as a floor drain or outside.
Opening the drain valve allows you to release the tank’s built-up sediment and mineral deposits. Be cautious, as the water draining from the heater will likely scald hot.
Once the drain valve is open, turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. This helps to relieve pressure in the system and allows the water heater to drain more efficiently.
You’ll notice that the water coming out of the hose will be discolored at first due to the sediment flushing out of the tank. Continue draining until the water runs clear, indicating that most sediment has been removed.
● Insulate Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes in cold climates to avoid wintertime freeze. Broken pipes from frozen pipes can do a lot of harm. To keep your pipes warm, use heat tape or pipe insulation.
Conclusion
By performing these maintenance tasks, you may identify and take care of plumbing problems before they become costly and cause water damage to your property. It’s a good idea to call a licensed plumber, such as our Bixby plumbers, for advice or assistance if you need help with any plumbing maintenance tasks.
Read more about our business by visiting About Us | Plumbing Tulsa | Acts of Service Plumbing today. Also, check out one of the many clients we have served around the Tulsa area: Navien Inc. If you’re in need of plumbing services in the Bixby area, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Bixby plumbers.