Professional plumbers should be able to resolve major plumbing issues like clogged sewer lines or broken water heaters. There are many simple methods and procedures that you can use to maintain your plumbing system in top shape and prevent major plumbing problems from happening.
These are our top plumbing maintenance tips from our Long Beach Plumbers:
To ensure good water flow in sinks and showers, clean out mineral deposits by unscrewing faucets and shower heads and then soaking them in vinegar for 24 hours in either a Ziploc bag or bowl.
Mineral deposits should be broken down. This will make your faucets and shower heads more efficient. Replace your faucet or shower head if it is too clogged after soaking.
As the shower head gets older, it can begin to leak or wear out. If this happens, water will be wasted. Shower heads last approximately 10 years. Replace your older shower head with a more efficient model that is energy-efficient. This will help you reduce your water consumption by 50%.
Check the faucets in your bathroom, kitchen, and utility room for drips or puddles. You can save water by fixing leaky faucets. You should inspect your basement for leaks and the pipes under sinks. You should call a plumber if you notice rust, buckling, or drops of water.
Over time, your water heater’s storage tank can develop mineral deposits. This can cause permanent damage to the tank and affect its performance. You should drain the hot water heater of a few gallons at least twice per year to ensure that the valve is working properly. This will eliminate any sediment from the tank and maximize heating efficiency.
If your water heater is more than 15 years of age, it’s time to replace it. Newer water heaters are more efficient than older models and use less energy. Install a tankless water heater for a lower water bill and reduced water consumption.
Mesh drain covers can be installed in showers, tubs, and sinks. This will stop hair, soap particles and other particles entering the drains and clogging them.
Your toilets should not be used as garbage disposals. Toilet tissue is the only substance that should not be flushed down your bathroom, and that should only be done with human waste.
It is tempting to flush hair, bandages and women’s sanitary items down the toilet. However, these items should be thrown out in a trashcan.
These materials can quickly build up in your toilet and cause serious problems.
Regularly inspect the tanks and toilet bowls for cracks or leaks. You can easily test for leaks in your toilet by adding some red food coloring to it. Allow it to sit for around an hour before you return to inspect it.
If the water in your toilet bowl is turning a red color, it is likely that water is seeping from the tank. You can easily fix this by changing the tank ball.
To stop your toilet from overflowing, take off the tank lid. This will stop the toilet from overflowing, and give you time to identify the cause.
If you use the tips above, chances are you won’t have any serious problems with your home’s plumbing. If you do have problems with your home plumbing and don’t know how to fix them, call your local Long Beach Plumber.