The plumbing system is one of the most integral parts of a home. It brings in fresh water, heats it up for washing and distributes it throughout the house.

Taking steps to maintain your plumbing system can prevent problems like leaks, clogs and overflows from arising. A few small tasks on a regular basis can keep your plumbing in great shape and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Check for Leaks

Undetected leaks can waste thousands of gallons each month and cause costly damage. A plumber can find and fix any plumbing leaks before they get out of hand.

The first step in identifying a leak is to check your water meter. Turn off all your water use appliances, and read the dials on your meter. If the sweep hand or numbers have moved, you have a leak.

Other signs of a leak include wet spots around sinks and toilets, sewer gas odors, and unexplained high water bills. Make sure to inspect the areas under sinks and behind water use appliances on a regular basis for mold, wetness, or foul smells.

Also, listen to your pipes with a hearing device; if you hear sounds of running water, you may have a leak in your pipes.

Clean Drains Regularly

The drains of your home’s bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry room handle a lot of water and waste. Over time, food particles, grease, soap scum, hair, and other debris will build up and cause clogs.

Clogged drains cause a host of problems. They can irritate your skin, aggravate respiratory issues, and create a breeding ground for microbes that can wreak havoc on your plumbing pipes.

You can avoid these issues by cleaning your drains regularly. A general rule of thumb is to clean your drains once per month using safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly methods. You should also be careful about what you flush down your toilet, such as sanitary products, wipes, and cotton balls, which can cause a clog if not flushed correctly. If you do encounter a stubborn clog, call a plumber.

Drain Your Water Heater

Taking care of your plumbing system is a key part of keeping your home safe and healthy. Taking simple steps such as draining your water heater, regularly cleaning your drains and not flushing feminine hygiene products, diapers, paper towels or oily foods can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your plumbing components.

It is a good idea to drain your water heater once or twice per year. This will remove sediment that builds up over time and reduces your water heater’s efficiency. To do

so, locate your home’s water heater shut-off valve and turn it off. Then, attach a hose to the drain valve on the bottom of your water heater and direct it to an area that will accept the dirty water such as a yard or floor drain.

Have a Plumber Conduct Routine Inspections

When you have a plumber conduct regular inspections, he can look for signs like leaky pipes and check for other issues that could be costly if they go unnoticed. He can also add insulation to exposed pipes and ensure that all plumbing fixtures are working as they should be.

He can also test the pressure of the plumbing system and ensure that water is flowing as it should. He can also look for warning signs like gurgling sounds and odd odors that might indicate a problem.

Having a plumber inspect your plumbing is much more cost-effective than waiting until you have a major issue to call for help. It can also save you money on the repair costs of leaks, flooding, mold growth, and other serious problems.

Keep Trees and Shrubs Away from Your Pipes

When planted too close to a sewer line, tree roots can cause significant damage. Over time, they can clog drains and crack pipes.

Like any living thing, trees and their roots constantly seek three primary resources: water, nutrients and oxygen. If they detect a source of water, like the moisture-rich environment in your sewer pipes, they will grow toward it.

To prevent this, choose species with non-invasive root systems, such as dogwood, Japanese maple and crape myrtle. If you do plant a new tree, keep it a minimum of 20 feet away from the sewer lateral. For shrubs, a buffer of 10 feet is advisable. For more information on plumbing systems and services https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ and sites alike provide a lot of information.