Top 9 Handy Plumbing Maintenance Tips and Tricks

The plumbing in your home is one of the most critical systems in the house, and it needs to be appropriately maintained to function at its best. Even the smallest plumbing issues can lead to significant, costly problems, so it’s important to make sure you know how to troubleshoot and maintain your home’s plumbing system. Follow the following plumbing maintenance tips and tricks to keep your system running smoothly:

Check for Frozen Pipes

One of the most common problems in your home is a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your home and your belongings. Make sure to check your lines regularly in the winter to make sure they aren’t frozen. If you experience a frozen pipe, turn on the faucet near it to start thawing it out and have a heating appliance turned on to help thaw the pipe.

Fix Any Leaks

Another plumbing maintenance tip is to make sure to check regularly for leaks. A leaky faucet is one of the most accessible plumbing issues to fix and can save you a lot of money. In addition, check for leaks in floor and wall joints, toilet flanges, and pipes in the walls.

Check the Toilet Flange

When you are inspecting your plumbing, make sure to check under the toilet flange as well. A loose or damaged toilet flange causes the issue of sewer gas backing up into your home. Tighten or repair the flange, and you shouldn’t have any more problems with sewer gas in your home.

Test Your Water Pressure Regularly

As you regularly inspect your home’s plumbing systems, make sure to test your water pressure using a water pressure gauge. Every time you turn on your faucet, try to adjust it until the water comes out at standard pressure. If you can’t change the pressure, call a plumber to find out the problem. Your water pressure should be between 30 and 80 pounds per square inch (PSI).

Invest in Freeze-Safe Faucets

If you live in an area with consistent freezing temperatures, consider buying freeze-safe faucets. Freeze-safe faucets won’t freeze up when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. This is also an excellent investment if you live in a climate that dips below freezing regularly.

Fix Corroded Pipes

Pipes in your plumbing system tend to rust naturally. Over time, older lines tend to rust and need repair or replacement. If you have issues with the plumbing in your home, and you notice signs of corrosion on the pipes, fix it right away.

Check the Faucet for Mineral Buildup

If you have hard water in your home, your faucet may get buildup from the minerals in the water. This buildup can clog up your spout, not allowing water to flow properly. If this happens regularly, consider using the following procedure to clean your faucet:

• Fill a plastic bag halfway with vinegar and then wrap the vinegar-filled bag around the faucet
• Use a rubber band to hold the bag around the faucet or shower head
• Wait for roughly one hour for the vinegar to eat away the calcium buildup
• Use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn residual on the faucets

If the calcium buildups persist, consider installing a water softener in your home. It may save you from having to replace or repair your faucets.

Fix Damp Basement Floors

If you have a damp basement floor, it is a sign of a problem with your home’s plumbing system. It becomes damp in the winter when water leaking from your roof gets cold and sits on the ground or collects under your floorboards. If you have this problem regularly, it may indicate that your pipes are leaking or that your home’s foundation has been damaged by frost.

Check Toilet Flapper Arm

The most common cause of a clogged toilet is a broken flush flapper. This part of the toilet controls when you flush the water down. If this part breaks and doesn’t move, it will cause water to back up in the bowl. 

Bottom Line

Most plumbing problems can be fixed easily. The above plumbing maintenance tips will help keep your system running smoothly and fix any common issues you might experience. If the situation becomes too difficult to handle on your own, consider calling a professional plumber.

At Pro Service Mechanical, we offer a variety of quality plumbing maintenance services starting from commercial and residential heating, cooling and plumbing services. Our team of experts is willing to help you on a 24/7 basis. Contact us today and discuss your needs with us.