5 Tips for Preventing Plumbing Problems

Plumbing catastrophes don’t typically occur out of the blue. Usually, there’s an underlying cause that has been ignored or neglected for a long period of time. Homeowners can help prevent a serious plumbing problem by taking the following steps.

Identify and fix leaking faucets and showerheads.

Small leaks will eventually cause extensive water damage if they’re not attended to early on. Make a habit of regularly checking your faucets for leaks and making the necessary repairs as soon as possible. Check to see if any water drips when the handles are turned to the off position and look underneath the sink to make sure there are no water stains or drips when the water is running.

Clean clogged drains.

You can clean slow drains by using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring boiling water down the drain. Next, mix baking soda with vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. Wait 10 minutes and pour some more boiling water down the drain.

Be careful with what you flush!

It’s easy to just throw things down the toilet without thinking about the problems that may occur in the future as a result. To kick this bad habit, keep a small trash can in your bathroom. Remember that only toilet paper and human waste should go down the toilet.

Check the water pressure.

Use a pressure gauge to test the water pressure and make sure it is at a safe level, between 45 and 80 psi. High water pressure can damage pipes, joints, fixtures and seals. Consider adding a pressure regulator to maintain a safe level of water pressure.

Drain your water heater.

It’s a good idea to drain your water heater one to two times a year to remove sediment and ensure optimal performance. Sediment build-up can plug the drain and interfere with ongoing maintenance. Once you’ve drained the water heater, look inside the burner chamber to make sure there are no flakes of rust.

These are just a few steps you can take to keep your plumbing fixtures in good shape. If you notice any serious issues, call the experts at Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter team and we’ll take a look.