Plumbing maintenance matters because it extends the life of pipes and fixtures, improves water quality, and reduces energy bills. It also helps prevent health and safety hazards for building occupants.
It’s important to know what can and cannot be flushed down your drains. Hair, coffee grounds, grease, paper products and other debris build up over time to clog drains.
Inspect Your Pipes and Fixtures
Inspecting pipes involves checking for leaks, signs of corrosion or other problems. The plumber may also check the pressure of the water, which can be adjusted to save money and prevent damage to appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. They’ll look at exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and utility areas, examining them closely for rust or damage. They’ll also make sure drains are properly insulated and inspect the water meter for changes in readings.
The biggest advantage of regular plumbing inspections is early detection of potential problems. Small issues like clogs or slow drains can lead to expensive repairs if they’re not caught early on. In addition, leaks and excess moisture can cause structural damage to homes if not detected and fixed immediately. Unusual noises or odors coming from drains can also indicate underlying issues. For help with plumbing services sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ offer a lot of resourceful information.
Check Your Water Heater
The water heater is a vital component of your plumbing system, and it’s important to check on it regularly. Issues like mineral build-up, leaks, and rust can cause problems that affect your home’s water supply. A professional inspection can help you address these issues before they become more serious.
Before inspecting the water heater, shut off its power and water supply. Then, examine the anode rod -- also known as the sacrificial rod -- for signs of corrosion. This rod attracts corrosive elements from the water and protects the tank from rusting. If the rod is corroded, it’s time to replace it.
Other important things to check on the water heater include flushing the tank to remove sediment, and testing its pressure relief valve to ensure it’s working correctly. Performing these checks will keep your water heater running properly and help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Inspect Your Septic Tank
Septic tanks store and treat waste from your home, and the system’s drain field slowly releases sewage into the ground. If you have a septic tank, it’s important to regularly inspect the system. Foul odors from the drainfield or from the septic tank itself may indicate that your waste isn’t draining properly.
Septic systems can last up to 50 years if they are well-maintained. Regular inspections help identify issues early, prevent a full tank’s messy consequences, and ensure the system complies with local health regulations.
A septic tank inspection involves checking the tank’s condition, measuring sludge levels, and testing the drain field’s performance. The inspector will also examine the septic tank’s baffles and riser lids. If the tank’s baffles are tipped or clogged, they may disproportionately allocate effluent and flood sections of the drain field. The inspector will also check the septic tank’s vent pipe for leaks. A septic tank can be located by looking for an “as-built” drawing of the property and checking nearby signs, like an unusually green patch of grass or a depression in the yard.
Inspect Your Outdoor Plumbing
From garden hose connections to outdoor showers and irrigation setups, your home's exterior plumbing plays an important role in facilitating various activities. However, these systems can experience unique challenges throughout the summer due to increased usage and scorching heat. These conditions can exacerbate issues like leaks, clogs, and damaged pipes.
Inspecting your outdoor spigots, faucets, and hose bibs can help prevent water waste. If any of these systems show signs of leaking, it's a good idea to call a plumber for repairs. It's also a good idea to check any yard drains and gutters for blockage to ensure that rainwater is being channeled away from your house to avoid foundation or crawl space moisture problems.
A sewer line backup can be very problematic for homeowners. If you notice gurgling in your sinks or toilets, sewer smells around the yard, or an increase in water bills, it's a good idea to contact a plumber right away. These issues can lead to expensive and hazardous wastewater back-ups in your home.