Here are some things that every home owner can do on a regular basis to keep the plumbing syste
m in top shape. First, it’s easy to forget about the filter cartridges on the main water supply that goes into the home. It’s a matter of out of sight, out of mind, even though the filter will affect water pressure and even get gummed up to the point where it can be very challenging to replace. Depending on the size of the filter and how bad the water is, you should determine the ideal frequency of how often to change them. Create a record and maybe set a reminder so that you’ll change them at the optimal time. You’ll have a system that works much better if you change these cartridges on a consistent interval according to your needs.
If you have a well system, it’s a good idea to flush out the pressure tank on a regular basis. This consists of simply turning the breaker off to the pressure tank and hooking a hose to the connection on the bottom of the tank. Run the hose outside and open the valve to flush out the water. The pressure should steadily dwindle until it’s depleted completely. A lot of times, you’ll notice sediment and debris will come out of the pressure tank. By flushing it out, you’ll keep it from getting into your home water system.
Drain maintenance is another good habit to pay attention to. We often use our drains without becoming aware of how much stuff actually goes down them. Think about how often you shave, brush your teeth, or wash your hands every day. Those sticky products, soap scum, and hair are all going down the drain and passing through a very small pipe. It’s easy for drains to get gunked up, especially around the sink. We recommend performing drain maintenance before you need to bring in a professional to deal with a bigger problem. You can go online to find a safe product to keep the drains clear and working optimally. (We use a product called Bio Smart.)
If you have a septic system, pay close attention to the toilets and make sure they aren’t leaking through the flapper. If your toilet sounds like it has been flushed even though you haven’t used it recently, that means that the toilet is using water (the toilet is running). This kind of leak puts a constant water flow into your septic system, allowing it to become saturated and even fail prematurely. The extra water usage can also be an unnecessary expense, so pay close attention to your water bill. If you notice that it has fluctuated drastically from one month to the next, it might be a signal that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. If you see bill that used to be 10,000 gallons but it’s increased to 15,000 gallons after a certain month, for example, that could be an indication of a leaking toilet.
If you have any questions, or if you want to make sure that your plumbing system is properly maintained, contact us online or give us a call at 540-483-9382.
