Your sewer pipes and plumbing system at home are probably not something you think about quite often. If there’s water coming out, then there’s no worry.
However, when your plumbing is not delivering hot or cold water or eliminating waste anymore, then it might be time to panic.
Providing your plumbing system at home regular maintenance, a little care, and attention will extend its life, avoid water leaks, and you can avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Plumbing System at Home: Common Problems
In today’s post, we’ll talk about the common issues your plumbing system encounters and how you can deal with it. As always, with any severe problems, and if you’re unsure how to deal with it, it’s best to call the professionals before doing any more damage.
Clogged Drains
This is the most common plumbing issue at home. Aside from being an annoyance, the backed-up water can add a lot of pressure to your plumbing system and waste pipes – which is not good if you want to extend the pipes’ lifespan.
There are drain cleaners available at the store; however, these products have ingredients that can do more harm than good. These harmful ingredients can destroy the drainpipes made out of cast iron.
These drain cleaners don’t work to remove the clog altogether, so there’s a high chance that the problem will persist. If the problem recurs, you’d most likely result in using these chemical-laden drain cleaners, which will further erode the pipes and cause water leaks.
As you know, prevention is always better than cure. There are measures you can take to prevent future clogged drains. There are screens you can place over tubs and drawers. These screens help keep hairs out of shower drains, food particles out of kitchen drains, and other materials.
Another helpful yet straightforward tip is to scrape all your food scraps into the trash before you start washing the dishes. Garbage disposal won’t help if you pour down liquid grease. It will solidify and cause clogging. Wait for the grease to cool down, pour it in a sealable container, and dispose of it properly.
If you’re already dealing with clogged drain, the ideal and effective solution is to employ the services of a plumber. A professional can snake the drain, which will eliminate any object that’s plugging the drain line. If you have the time and skill, clear the drain yourself with a snake that you can pick up from the hardware store.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure is always nice when you’re taking a shower or filling a big pot for your next stew. However, too much water pressure can cause stress to your plumbing system at home. This will then increase the possibility of a water leak.
High water pressure forces your plumbing system (faucets, pipe joints, and appliance valves) to work extra hard to deliver the water to you.
Get a hose bib gauge from the hardware store. This device can measure how much water pressure you’re actually using. Attach the hose bib gauge to the spigot outside your house.
The normal water pressure range is anywhere between 35 and 85 pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure gets to above 85 psi, call a local plumber for a pressure reducer installation service.
Hard Water
Hard water is the term for water with high mineral content. If this is the kind of water running through your plumbing, it can shorten its lifespan. The natural minerals found in water, such as calcium or magnesium, will build up within the pipes over time.
The mineral buildup contributes to restricted water flow and increased water pressure. Not to mention, hard water can corrode your plumbing fittings and joints. If you see any white buildup around your faucets or showerheads, that’s a clear sign that you have hard water.
You can install a water softener machine into your plumbing system. Consult with a plumber to know more about this vital process.
Keeping the Septic Tank or Sewer Lines Clear
If you have a septic system at home, you should have the system pumped every three to five years. On the other hand, if you have municipal sewers, get a plumber to clear the primary sewage every two years. Doing these steps will ensure you’re helping avoid any massive sewage backups and maintaining your plumbing system at home.