Any plumbing problem as trivial as a dripping faucet can cause significant losses. It can manifest in various forms — water wastage, electricity loss, or expensive repairs. Therefore, proper care is key for plumbing systems.
Some naturally curious minds study their plumbing systems deeply, but most tend not to bother about it. This negligence leads to unforeseen problems, which is unpleasant for everyone.
So, some well-known plumbers in Geelong are giving specific guidelines to their clients for maintaining a functional plumbing system. In case you haven’t got the memo, here’s the guide just for you.
1. The Location of Shut-off Valves
The most important lesson to get about your plumbing system is the location of the main shut-off valves. It will most likely be outside the house. But if not, search around a little, and you should find it easily. You can also ask your plumber to point at it.
However, apartments and condos may not have dedicated shut-off valves; remember that. In this case, you must seek the building management or landlord to show you the exact location. It is normally located in a utility room or basement. Knowing this will be helpful during plumbing emergencies such as a burst pipe.
While you are at it, please also familiarise yourself with the sewer line access points. You will need them during periodic cleanouts.
2. Flushable and Non-flushable
How many times have you flushed a wet wipe or cotton swabs down your toilet?
The only correct answer to this is NEVER. You must never flush anything except toilet paper in a toilet. Toilet tissue is designed to dissolve in water, so it is flushable. If you break this and throw things like sanitary pads or cotton balls into your toilet, it will clog and need professional help.
So, refrain from flushing the following non-flushable:
- Bandaids and adhesive strips
- Cigarette butts
- Paper waste
- Medications
- Cat litter
- Hair
It is better to remember the only flushable item, toilet paper, than the long list of non-flushable.
3. Invest in a Plunger
If you call a professional to fix every minor clog, you will end up spending a fortune on it. Most clogs can be cleared by a plunger. You simply place the plunger over the toilet drain and move it up and down rapidly. The clog will clear soon due to the pressure changes.
By investing in a quality plunger, you will achieve two things. One, you will solve the problem almost immediately; there’s no wait time. And two, you won’t have to pay for fixing a problem you can set yourself.
If plunging doesn’t work, then it means the problem is severe and needs a professional plumber in Geelong.
4. Hold onto Teflon Tape
Plumber’s tape or Teflon tape seals pipe threads to prevent leaks around fittings and joints. It is a versatile tool found in most plumbing toolkits.
Wrap it three times over the pipe threads for proper sealing. It helps lubricate the threads, preventing leaks and ensuring a secure connection. While Teflon tape is an effective solution for leakages, it may not be the final fix in some cases. So, it’s better to get the opinion of a professional.
Depending on what they think, you can decide your next steps. But all in all, having Teflon tape at your disposal is quite helpful for controlling leaks without further damage.
5. Don’t Rely Too Much on Chemical Drain Cleaners
You can tell how healthy a plumbing system is from the state of its drains. Slow drains, stinky drains, and chemically-damaged drains are all signs of bad plumbing.
Many people immediately think of a chemical drain cleaner, even for minor clogs. Chemical cleaners are effective, but you should know at what cost. Relying too much on chemicals can damage the pipes, leading to costly repairs.
So, follow a strict order when it comes to clearing clogged drains.
- First: Try tools such as a plunger or drain snake
- Second: Use organic drain cleaners like baking soda
- Third: Chemical cleaners or professional help
The idea here is to prioritise finding methods that are gentle on the plumbing system.
6. Install a Pressure Regulator
High or low water pressure is the root cause of several problems, such as damaged pipes, leaks, or high electricity bills. So, plumbers in Geelong advise their clients to pay attention to water pressure.
One way to regulate the pressure is by installing a pressure regulator. It helps maintain safe and consistent water pressure throughout your home. If you notice any issues even after this, get a professional’s help.
7. Prioritise Regular Maintenance
Most importantly, schedule plumbing maintenance at regular intervals by a local plumbing group. It is essential for maintaining the health and functionality of your plumbing system.
Periodic inspections help address potential issues before they worsen, preventing costly repairs. It includes checking for leaks, monitoring water pressure, and ensuring proper drainage.
Thus, investing time in routine maintenance not only enhances the efficiency of your plumbing but also promotes water conservation and minimises the risk of unexpected plumbing emergencies.
Final Thoughts
While these guidelines can help you maintain your plumbing system, it’s essential to seek professional help when faced with complex issues. Regular maintenance and prompt action can save you from unforeseen expenses and repairs.
Your Local Plumbing Group is a noteworthy supplier of plumbing services. Go to their website and confirm if they offer services in your area. If yes, you don’t have to think twice; your plumbing is in safe and skilled hands.
