One of the most important systems in your home or business is your plumbing. People expect to use their facilities without any issues, and have waste swiftly and safely removed. Nobody wants to turn on the tap and see brown water flowing.
If you have a plumbing problem, you may find yourself paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a professional to resolve it. And with water prices rising in certain cities like San Francisco, you may have to pay a high water bill as well. This is why it’s important to address plumbing repairs quickly or take measures to prevent problems. Here are a few ways to prevent common plumbing problems.
Clogged pipes
Debris or waste can build up and clog pipes. While it may be possible to clear these obstructions by snaking through the drain to break up the debris or by using force from a plunger to push the debris out, it may also be necessary to take more extensive measures. Many people also turn to store-bought chemicals to eat through clogs.
Some clogging issues can be easily prevented. For only a few dollars, it’s possible to buy a drain guard that can be placed over the drains in sinks and bathtubs. These drain guards catch hair, food, and other items that would otherwise be swept down the drain. Setting drain guards in place can help prevent grease build-up inside your pipes.
Clogged pipes might not seem like a big problem, but clogs can lead to several other serious issues. If a pipe is partially clogged, then water doesn’t drain efficiently, and this can cause water to sit. You may have to deal with foul odors from the undrained water. Bacteria may also multiply on sitting water and cause issues such as skin irritation or aggravate allergies. Over time, it’s also possible for build-up from clogs to lead to contaminated drinking water.
Burst pipes
A pipe bursting can be a serious plumbing issue to address. When a pipe inside a building bursts, gallons or water or waste flow out of the pipe into the structure. Floor boards and walls can be damaged and any other items that are submerged may also be destroyed.
Frozen water inside pipes can expand and cause the pipes to rupture, which is why cabins and structures that aren’t winterized have to shut off their water and empty their pipes before temperatures drop below freezing. Home and business owners may also need to shut off and drain pipes that lead outside to garden hoses, so they can ensure that they are protected in cold weather.
Cold weather isn’t the sole cause of burst pipes. Pipes that are made of metal can burst if rust builds up and breaks down the pipe. There are also minerals in hard water that cause damage to pipes over time. In order to prevent these kinds of issues, it’s possible to treat hard water to reduce buildup from minerals. Damage from rusted pipes can be prevented by relining pipes before they burst.
Leaks and drips
Some people may think that the primary issue with a dripping tap is that it makes an annoying noise. In time, leaks and drips can build up and cost individuals hundreds of extra dollars in water bills. Often, a leaky faucet is a straightforward fix. Replacing washers inside the tap may be enough to stop the problem.
Leaks can also be an issue with toilets. It’s possible that sediment build-up can prevent a toilet from draining properly or refilling with water. Toilets can also continue to run, churning through gallons of water unnecessarily. The flapper valve may need to be replaced in order to prevent your toilet from running. In these cases, home repairs may be needed to address these types of issues.