How To Maintain Plumbing At Home

Plumbing is one of those things in life that you don't really think about until it goes wrong. You go to take a shower, wash the dishes or flush the toilet and there's leaking, squeaking or nothing at all! Here at Sydney & Richardson, we're here to help if things go wrong, but prevention is always better than cure.

Here are some top tips to maintain your plumbing at home to prevent issues before they arise.

Clean drains and pipes regularly

If your sink is draining slowly, even a small amount, then you need to unblock it as soon as possible. A small clog can quickly build up and completely block your pipes, costing time, money and hassle. Use a drain cleaning solution regularly to break up any buildup. Also, never put hot oil in the kitchen sink, hair down the shower drain and flushable wipes into the toilet, as all of these can clog the pipes.

Check for leaks, even small ones

So you've got a tiny trickle coming from the pipe under your sink, so what? It's a bigger deal than you'd think. Small leaks can create a lot of damage if left unchecked, causing paint, wall and floor damage and even mould. While it's tempting to wrap some tape around the join or put a cup under it, getting on top of a leak will save you a lot of heartache in the future.

High water pressure might be heaven for your showers, but it's hell on your pipes and appliances. If your water pressure is too high, you risk damage to your fixtures and appliances from the force, not to mention a high water bill. You can buy a hose bib gauge and check; normal water pressure should be between 50 and 80 PSI. If it's too high, call in a plumber to adjust the pressure.

If the water from your taps has a strange taste or is discoloured, then this can be a sign of an issue with your pipes or taps. While water taste varies across regions, a new taste or brownish-red colour could be an indication of rust.
 
By checking these things regularly, you can prevent serious issues from occurring with your plumbing system. If you discover any issues, no matter how small, give us a call on 02 6686 2555.