Do you ever sit back to think about how the plumbing system of your home works? Unless there is a problem that requires attention, most homeowners don’t pay much attention to this system. While there’s nothing wrong with that, simple tricks can keep the system working longer than usual.
This can save you money, time, and resources that can go for other uses. So, in this article, we will explain plumbing for homeowners, common problems, and how to keep things running by regular maintenance steps.
What Is Plumbing?
This is nothing else but the pipes, fixtures, and fittings that connect a building to a water supply or sewer. Like many other words in the English language, the word comes from the Latin word “plumbum”, meaning “lead.” In the past, these systems were made out of lead, which is why the name is derived from that Latin word.
Today, however, that has changed, and most pipes are made of PVC, copper, and other modern materials. The visible pipes in your home are for two primary systems that make up plumbing: the water supply system and the drainage system.
The water supply system is the system that carries clean water into your home. It is connected to the water lines coming into your home and distributes this water to your faucets, toilet, and other necessary components. The pipes in this system are under pressure so that when you open a faucet, water is pushed out and distributed.
Then, there is the drainage or waste system, which carries used water or bodily waste products out of the house. The pipes carry the waste to the sewer or septic tank, relying on gravity and proper pipe sloping and venting to make this work. That way, there is no clogging. To find out how it works in detail, follow this resource: https://home.howstuffworks.com/.
Common Plumbing Problems
No matter how good the plumbing is, problems will eventually arise for one reason or the other. They could be serious or mild, but the point is that they can cause a number of problems that will make things uncomfortable for you. The following are some of the commonest problems:
Leaky Faucets: A leaky faucet can waste gallons of water if not fixed on time. From little drops, it can become gallons in a day, which has the potential to flood your home. This can be from faucets in the kitchen or the bathroom.
Clogged Drains: Every home has experienced one clogged drain or another, whether it is in the kitchen or the bathroom. Food particles, solids, hair, and grease can be the culprits in this case, leading to other serious problems over time.
Running Toilets: A continuously running toilet, even after it has been flushed, is a sign of a damaged part. It’s usually a problem of a broken or malfunctioning flapper valve. With time, the running water will overflow onto the toilet floor.
Weak Pressure: If you’re used to a certain level of pressure in the flow of water in your home, you will know when it drops below the usual. That is a sign there is a problem that requires immediate attention. Click here for more common issues.
Maintaining Your Plumbing System
To keep things in good working order, it’s important to take care of your plumbing system. Here are a few things you can do to prevent major problems:
Frequently Check for Leaks: Check your toilets, faucets, and under-sink pipes for leaks. If a leak is discovered, reach out to a plumber to patch and solve the problem. Most consumers may try to use DIY methods to remove the leak in order to lower the water bill and prevent damage, but this might do more harm than good. Let the professionals handle it.
Reduce the Use of Chemical Solutions: Many homeowners use chemical solutions to unclog their pipes. These solutions can show quick results. But over time, these chemical solutions can lead to the corrosion of the internal lining of the pipes and cause irreparable leaks.
Use Insulation: If you live in a locality with pretty low temperatures, you will have to use insulators in such pipes. By doing so, you save your pipe from freezing and prevent future costly repairs.
Drain Your Hot Water Heater: Sediment can build up in a hot water heater very easily. Therefore, you need to drain it at least once a year. This can prevent blockages for a long time and keep your heater in tip-top condition.
Install a Water Softener: Hard water can be a significant problem in various localities. It can cause build-up inside your pipes and other home appliances. A softener reduces the hardness and saves the plumbing over time.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Although small repairs can be handled by most homeowners, sometimes, the problems can be serious and so need a professional plumber. Here are some signs that may indicate the need for you to call one:
Low Pressure: If emptying your faucets and cleaning your appliances don’t help, low water pressure is a silent indicator of significant issues, such as a pipe leak or burst pipe.
Heater Failure: Cold water from the shower, strange noises from your heater, or both are signs your heater needs repairs or a total replacement.
Sewer Line Leaks: A foul smell in your house may indicate your sewer lines have leaks, and this can lead to large-scale disaster. Contact a reliable plumber to check your sewer lines right away.
One important thing to note is the importance of hiring service providers that are close to you. If for example you live in the Triad area, you can contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Triad, of other such providers in this area. This, among other things, ensures that you can get a prompt response and have issues fixed in good time.
Conclusion
Plumbing is one of the things that make your home a comfortable place, keeping it healthy, clean, and convenient. Simple enough, right? Keep your plumbing tidy, approach it with care and concern, pay attention to the little signs that show there is a growing problem, and maintain it as regularly as possible.
Don’t wait until it becomes too much or causes other issues before taking repair steps. If you can relate to having a plumbing problem or think you have one, call a pro for help.
You may also read (from leaks to cracks how to handle home repairs efficiently).
