Little-Known Tips for Keeping Your Plumbing Healthy Year-Round
When it comes to home upkeep, plumbing is sometimes overlooked—until something goes wrong. Leaks, blockages, and pipe breaks can cause expensive repairs and extensive water damage. Fortunately, with some preparation and regular attention, you can avoid the majority of these concerns. These little-known tips will help you keep your plumbing in great shape all year, no matter how long you’ve been a renter or if this is your first time buying a home.
1. Flush Your Water Heater Annually
Sediment build-up in water heaters is one of the most common causes of inefficiency and early failure. Over time, minerals in the water sink to the tank’s bottom, limiting its heating capability and longevity. Flushing your water heater once a year can remove this buildup and help it run more efficiently. If you’re unsure how to do this, consider contacting professionals like those offering West Island plumbing services to ensure it’s done safely.
2. Use Drain Screens to Catch Debris
It may seem like a small step, but installing mesh screens over your drains can prevent a lot of trouble. Clogs happen quickly when hair, soap residue, food bits, and other things get stuck in the drain. Drain screens catch these items before they go down your pipes, making it easy to dispose of them properly and avoid blockages.
3. Watch What You Flush
Toilets are not trash cans, yet many people flush items like wipes, paper towels, dental floss, and hygiene products. These things don’t break down easily and can clog up your home’s pipes and the city’s sewage systems. To keep things running properly, only flush toilet paper and human waste.
4. Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas
During the colder months, pipes in uninsulated spaces like basements, garages, and attics are vulnerable to freezing and bursting. Foam pipe insulation is cheap and simple to put in place. It can help keep water at the right temperature and prevent harm that costs a lot of money. It’s especially important for residents in regions with harsh winters.
5. Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
Often, a slow leak is the first sign that something is clogged. You shouldn’t wait until the pipe is fully blocked before you fix it. Putting baking soda and vinegar together and putting them down the drain are natural ways to clear out mild clogs. But problems that keep happening could mean there is a bigger issue with the pipes, which a skilled West Island plumber can find and fix.
6. Check for Leaks Regularly
Small leaks can waste a lot of water and do damage that you might not notice. Check for signs of water, rust, or rusting under sinks, behind toilets, and around your water heater every so often. High water bills that don’t make sense can also mean you have a leak that you can’t see.
7. Be Careful with Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners promise quick results, they can corrode your pipes with repeated use. They’re especially damaging to older metal plumbing. Try safer methods first or call a professional if the clog is stubborn. Reputable West Island plumbing services often use high-powered tools like hydro-jetting to clear blockages without damaging the plumbing system.
8. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is
If something goes wrong, like a pipe burst, every second is important. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where the main water shutoff button is and how to use it. Cutting off the water quickly can prevent harm from costing thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
Your plumbing is an important part of your home, and keeping it in good shape doesn’t take a lot of time. All you need is a little knowledge and regular care. You can have a plumbing system that works well all year long if you follow these less common tips and call a reliable West Island plumbing service when you need to. A little care today can keep you from having to make big fixes tomorrow.
