When it comes to homeownership, there’s nothing more stressful than having to deal with plumbing problems. After all, who wants to be faced with the prospect of going under the sink with a hammer and a wrench to fix a stubborn faucet or replace a broken toilet? But with careful planning and preparation, you can avoid these headaches altogether. Here are some tips for keeping your home’s plumbing problem-free for years to come:
If you want to avoid a plumbing nightmare, it’s important to plan out your fixtures and appliances from the get-go. While it might be tempting to save money by buying cheaper fixtures and appliances, this is one area where cutting corners will come back to bite you in the end. For instance, you may want to consider investing in high-quality toilets if you have children or live in an area with lots of wildlife. Similarly, you may want to avoid low-grade water heaters if you live in a particularly cold climate or have several people living in your home.
If you want to avoid plumbing problems, it’s important to install your plumbing fixtures and appliances correctly. For instance, if you’re installing a new faucet, it’s important to make sure that it’s installed correctly. You should also be sure to clean out your pipes regularly, especially if you live in an area with hard water or plan on using a water softener. You should also avoid storing large appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, in your kitchen sinks. Instead, install a closet rod or cabinet to keep them out of sight.
If you want to avoid plumbing problems, it’s important to check your pipes regularly for leaks and cracks. You can do this by filling a bucket with water, placing it in the sink, and letting the water drip down the side of the pipe. If you notice any drips, you should call a plumber as soon as possible to fix the problem. You can also use a drip-style sensor to check for leaks. While this may sound like an unnecessary expense, it could save you a ton of cash in the long run.
If you want to avoid plumbing problems, it’s important to regularly maintain your pipes by using a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is essentially a flexible tube that is used to unclog pipes, remove build-up, and generally clean out your pipes. While it may sound scary, it’s actually a relatively easy and painless way to keep your pipes in tip-top shape.
If you want to avoid plumbing problems, it’s important to schedule regular water heater maintenance. You can do this by simply turning off your water supply and letting the water run out of your water heater for 24 hours. Once it’s running again, check to see if there are any leaks or other problems with your water heater. If there are, contact a plumber as soon as possible.
These are just some of the most common problems that can occur with your plumbing. With careful preparation and maintenance, however, you can avoid these problems altogether. To do so, it’s important to plan out your plumbing fixtures and appliances, install them correctly, check your pipes regularly for leaks and cracks, and clean out your pipes using a plumbing snake.