Plumbing fixtures are considered parts that are attached to a system of pipes that move water through a building such as a faucet, sink, or toilet. Since plumbing fixtures are the most important aspect of a home, they require regular maintenance to help prevent plumbing disasters, water damage, and expensive repairs. Without proper maintenance, a home’s plumbing system can deteriorate. 

Read also: What are Considered Plumbing Fixtures?

Tips for Avoiding Plumbing Problems

Keep drains clear

Monitoring what goes down the drain helps to keep them clean and clear. So, avoid putting hair, food particles, soap, and grease down the drain to prevent clogging.

Test plumbing system

It is important to inspect your pipes annually and test the local shut-off valves. Since most shut-off valves are cheap, checking them periodically will help to keep the valve in good shape.

Flush water heater

Opening the water heater tank and tapping off one to two gallons of water will help to remove unwanted sediment. Depending on the manufacturer, doing this is recommended monthly to annually. Also, replacing the water heater’s sacrificial anode on schedule will help to avoid rusting and extend its life.

Bathroom trash can

Placing a trash can in the bathroom can help to prevent the flushing of unwanted items such as Kleenex, cigarettes, tampons, wipes, etc. that can cause the pipes to clog.     

Don’t ignore signs of trouble

Since plumbing problems rarely come unannounced, it is important to pay attention to the signs indicating that there is an issue. If signs such as leaks, smells, drips, and water flow or water damage are apparent, taking care of the problem sooner than later can prevent it from getting worse.

Maintaining your plumbing fixtures regularly can also help you to spot problems while they are still manageable. If your drains begin to run slowly, try clearing them out manually using a drain snake or an enzymatic drain cleaner like Bio-Clean. The Bio-Clean cleaner will eat away at the organic buildup to keep the home’s drains flowing freely.

Another alternative some people swear by is using a home mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Taking care of the home’s plumbing fixtures affects the way the plumbing system functions. Performing regular maintenance can make life much easier in the long run. 

Ways to Maintain the Plumbing System

Running toilets

If a toilet continues to run after it is flushed, a lot of water is then wasted, and the toilet will not flush as well. This will increase the chance of waste blockages in the pipes. 

Leaky faucets

Ignoring leaky faucets can become a huge plumbing issue. The tiny drops of water can add up quickly as well as result in a higher water bill.

Drains

Clogged drains are a huge culprit to bigger problems. Preventing hair, food, and mineral buildup from going down the drain, plus planting trees and shrubs far enough away from the house will help to avoid major plumbing issues.

Water pressure

Part of plumbing maintenance is adjusting your water pressure so that you do not experience any issues. If necessary, a professional plumber can assist with this.

Water heater

Draining the water heater on a regular basis will help to get rid of sediment that builds up in the bottom of the water heater. Doing this helps the water heater work more efficiently because too much sediment might make the water heater stops working altogether.     

Experiencing plumbing issues can be very stressful, especially if you are not knowledgeable on how to fix the problem.  However, having certain tools on hand can help with minimal plumbing issues. From minor leaks to clogged toilets, the right tool can fix the issue quickly.

Plumbing Tools to Keep on Hand

Plunger

A common household plunger uses suction to unclog drains, but a flange plunger will give you the most suction force. Using a different plunger for the toilet and sink will help to avoid cross-contamination.  

Drain snake

Also called a plumber’s snake, this is a long and flexible auger that is inserted in drains to remove clogs. This tool will prove to be irreplaceable.

Wrenches

There are three types of wrenches you should keep on hand. A basin wrench for working in small spaces, a pipe wrench to loosen and tighten the nuts that hold pipes together, and an adjustable wrench for hexagonal nuts.

Pliers

There are three types of pliers you should keep on hand.  Locking pliers, or vice grips, lock in place allowing you the use of both hands. Then there are the needle nose pliers that are tapered to a point allowing you to work in smaller spaces. And finally, the slip joint pliers are considered your everyday pliers that can grip, loosen, crimp, tighten, and do much more.   

Hacksaw or pipe cutters

Both cutters are great to have handy for cutting through pipes, nuts, and bolts. 

If you need help purchasing new plumbing fixtures for your home, contact Facets of Lafayette today. We can provide a variety of plumbing supplies, lighting fixtures, home appliances, cabinet hardware, and many more. 

Whether you are buying a new home or remodeling an existing one, Facets of Lafayette can make the process easier for you. Let us help you to create your dream home or take care of the one you own.