A consistent plumbing maintenance routine can help prevent costly repairs and extend the life of pipes, fixtures and appliances.
Look for water stains on walls and ceilings that indicate hidden leaks. Check the water pressure to ensure a steady flow and test toilets for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank.
Check Water Pressure
A weak shower or having to wait for the washing machine or dishwasher to fill can be frustrating, but low water pressure could also indicate a serious problem with your plumbing pipes. Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi), and checking it regularly can help you spot issues like a water leak or clog.
Invest in a water pressure gauge and turn off all faucets and appliances that use water to obtain a baseline reading. Generally, home water pressure is between 40 and 60 psi. If your home experiences sudden or constant drops in water pressure, contact a plumber to assess the situation. Also, make sure to check and clean faucet aerators and shower heads often to prevent mineral buildup and reduce water usage. To make troubleshooting easier, create a map of all your pipes, valves, and meters so you know where to look for any problems. Then, during cold weather months, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.
Clean Drains
As the weather warms up, one of Melbourne’s best plumbers, Fix-It Right Plumbing may tell you that it’s a good idea to clean drains to prevent blockages. Use a drain snake to remove hair, soap scum, and other debris that accumulates in shower and sink drains. Also, inspect the toilet flapper for signs of wear and tear and replace if necessary.
In the kitchen, rinse out drains and garbage disposals after each use to eliminate odors and prevent food waste build-up. You can also try a DIY drain cleaner made with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to break up clogs and eliminate odors.
Be mindful of what goes down your drains and encourage facility staff to be careful as well. Inform everyone about not flushing wipes, cotton balls, or other items that aren’t toilet paper and not pouring cooking oils or grease down the drain. It’s also a good idea to install drain strainers for sinks and showers to catch larger debris. This will prevent clogs and keep the drain water flowing properly.
Inspect Faucets and Fixtures
Your plumbing system delivers water for cooking, bathing, washing laundry, and other household needs. It also protects the health of your family and pets by delivering clean, fresh drinking water. Because of these responsibilities, it’s important to inspect faucets and fixtures regularly for leaks and other problems.
Plumbers use a systematic process for inspections, starting with a visual check of all bathroom fixtures. They test sinks, tubs, and showers for water pressure to make sure it matches the recommended range. They also look under sinks for signs of moisture and corrosion. Leaking toilets can waste up to 30 gallons of water daily, and inspectors spot them by checking for food coloring in the toilet tank.
Summer is a busy time for outdoor plumbing. A leaking hose bib or irrigation line can quickly lead to costly water damage. In late fall, it’s also a good time to shut off and drain exterior spigots and water lines before freezing weather hits.
Schedule Repairs
Maintain a plumbing system that is ready to work whenever needed. A proactive approach to plumbing maintenance reduces repair costs and prevents water damage. Schedule daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections to identify issues and take action before problems worsen.
For example, if you notice low water pressure, it may indicate a pipe leak that requires immediate attention. Visible corrosion on pipes or repeated drain clogs can be signs of more serious trouble.
Consider a yearly professional inspection of the entire plumbing system to ensure it meets current codes and is free from problems such as septic tank failure and root invasion of plumbing lines.
Keeping up with plumbing maintenance can be easier when using CMMS tools that automate tasks and record all information in a single location. This makes it easy for technicians to see the complete history of each asset, making repairs even faster. In addition, a service log can provide valuable feedback for future improvements.