Maintenance Tips To Help Your Plumbing Last Longer

Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning is one of the most important things you can do to help your plumbing last longer. Over time grime builds up inside your pipes, which can eventually impede proper drainage. Slow drainage, and reoccurring clogs can be a sign that your pipes need to be cleaned. Hydro-jetting works to clean all of the grime and buildup away from the walls of your pipes. Leaving them smooth and free from obstructions.  

Deodorize Garbage Disposal

In addition to drain cleaning by a professional, it is also a good idea to deodorize your garbage disposal. Bacteria from food can build up inside the garbage disposal, leaving behind a foul stench. To combat this run hot water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also try putting some lemon peel in the garbage disposal, the acid from the peel kills the bacteria, and leaves a fresh lemony scent. Putting some ice cubes down the garbage disposal can also help break some of the buildup off of the blades.

Watch What Goes Down The Drain

Watching what goes down the drain is extremely important to help your plumbing last longer. This includes both kitchen and bathroom drains. When things that don’t belong in your drains accidentally make their way down your pipes, they can cause all kinds of problems, namely clogs, but they can also damage your pipes as well. Some things that should never go down the drain include: grease, bones, large food particles, paper, glass, hair, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, cotton balls, cotton swabs, prescription medications, and harsh chemicals. Prescription medications and chemicals need to be disposed of at take back facilities. This not only helps protect your drains, but it also helps prevent pollution, as everything that goes down the drain can eventually make its way to our lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans.  

Repair Leaks 

A leaky faucet, showerhead, or toilet is not only annoying, but it can also be costly. Plus if left for too long can cause a lot of damage. It is important to stay on top of leak detection and make repairs as quickly as possible to avoid excess waste and unnecessary damage that can make repairs more costly. A light dripping faucet or a toilet that runs all the time isn’t something you should get used too. In fact, if caught early on it may be a simple repair like replacing a grommet or flapper. Remember not all leaks present themselves right away. Your plumbing system is made up of an intricate systems of pipes, some you can see and some you cannot. Just because they are out of sight out of mind does not mean a leak cannot occur. Know how to recognize the signs of a hidden leak, which are: the sound of dripping or rushing water, unexplained puddles of water, saturated ground, lush patches of grass in the yard, the smell of mold or mildew, or an unusually high water bill that cannot be explained. If you notice any of these signs, call your plumber right away.  

Water Heater Flush

Both tank storage and tankless water heaters will last longer with regular maintenance. Tank storage water heaters last about 10 year, a little bit longer if they are properly maintained. Water heater maintenance includes: draining and flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod, inspecting the tank for signs of corrosion, checking the thermostat, and making sure the heating mechanisms are in good working order. Their counterparts, tankless water heaters are advertised as low maintenance, however that doesn't mean no maintenance. Tankless water heaters should still be flushed and cleaned out and thoroughly inspected. Mineral deposits can buildup in both types of water heaters. This can cause issues with the efficiency and effectiveness of the water heater.   In areas that are prone to hard water, minerals deposits may build up even faster, which warrants more frequent maintenance. Water softeners can help alleviate this problem. Some signs your water heater needs attention include: water not being hot enough, no hot water, discolored hot water (brown water), puddles around your water heater, corrosion on the outside of the tank, or loud banging sounds when your water heater is engaged. Call your plumbing right away if you notice any of these.   Staying on top of your plumbing maintenance can help your plumbing last longer. Not to mention help prevent some of the most common plumbing problems. To schedule your maintenance contact Rooter Hero today! 

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