Date Posted: December 16, 2021 12:48 pm
When it comes to your home, you can’t afford to neglect the plumbing. Plumbing problems, in general, are usually not that bad, but when they get out of control, they can be severe nightmares. Not only do they look bad (trust me, I know), but there is always the possibility for significant water damage down the line.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of pipes you have in your house. This will take too much time unless you go through each pipe. You should instead focus on what kind of system your home has.
A single-family home with a basement? You’ve probably got copper pipes.
A new build with an unfinished ceiling or floor? You probably have PVC or black steel pipes.
With whatever material your pipes are made out of (the company that manufactured and installed the pipes should be able to inform you), it’s time to clean those babies up. Now, some people prefer to brush their pipes every month. I’m not one of those people. I think that’s a little excessive, but do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Just make sure to do it at least once a year, and more if you have hard water.
There are all sorts of chemicals on the market designed to clean pipes- most of them work very well. So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, hydrogen peroxide is a good choice (although it may take a little longer to work). So be sure to check the pH level of your cleaning solution before using it, as some can cause more damage than good.
Speaking of damage, another common plumbing problem is corrosion. This usually happens when there is too much calcium in the water, which several things can cause. For example, you could have hard water, but it could also be as simple as having ancient pipes. In any event, this is where a water softener comes into play.
While you’re at it, be sure to check the pH level of your drinking water before you drink it from the tap. The ideal pH level for drinking water should be between 7 and 8. If it’s lower than that, try using a filter to raise the pH levels (the one built into your fridge usually will do just fine).
All sorts of nasty bacteria love staying nice and moist- so don’t give them what they want! It may seem like common sense, but make sure to fix any leaks in your house as soon as possible. Not only will it help prevent water damage, but it will also help reduce the amount of moisture in the air (and bacteria love moist environments).
You should also check your water heater regularly for any signs of wear and tear. If you do find something wrong, have it fixed right away! For example, a water heater in bad condition is a ticking time bomb- not to mention a fire hazard.
Do you have a septic system? If so, be sure to have it pumped out at least once a year. And while you’re at it, make sure that the tank isn’t overflowing.
Another thing to keep an eye on is your pipes’ temperature. If you leave something hot on for too long (such as a curling iron or a straightener), it may cause your pipe to swell and eventually burst.
Now, what about those of us who don’t have basements? Well, you still need to check the pH level of your water before you drink or bathe in it- but there’s also another risk factor that needs to be addressed: drainage problems. Most people don’t even know where their drains are until something starts backing up. So your drain system is just as important as the rest of the plumbing, so do yourself a favor and find out where they all are ASAP!
It would help if you also kept an eye out for cracks and other damage to your foundation. For example, if there is a crack, you can try repairing it yourself or hiring a professional. Just know that if the foundation of your home gets too damaged, you may have to move.
In 2022, it is more important than ever to take care of your plumbing. As the year progresses and we find ourselves in a colder climate with longer days, you can expect that there will be an increase in leaks as well as clogs. These happen naturally over time, but if not tended to on time or correctly, they could lead to more significant problems like burst pipes or sewage flooding out of drains and toilets. It’s also essential for homeowners who have experienced any natural disaster (flooding, hurricanes) to make sure a professional plumber has inspected their home before using any water sources inside their house again—to prevent any structural damage from getting worse due to moisture being brought into the building.
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