No one’s denying that maintaining a home is a challenge. This is especially so when it comes to plumbing. To avoid unexpected issues in your home you need to keep your plumbing system functioning efficiently. Here are 7 essential tips to help you keep your plumbing in tip top shape.

1. Regular Inspections

It seems like a no-brainer, but one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your plumbing is to regularly inspect it for leaks. Small leaks can often sneak by but still cause significant water damage over time. Take a moment, once a month and check under your sinks, around toilets, and along any exposed pipes. Address any leaks you find quickly so you can prevent water damage and reduce water waste.

2. Maintain Your Water Heater

Your water heater is a big part of your home’s plumbing system. It’s not one of those systems that you can just install and walk away from. Regular maintenance of your water heater is necessary to maintain its lifespan and keep it efficient. Once a year you should flush the tank to remove any sediment buildup. This buildup of sediment can make the water heater have to work harder for that hot morning shower. You’ll also want to check out the pressure relief valve to make sure that it’s functioning correctly. This valve is one of the parts that malfunctions the most.

3. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

We have all been tempted to use those handy chemical drain cleaners when the tub just won’t empty. But believe it or not, they cause more harm than good. These are chemicals and they can erode your pipes and cause some long term damage. Instead of turning right for the chemicals, try using a drain snake or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear out some minor clogs. If these tricks don’t work, it might be time to call a professional to take care of the issue for you.

4. Insulate Pipes

Not all homes come with all of their pipes insulated. If your home is in an area that has those colder months during the winter you need to think about making sure that all of your pipes are insulated. This simple step can prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting over the winter which will cost you a fortune. You can easily get foam pipe insulation from your local hardware store and cover any exposed pipes in unheated areas like your basement and crawl space.

5. Do You Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is?

You’ve used the chemical drain cleaner, or maybe the previous owners did, and now the pipe under your sink has a giant hole in it that’s just pumping water all over your bathroom. You need to shut off the water. Do you know where the main water shut-off valve is in your house? Faced with a major leaguer plumbing emergency so you really should know where the main shut off valve is in your house. This valve controls the flow of water into your home. Being able to shut this off when you’re facing the leak can mean far less water damage compared to the opposite. It’s a good idea to make sure that everyone in your household knows where it is and how to operate it.

6. Practice Safe Disposal

Be mindful of what you’re flushing. It is really easy to cause severe plumbing issues by flushing items down the toilet that should never be flushed. We are not talking about the kids accidentally flushing their toy dinosaur. You want to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and even certain types of paper towels can very easily cause a blockage. You also want to avoid pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink. They’re liquid while they’re hot and warm but when they cool they solidify and can cause some serious clogs.

7. Regular Professional Inspections

There are a lot of things when it comes to your plumbing that you can do yourself. It’s also a great thing to prevent problems before they become a major issue. Unless you’re an expert DIYer, you may not be able to identify these problems yourself. Having a professional inspector plumbing annually is a great idea. A professional can go around and take a look and check for signs of wear and tear, inspect the water pressure, and make sure that all of the components that make your plumbing system are functioning correctly.

Contact an expert and schedule an annual inspection with someone like Dial One Johnson, Dallas Plumbing, Heating and AC Repair. Having an experienced team come check out your plumbing can give you a comprehensive service that will keep your system running smoothly.

8. Install Water Softeners

Many areas these days have hard water. Hard water can contain high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals will build up in your pipes and appliances and reduce their efficiency and their lifespan. Not to mention what it does to your hair and skin. A water softener will help remove these minerals and protect your plumbing system. Not only will your system last longer and be more efficient, but your household chores like cleaning and bathing are far more pleasant.

9. Strainers and Stoppers

Stop blockages before they happen. Using strainers in your sinks and stoppers in your tubs can prevent debris from getting into your plumbing system and causing the blockage. Strainers can catch food particles, hair, and other debris. Instead of entering your pipes you can then pick up a strainer and dump them in the trash. Make sure to regularly clean and replace these strainers and stoppers to make sure they’re functioning properly.

These are just a few of the tips that can help you maintain an efficient and reliable plumbing system in your home. It’s always great to avoid unexpected issues and costly repairs. Between regular maintenance on your part and some professional inspections, you can have a well-functioning plumbing system in any home.