Plumbing dos and donts for home and property owners
A few things to note as a home owner when dealing with the plumbing
Synopsis
When it comes to plumbing, every homeowner or property owner has a trick or two up their sleeves to solve plumbing issues and save money. However, it is important to understand the importance of having professional help when dealing with plumbing issues. At the same time, you should know what to do and what to avoid when dealing with your plumbing system.
In this blog, you can read and learn more about the dos and don’ts of your plumbing systems.
Plumbing dos
Do use filters
Installing protective filters at home or on your property protects your drains from clogs. The filters are placed on the sinks, showers and bathtubs, preventing food, hairs and other particles from going down your drains. Preventing the build-up of materials and food particles saves you money that
would otherwise have been spent unclogging the drains.
Seek professional advice if you need plumbing work done
If you are not a qualified plumber, you need a plumber’s advice before starting your plumbing project. Your plumber can easily tell whether your project is possible, as well as save you money and time. Also, an experienced plumber can guide you, and give you better options for your project that you would
otherwise have not considered. They can also advise you on the type and size of pipes to use and how to
improve your plumbing systems.
Know the location of your main water valve
Knowing the location of your main water valve is important because it can help you to reduce water wastage. If you experience running toilets, leaking pipes or dripping faucets at home or in your properties, you can easily switch off the main water valve and stop the water flow. Also, if your water pipes burst, shutting down the water temporarily before your plumber
arrives, will reduce wastage and any further potential damage.
Do seek professional help if you are having plumbing issues
It is always advisable to call your plumber in case of plumbing issues in your properties or home. If your plumbing issue is an emergency, the plumber knows how to fix the problem temporarily. Additionally, the plumber has the tools and experience to deal with every plumbing issue. Therefore, calling the plumber
will provide a solution and relief from the issues you have with your plumbing.
Also, it may be possible for your plumber to repair the problem immediately to prevent more damage, or put an interim fix in until they can repair it.
If you have plumbing issues that are always recurring, your plumber can advise you on maintenance
practices to help eliminate the problem and the recurrence of the problems.
Do follow all plumbing regulations and guidelines
Plumbing regulations are put in place to protect your family, other households and your tenants. Following these legal requirements
ensures that plumbing system installation and maintenance are consistent with regulatory standards and to a professional
level and standard
Additionally, following these regulations ensures that your plumbing system uses the specified product which will in many cases
ensure the safety of you, your family, other households and your tenants.
Plumbing don’ts
Don't leave your drainage pipes exposed in winter
Leaving your pipes exposed during winter might cause your pipes to burst. During winter, water in the pipes exposed to freezing weather will freeze and expand,
the increase in the mass and diameter can cause your pipes to stop supplying water, and even burst.
To prevent your pipes from bursting, wrap the exposed pipes in an approved insulating product, for the prevention
of freezing of water in external or exposed piping. By maintaining an average temperature above 0 degrees, within the pipes will allow a small amount of water to flow through the pipes,
and prevent this water from freezing and undergoing freeze expansion.
Don’t use chemical drain cleaners in large quantities
Using chemical drain cleaners corrodes your drainage pipes. The acid in these cleaners makes your pipes thinner, as they lose layers and more fragile, this will lead to damage sooner
and a reduction in the quoted service life vs. actual.
Instead of using the acid or corrosive based cleaning agents or products, use a plunger to remove some clogs, or you can also use non-chemical drain cleaning solutions,
which are effective at removing organic blockages in your piping, whilst not damaging your drainage pipes. Calling the plumber for cleaning and maintenance is
the best option. though, his expertise will ensures that your drains are cleaned thoroughly.
Don’t ignore minor plumbing issues
Minor plumbing issues like dripping faucets, slow draining sinks or leaks can quickly become a bigger issue if ignored. Call a plumber if you notice these issues at home or in a property.
The plumber can quickly identify the cause of the leak and fix the problem.
Don't open your drains
If you are not a qualified plumber opening your clogged drains could destroy your home. Clogs in your drains cause water to accumulate under pressure. Therefore, the sewage drains into your home or property should only be cleaned by professional
drain cleaners. If you try unclogging the system yourself, you may damage the piping and cause flooding, this could damage wooden floors, the sewage might damage materials and other parts of the house.
Instead of opening your drains, and attempting to do the job yourself call a certified plumber, or a drain cleaner.
Don't forget maintenance on your drainage system
Regular maintenance of your plumbing system or home reduces the risk of blockage. Food particles, hairs and soap are common in drains and should be removed from them. It also helps to eliminate odors from your drain system and improve water flow,
and prevent build up of standing water. Regular maintenance, good hygiene and routine cleaning schedule should help with the lifespan of your drainage system as well as prevent
the risk of you incurring costly repairs.
You should ensure that drainage systems in your home and properties are regularly serviced and maintained.
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