There are things savvy homeowners can do that will improve their plumbing, and keep the need for commercial plumbing professionals to a minimum.
Protect your pipes
Protecting your pipes is key to preventing costly water leaks. A water leak not only causes property damage but can drive up your water bill. Start by knowing what to look for when a pipe is leaking, since it’s not always obvious.
Pipes often leak near joints, so watch for the following:
- Wet spots on the floor.
- Water sports or mould on the ceiling.
- Mildew on walls, carpets, and flooring.
- Sagging floorboards.
- The damp ground around the house.
You might also notice a change in the water pressure. Keep the area under the sink clear so you can spot drips and leaks there, too. Mould growing on your ceiling may require a ceiling repair expert.
The best way to prevent leaks is to take steps to protect the pipes.
Wrap them with insulation
Foam tubes designed to keep pipes warm during the winter can be purchased. The good news is, they’re easy to install.
Turn on outdoor faucets before a freeze
If you’re expecting a freezing night or are going on winter vacation, open exterior faucets to keep the water flowing, and prevent freezing.
Remove hoses
Detach hoses from outdoor faucets during the cold season. If left connected, water in the tube can freeze, potentially damaging the faucet and pipes.
Make sure to close any interior valves that control the outdoor faucets, too. Once closed, drain the water from the faucets.
Take care of your sump pump
Without the sump pump, the interior of the house can flood, leading to mould growth. There are things you can do to ensure the sump pump works:
- Clean out the inlet screen every 3 months.
- Check often to make sure the pump is plugged in.
- Test the sump pump every few months. Pour water into the pump basin until the float rises, and take note of whether or not the pump starts.
If it turns out the sump pump needs replacing, don’t settle on the cheapest model. It’s worth spending a little extra to get a quality pump.
Educate your family about the toilet
The best way to avoid a clog is by educating everyone on what can and cannot be thrown into the toilet bowl.
Make a list of do-not-flush items that include:
- Feminine hygiene products. Even if they say flushable, do not flush them!
- Paper towels that are not toilet paper.
- Toys of all sizes. The toilet isn’t for playtime.
- Cotton balls, a toilet bowl no-go.
- Ashtray debris. Cigarette butts belong in the bin.
- Cooking grease. It risks clogging pipes.
If you have little children or pets curious about the toilet, consider installing a lid lock to keep them from flushing the wrong things down the bowl.
When you do need to hire a plumber
No matter your DIY skills, there are some projects that simply require a licensed professional. When you do need a plumber, look for plumbing companies that have been in business for at least five years.
Additionally, you should:
- Get a few quotes.
- Check the plumber’s license and insurance.
- Find out if the plumber charges for travel time.
- Ask about special costs, like cutting into walls.
- Check to see if the guarantee offered by the plumber applies to both work and parts.
AllSealedWA is a Western Australian, locally owned company and specialist repairer providing a genuine, long-term permanent solution to fix leaking showers, leaking balconies, and other wet areas without removing tiles, via grout and silicone replacement.
With over 15 years of industry experience, there isn’t much we haven’t seen—and not much we can’t fix! If you’re in Perth call us on (08) 6007 3164 and a professional AllSealedWA team member will assist by arranging a time for your obligation free consultation. We’re always here to help.