Plumbing is essential for cooking, washing dishes, taking a shower, and completing other household chores. When the plumbing system fails, the toilet, sink, and other critical components of the home can experience issues, leading to inconvenience. 

Unfortunately, homeowners tend to overlook caring for their plumbing fixtures and call plumbers when it’s already too late. Another reason why plumbing issues often get worse is that they are not easy to spot with the naked eye. To prevent such issues, schedule routine maintenance. Here are some plumbing maintenance tips every homeowner should follow:

1. Unclog a Blocked Toilet as Soon as Possible

Toilets usually get clogged because someone has ended up flushing down something that they shouldn’t have. Common causes of blocked toilets are tissue, sanitary towels, paper, and other foreign objects.

Once a toilet gets clogged, don’t wait for the problem to go away on its own. Deal with it as soon as possible to prevent encountering a nasty overflow. Start by pouring 2-3 gallons of water into the toilet bowl and use a plunger to loosen the clog. If the problem persists, seek a plumber’s expertise.

2. Clean a Garbage Disposal Regularly

Garbage disposals prevent blockages and keep the sewer line in tip-top condition. However, they are only effective when they are properly maintained. This involves cleaning them by running cold water and ice cubes through them and sharpening their blades. When grinding the ice, adding lemon peel can make them smell fresh. 

To prevent blockages, don’t be careless about what is thrown into the garbage disposal. For instance, never put coffee grounds and grease or fat into the unit. 

3. Clean the Showerhead 

A quick and easy way to practice proper plumbing maintenance and avoid low water pressure is to clean the showerhead regularly. Simply take it off and leave it in vinegar overnight. Other ways to prevent clogged showerheads are leaving a window open, using a dehumidifier, and keeping the extractor fan running when taking a shower to prevent mold and mildew growth in the bathroom. 

4. Maintain a Hot Water Supply

Hot water is deemed a necessity in many households. Because of this, maintaining a consistent hot water supply is important. Do this by using a water softener and draining the tank regularly to prevent sediment buildup. 

If the hot water supply no longer gets hot, there may be a problem with the thermostat. This sometimes happens when it gets bumped accidentally. Check it regularly and ensure it is adjusted to the right temperature.

5. Secure Water Pipes

Banging water pipes are common, especially with copper ones. This problem occurs due to expansion and contraction. To prevent having to deal with this issue in the first place, secure water pipes using plumbing straps or clips. 

Conclusion

Every home needs a properly functioning plumbing system. Without it, even the most mundane tasks around the house will be time-consuming and expensive. Since there’s no telling when a critical plumbing problem pops up, it’s important to prevent issues from happening in the first place. Besides following these tips, contact professionals to have the plumbing system checked regularly.

At Candu Plumbing & Rooter, we offer plumbing services in California. Our services are available 24/7 to deal with plumbing emergencies. Contact us at 855-522-2638!