Proper plumbing care and upkeep, including professional preventive inspections and maintenance, help homeowners avoid frequent and costly repairs for a safe and healthfully functioning household.
A qualified and reliable Phoenix plumbing company catches developing issues early. They make the necessary repairs before problems can escalate to include potential water damage and the spread of mold and mildew.
Reputable contractors ensure homeowners are educated and informed on their plumbing system and how the components work together. Residents can then better manage the equipment, including visually inspecting for leaks and other concerns.
How can you keep your system effective for a thriving household? Let’s learn a few professional plumbing tips.
Plumbing Maintenance Practices for a Safe and Healthy System
Plumbing is a complex system of valves and pipes working cohesively to keep Phoenix homes functioning with a safe and healthy water supply. Residents schedule regular preventive inspections and maintenance to ensure the components are in good condition and working together properly.
Professional plumbing contractors advise homeowners on basic good habits, such as refraining from putting the wrong products in the drain. They further instruct on employing proactive measures, including routine checks between service calls to find leaks and other irregularities that could need prompt attention.
Consider the following professional tips and preventive practices to keep your equipment functioning efficiently.
Chemical drain cleaners
When a slow drain develops, and a minor clog is suspected, it’s important to refrain from using store-bought drain cleaning solutions. These products often contain harsh chemicals responsible for corroding metal pipe joints and damaging plastic pipes installed in modern households.
A minor clog can often be resolved with a plunger or by breaking it up with a drain snake. Also effective for a developing clog is a solution of vinegar and baking soda.
If clogs persist following these troubleshooting techniques, reaching out to a credentialed plumbing contractor is recommended.
These experts have extensive knowledge and expertise along with specialized tools and equipment to assess underlying problems and ensure the fix is right the first time with little chance for further complications.
Annual inspection
Homeowners are urged to schedule annual preventive inspections and maintenance to check the pipes and catch potential defects in the components. The plumber will assess accessible areas and visible piping, such as behind walls and beneath the property in the crawl spaces.
The professional will also check the home’s water pressure in each of the lines and secure all connections. This helps reduce the likelihood of leaks which can lead to pipe damage and water damage within the home’s interior.
When a home is exposed to water damage, dampness, or moisture, there’s a high potential for mold to grow and rapidly spread.
This not only presents more extensive repairs and high costs but also poses health concerns for those living in the home. Visit – Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Plumbing System in Your Home – for tips on maintaining a healthy plumbing system.
Insulated pipes
While insulating pipes in cold climates is recommended, it’s further suggested to keep pipes insulated in tropical environments to prevent condensation. In the cold temperatures, uninsulated pipes are at risk of freezing, leading to breaks or bursting and flooding in the home.
In both warm and humid environments and cold atmospheres, relieving the potential for moisture or water damage is essential to preventing mold growth. Mold poses a significant health risk, particularly for those with respiratory concerns.
It can cause a sore throat and congestion and in a worst-case scenario, severe reactions that lead to medical intervention.
Leak detectors
A dripping faucet or the slightest leak can cause more problems than many homeowners realize. Plumbers advise that residents can experience tens of thousands of dollars in water damage from only an inch of puddling or pooling water.
Leak detectors are a wise investment for protecting your plumbing system and property. Some are advanced to the point they emit an alert on your mobile so you know there’s a developing problem and can reach out for professional services immediately.
Homeowners are further encouraged to perform visual checks under sinks, around the toilet and water heater, and with all fixtures to find drips or leaking before they can escalate.
Backflow prevention
Backflow involves water flow backward from the drains. This water can be contaminated with solid particles, harmful liquids, and gasses. Drinking polluted water can present detrimental health consequences, and it can also cause severe pipe damage as the foreign materials pass through them.
Many states require homeowners to install backflow prevention devices. These are long-lasting but do have a life expectancy, making it necessary to pay attention for wear and inefficiency.
Residents must be aware of their water supply and how it’s working in order to recognize when the quality changes even slightly. A poor flavor or foul odors are common signs that could indicate a backflow issue and the need to contact a professional plumber to address the problem.
Re-piping
For many homeowners, the plumbing system is sort of out of sight, out of mind. They believe the pipes have an extensive life span and little is needed by way of care or upkeep. Unfortunately, pipes won’t last forever. In fact, in hot climates like Phoenix, traditional copper pipes can degrade over time.
Residents are urged to replace these outdated pipes in favor of PEX pipes, an update and investment that can prove worthwhile. This modern pipe system consists of synthetic materials that boast incredible durability due to a solid cross-linking polyethylene material.
Homeowners prefer these pipes for the superior durability, resistance to freezing, and longevity.
Final Thought
Many homeowners are of the mindset that plumbing is one area of household maintenance that requires little attention because pipes are long-lasting.
In fact, the life expectancy for many materials depends on good habits and regular preventive care and upkeep. Read here to learn proactive measures to prevent clogs.
Professional Phoenix plumbing companies strive to keep residents informed and provide annual inspections to ensure the equipment works properly with no signs of developing problems. These inspections help homeowners stave off unexpected repairs or emergencies to save much stress and great expense.
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