You depend on your home’s pipes daily to deliver you fresh water to cook, clean, and bathe. If you want your pipes to be in the best condition possible, here are four tips to optimize the performance of your home’s pipes:
1. Look out for leaks: Faucets that continuously leak can cause mold and structural damage if left unrepaired. Keep an eye on especially larger appliances that use high volumes of water, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and water heaters. If you notice water collecting around these areas or signs of water damage, you’ll want to make an appointment with your plumber to resolve any needed repairs.
2. Eliminate drain blockages: Clogged pipes are not only inconvenient, but can also cause damage to your plumbing system if left unfixed. If you see signs of buildup in your pipes – annoyances like slow draining, sewage-like odors, unusual noises, or a change in water pressure – you’ll want to have this cleared. While at-home solutions can cause short-term relief, DIY fixes can delay your concerns rather than fully correcting the issue. In worst cases, the corrosive acids in chemical drain cleaners can harm your pipes.
3. Be mindful of what you flush: Some substances and items are not meant to go down your toilet drain and can easily cause buildup or deterioration within your pipes. It’s best to only allow toilet paper and waste to flush down your toilet, while objects like hair, grease, and wet wipes are not recommended for the health of your system.
4. Keep an eye on water pressure: Your home’s water pressure should be balanced — pressure that’s too high can overwork and even burst your pipes, while pressure that’s too low can make it harder to shower, clean, and use your faucets.