Common plumbing issues such as leaks and drain blockages can cause a lot of disruption in your household and potentially cost quite a large sum. The last thing you want when returning from a day’s work or even a holiday is to find a nasty smell or a wet patch on the floor. Thankfully, there are some preventative measures you can take. Here is a brief guide on how to avoid common plumbing problems.
Dealing with Drainage
The plug-hole and pipes beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks can be a frequent source of concern if they’re not draining properly, produce a smell or are visibly clogged with grime. Regular maintenance can help to avoid major blockages before they occur.
In the kitchen, try to bin greasy substances or large food particles rather than tip them into the sink. You can also purchase drain covers which will collect these objects so you can throw them out safely. Similarly, place a drain cover over the plug hole in the bath to make sure hair and soap residue don’t clog the pipes below.
If you do encounter a problem, there are strong unblocking detergents you can buy which will usually need to be poured down the drain and left overnight to work (without running any water through).
In the case of toilets, common problems are usually caused by people flushing large objects or sanitary products. Encourage the whole household to bin anything except toilet paper.
Preventing Pipe Problems
Many problems involving burst or cracked pipes can be avoided through regular checks and anticipating things such as changes in the weather.
Before winter comes, turn off the water to any outside taps or hoses and let any leftover water out. This prevents the water freezing during a cold snap and damaging the pipes. If you’re on holiday during the colder months, try to leave a minimal level of central heating on, or set a timer, so that the pipes don’t freeze. If you have any exposed pipe work in the cellar, you can wrap it in insulation to avoid cracks. This will also help your pipes become more energy-efficient.
Don’t forget to check the washing-machine hoses to make sure there are no cracks. It’s a good idea to turn off the water supply to your washing machine before going away for longer periods. If you’re having repeated problems, replace old rubber piping with new steel versions which are more durable.
In general, it’s sensible to know where your water mains tap is, so that you can switch it off in the event of a leak. Some drain blockages can be dealt with by using a plunger, so it’s good to keep one in the house. Of course, leaks and plumbing problems do happen, no matter what measures you take. You may need to seek expert advice. Day to day, the best thing you can do is to ensure the good working condition of your plumbing system is by performing routine maintenance, as this will greatly reduce the risk of things going wrong.
If you encounter a plumbing problem you cannot fix yourself, you can go to www.toptradespeople.co.uk & www.drdrip.com.au to find a professional plumber in your area.