How To Improve Your Home’s Plumbing

Are you looking for ways to improve your home’s plumbing? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to have plumbing upgrades your home’s plumbing system and make it more efficient.

We’ll look at the importance of regular maintenance, the best materials and fixtures, and the latest technologies available to make your plumbing system more effective.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to take on any plumbing project with confidence and success. So let’s get started!

How To Improve Your Home’s Plumbing?

1. Use A Drain Strainer

A drain strainer, also known as a drain filter, is a tool to catch hair or food particles, preventing them from going down the drain. Using a drain strainer can help keep your drainage systems clean and prevent any backups and clogs caused by the accumulation of non-liquid items.

However, drain filters come in various sizes. So, measuring the drain opening diameter before purchasing one is necessary to avoid ill-fitted strainers.

2. Check For Leaks

Since leaks occur in any corner of your home, regular checking for leaks can be challenging. Sometimes, you’ll find a puddle of water on the floor underneath the sink, or toilet bowl, but not every leak will show signs. Certain leaks can exist for an extended period without anyone noticing them until they cause pipe bursts and flooding, damaging everything in the vicinity!

However, there are a few steps you can take to check for hidden leaks. One such step is checking for a leak in your toilet bowl by adding food dye. Now, let the coloured water sit in it for around 15 minutes.

After this, inspect your toilet bowl for any coloured water. If the water in the toilet bowl shows signs of colour, it means there is a hidden leak, and you would need to get it fixed immediately.

Another step is to turn off the main water supply or water-using fixtures, including appliances, toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures. Now, note the water meter reading and wait for a while. Recheck the water metre after about an hour to see if it has moved. If the reading increases, chances are there is a leak somewhere within your plumbing system.

Apart from these signs, make sure to check for other more prominent signs that may indicate a leak, like

• Sudden mould formation on walls
• Peeling of paint and wallpaper
• Sound of running water within the walls
• Random puddles or stains on the wall

Call a professional plumber to thoroughly inspect the entire plumbing system if you suspect a leak.

3. Do Not Discard Cooking Oil In The Drain

Cooking oil will solidify as it gets colder, so pouring it down your drain can coagulate inside the system and cause a clog. And the continuous pressure of the clog can eventually lead to a leak.

To prevent this from happening, discard cooking oil in the trash instead of pouring it down the sink. The easiest way to discard cooking oil after cooking is to allow it to cool completely, discard the oil into a disposable tray and throw it in the trash can.

4. Clean The Drains Regularly

Like everything else, your home’s plumbing system needs regular maintenance to function optimally. And cleaning the drains regularly can help remove any gunk build-up, which can otherwise prevent the drain from allowing efficient water flow.

An efficient way to clean your drains is by pouring vinegar down the pipe once every few months and letting it sit for several hours. Flush the drains with some hot water after a couple of hours.

You can use vinegar and baking soda to clean the kitchen sink drain. Pour some baking soda into the drain pipe and some vinegar on top of it. The vinegar will help remove food debris, and the baking soda can dislodge and break up any accumulated fats and oils.

Let the mixture sit in your drain for a few hours, after which you can flush it away with some hot water. Your drain will be cleared and will allow water to flow more efficiently.

5. Insulate The Pipes

If you live in colder regions, pipe insulation can be beneficial. This method can protect the pipes and the drainage system from freezing while allowing hot water inside the pipe to retain its temperature.

All you have to do is measure the diameter of the pipes and get the right-sized insulation sleeves. Cut them to the appropriate length using a utility knife. Remove the paper backing from the adhesive within the sleeves and wrap them around the pipe.

Do this for all the exposed pipes inside and outside your home before winter.

6. Replace Worn Pipes

If you’ve been living at your property for a while or recently purchased an old home, you may have trouble with ageing pipes. When the pipes in your home start to age with time, cracks and water leaks become a frequent problem.

These unassuming leaks can lead to expensive water bills or hefty repair charges. Replacing existing plumbing pipes is necessary if you notice frequent leaks and mould growth within your home.

7. Work With A Professional

Though you can fix most common leaks with some DIY methods and tools, specific plumbing issues need the expertise of a professional plumber. Working with a licensed plumber can ensure that your home’s plumbing system stays updated and offers peak performance. It is recommended to seek the advice of a professional every year to spot any hidden leaks or other underlying issues with your drain pipes and water fixtures.

7 Tips to Solving Your Home Plumbing - Get Your Home Flowing Again!

Your plumbing system is as important as other aspects of your home and needs maintenance to ensure it works efficiently. Though certain issues cannot be predicted or avoided, following the above steps can reduce their chances and frequency.

WP Plumbing Burnside is here to help you with all your home’s plumbing needs. Regardless of the time of day, we operate seven days a week and offer same-day quality service. So. if you need assistance with your home plumbing system, contact our friendly Melbourne plumbing experts today!