Blog

Your plumbing system is one of the most important aspects of your home. It’s responsible for bringing clean water to your house and removing wastewater. If something goes wrong with your plumbing system, it can be a huge inconvenience – not to mention expensive to repair. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect your plumbing system from damage. This article will discuss 10 tips that every homeowner should know to protect their plumbing system.

Go for Professional Installation

The first and most important tip is to always go for professional installation regarding your plumbing system protection. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people try to save money by doing it themselves or hiring a friend who’s “good with tools.” However, it is important to hire a professional plumber for any plumbing installation, regardless of how small the job may seem.

Not only will a plumber have the necessary tools and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently, but they will also be able to offer valuable advice on protecting your plumbing system from future damage. In addition, by choosing a plumber for any installation, you can rest assured that your plumbing system will be up to code and up to the task of meeting your family’s needs.

When hiring a plumber, you will also ensure that a warranty covers your plumbing system. This can be a lifesaver if something does go wrong with your plumbing system – you won’t have to pay for repairs out of pocket. Therefore, hiring a plumber for professional installation is always the best line of protection for your plumbing system.

Have Your Plumbing System Inspected Regularly

It is not uncommon for many homeowners to forget about their plumbing system as long as it’s working properly. However, plumbing inspection is important to ensure that your system runs smoothly and to catch any potential problems before they become serious. While some homeowners choose to do this themselves, it is generally best to hire a professional plumber in Granbury, TX. Plumbers are trained to identify potential issues and can often fix them before they cause extensive damage.

In addition, some plumbing issues cannot be detected without special equipment. For example, a camera is often needed to inspect the inside of pipes for cracks or blockages. Therefore, you must ensure that the plumber you hire has the necessary tools and experience to inspect your plumbing system properly.

Hiring a plumber in Granbury, TX for regular plumbing inspections can help extend your plumbing system’s life by catching problems early. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and the headache of dealing with a major plumbing issue.

Invest in Regular Drain Cleaning

As a homeowner, investing in regular drain cleaning is important to protect your plumbing system. Over time, drains can become clogged with dirt, hair, grease, and other debris, leading to major problems. Not only can clogged drains cause water to back up into your home, but they can also lead to serious flooding.

In addition, blocked drains can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, resulting in dangerous illnesses. Drain cleaning is the process of removing all of the debris from your drains to keep them clear and functioning properly. Several methods can be used for drain cleaning, but hiring a professional plumber is the most effective way to ensure your drains are cleared.

Professional plumbers have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively clean your drains, ensuring that your plumbing system stays healthy and functional for years to come.

Be Careful What You Flush Down the Drains and Toilets

One of the most common causes of plumbing problems is flushing things down the drains or toilets that shouldn’t be flushed. This is because the drains and toilets are not designed to handle non-biodegradable materials. To protect your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs, there are some items that you should never flush or pour down the drain. These include:

Fats, oils, and grease: When these substances cool, they can solidify and cling to the sides of your pipes, eventually causing a clog. Additionally, they can build up over time and narrow your pipes, restricting water flow.

Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds can quickly accumulate and form a clog. They can also attract insects and rodents.

Hair: Hair is one of the most common items found in clogged drains. It can quickly accumulate and form a ball that catches other debris, eventually forming a clog.

Paper towels: Paper towels are not as strong as toilet paper and can easily tear and disintegrate when wet. They can also reduce water flow in your pipes and lead to clogs.

Dental floss: Dental floss can tangle around other debris in your pipes and form a clog.

Cigarette butts: Cigarette butts can take years to decompose and will block your drains in the meantime.

Sanitary napkins: Sanitary napkins are made of non-biodegradable materials and can quickly cause a clog.

If it’s not biodegradable, don’t flush it down the drain or toilet. You can avoid many plumbing problems by being mindful of what you flush or pour down your drains.

Use Quality Plumbing Fixtures and Materials

As any experienced plumber will tell you, using high-quality fixtures and materials is essential for protecting your plumbing system. Plumbing fixtures are the devices that bring water into your home and take it away. They include sinks, toilets, showers, and more. Quality fixtures are made to last and can withstand years of wear and tear. That means they’re less likely to break down or leak, which can cause major damage to your home.

Materials are another important part of your plumbing system. The pipes carrying water to and from your Granbury, TX home are likely made of copper, PVC, or galvanized steel. These materials can deteriorate over time, so it’s important to choose durable ones that will last long-term. Quality fixtures and materials can help protect your plumbing system from damage and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Additionally, high-quality fixtures and materials can help improve your plumbing system’s overall efficiency. When your plumbing system is more efficient, it will use less water, saving you money on your water bill. And if you are doing any repairs on your plumbing appliances, the quality of parts you will use can affect your warranty status. If you use substandard materials, your warranty may be void. Therefore, it is important you use high-quality materials and fixtures, whether for new plumbing installations or repairs.

If you’re not sure what fixtures and materials to use for your home, be sure to consult with a professional plumber. They will be able to recommend the best products for your needs and can even help you to install them.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

When the temperature outside starts to drop, it’s important to take steps to protect your exposed pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage to your home. To prevent this, you should insulate any exposed pipes in your home. There are several ways to insulate your exposed pipes, such as using heat tape or pipe sleeves. Heat tape is a self-adhesive tape that you can wrap around your exposed pipes. Pipe sleeves are another option and can be slid over your exposed pipes.

You should not make the mistake of doing the insulation yourself. It is best to consult with a professional plumber who will know how to insulate your exposed pipes properly. They will also be able to identify any other areas in your plumbing system that may be vulnerable to freezing and take steps to protect them.

Check Your Water Pressure Regularly

Checking your water pressure regularly is critical to maintaining your plumbing system. High water pressure can damage pipes and fixtures, leading to leaks and burst pipes. On the other hand, low water pressure can indicate a clogged pipe or leak. Regularly checking your water pressure can catch problems early and prevent serious damage to your plumbing.

Also, checking your water pressure is easy and takes only a few minutes. Attach a water pressure gauge to an exterior faucet and turn on the water. The gauge will give you a reading of the water pressure coming into your home. Most homes have a water pressure of between 40 and 80 psi. If your pressure is higher or lower than this range, it’s time to call a plumber in Granbury, TX to check and adjust your water pressure.

Know When to Do A Whole-house Repipe

Another way to protect the integrity of your plumbing system is to know when to do a whole-house repipe. Over time, your pipes will deteriorate and become damaged. This can lead to leaks, burst pipes, and other serious damage. If any of these signs are present, it’s time to call a professional plumber to assess the situation. In some cases, a partial repipe may be all that’s needed. However, a whole-house repipe may be the only option if the damage is extensive. This can be a major undertaking, but it’s necessary to protect the integrity of your plumbing system. Your new pipes should last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

Know When To Add More Water Supply Lines

If you have a growing family or are planning on renovating your home, you may need to add more water supply lines. This is because the demand for water in your home will increase as more people start using it. Additionally, if you’re planning on adding new appliances that use water, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, you’ll need to add additional water lines. Failing to do this can lead to low water pressure.

In addition, if you use a hose to water your plants or wash your car, you need to know when to add faucets to your home. Most people will depend on the same faucet for years, even when their needs have changed. For example, if you find yourself pulling out the hose more frequently, you should add an outdoor faucet. Doing this will save you time and prevent wear and tear on the faucet you use most often.

If your water needs have changed over the years, you should make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your plumbing system can handle the demand. It is also important you consult with a professional plumber in Granbury, TX before starting any home improvement projects touching your plumbing. They will be able to assess your needs and determine if you need to add additional water lines or fixtures.

Monitor Your Water Bill

When it comes to your plumbing, one of the best ways to detect a problem is by monitoring your water bill. If you suddenly see a spike in your water usage, it’s an indication that there may be a leak somewhere in your system. You can catch leaks early by checking your water bill regularly and preventing them from causing serious damage.

Additionally, you can check for leaks by monitoring your water usage if you have a water meter. A sudden increase in water usage, even when no one is home, indicates leakage in your plumbing system. In this case, it’s best to shut off your main water valve immediately and call a professional.

Protect Your Plumbing System To Prevent Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face. Regularly maintaining your plumbing system is important to protect your Granbury, TX home from water damage. By following these tips, you can keep your plumbing system in good working order and prevent serious damage to your home.

We Are The Plumbing Professionals To Contact

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced plumber in Granbury, TX, look no further than our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We provide comprehensive plumbing services, including repairs, installations, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our plumbers will be happy to assess your needs and provide solutions to keep your plumbing system in top condition.

Photo By ChristianChan at Shutterstock