Pipes & Drains
When pipes or drains get clogged, the restricted water flow creates pressure that puts undue stress on the whole plumbing system and possibly causes damages. Thus, in Gainesville plumbing maintenance usually means taking steps to prevent clogs and maintain a proper level of water pressure.
In the Kitchen
There are several components of the kitchen where plumbing maintenance can have a positive effect on the home’s entire plumbing system.
Dishwasher
Using several home fixtures at once can put too much pressure on the plumbing system. But running the dishwasher at night, when other fixtures aren’t being used, is a good way to maintain good water pressure in your home.
Sink
Pouring grease down the kitchen sink can clog the pipes, because, as the grease cools, it solidifies against the pipe walls. Instead of the sink, dispose of grease in a garbage.
Garbage Disposal
In Gainesville plumbing repairs are often needed due to improper use of garbage disposals. Food waste that’s too large or fibrous for the garbage disposal can get lodged in the pipes, so it’s safer to discard of food waste in a garbage or compost pile instead.
In the Bathroom
More water is used in the bathroom than any other room, which means proper maintenance here is critical to the health of the rest of the plumbing system.
Pipes
While good for human skin, oil-based products, like shampoos or soaps, are bad for pipes because the oil clings to the pipe walls and creates clogs. Limiting the amount of oily products that go into the shower or sink drain is thus good plumbing maintenance.
Toilet
Toilet maintenance involves only flushing items that are designed to break up in the water, such as toilet paper; non-dissolvable items, such as napkins or cotton balls, can clog the toilet pipes.
Drains
Hair is another culprit for bathroom clogs. Placing a screen over bath drain to catch hair, and cleaning the screen regularly, is a way to prevent plumbing issues, such as blocked pipes.
Shower
Using the shower requires a lot of water pressure. Taking a break of 10 minutes or longer in between showers avoids too much pressure being put on a home’s plumbing system.
How to Clean Pipes
As a tip from Gainesville plumbers, pouring hot water and lemon juice down the sink every six months is a way to prevent grease and oil buildup in the pipes. But it’s important to avoid chemical clog removers, as these products can corrode the inside of pipes, causing leaks and other plumbing issues.
When to Call a Plumber for Pipes & Drains
As soon as you experience a blocked pipe, call a plumber. At Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc., we do video camera inspections to pinpoint clogs, which enables us to clean pipes efficiently.
Home & Outdoor Fixtures
To maintain an efficient plumbing system, it’s important to inspect and maintain home and outdoor fixtures as well as call for plumbing repairs when necessary.
Water Heater
The lifespan of a water heater is extended by regular maintenance. The primary maintenance task for a water heater is to flush its tank annually to remove calcium and rust, substances which can corrode the inside of the water heater as well as clog faucets throughout the home. Instructions for flushing a water heater are found in the unit’s owner’s manual. A secondary maintenance task is testing the pressure release valve on the side of the water heater to ensure this component isn’t leaking and in need of replacing.
When to Call a Plumber for a Water Heater
If you don’t have instructions or aren’t comfortable flushing the water heater yourself, call a plumber to do the job. A plumber should also be the one to test the pressure release valve on a water heater that’s more than five years old, as the valve could be faulty. Also, leaks on the outside of a water heater could signal the tank is at risk of rupturing, so a plumber should be called immediately.
Faucets & Spigots
Indoor faucets should be inspected for water dripping at the tip or leaks around the handle or base. For maintenance, the aerator at the tip of the faucet should be cleaned regularly and replaced when worn out, as this component maintains proper water pressure and flow. Outdoor spigots should likewise be checked for drips or leaks, and prior to cold weather, the spigots should be wrapped with insulation to prevent water from freezing.
When to Call a Plumber for Faucets & Spigots
Drips or leaks may seem like a minor inconvenience, but a plumber needs to address these issues immediately before more serious problems, such as corroded pipes or water damage to floors and walls, occurs. Additionally, leaks and drips waste water and add to a home’s water bill.
Hire Plumbers in Gainesville, FL
Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. offers full-service plumbing maintenance and repairs as well as 24-hour emergency service. From video inspection of underground pipes and sewer lines to replacement services for water heaters and bathroom fixtures, our services cover all the components in a home plumbing system. And, as our client testimonials show, residents across the Gainesville, FL, area trust Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. to get the job done right. Contact us for more information about plumbing services.