Explore These 5 Ways to Protect Residential Plumbing
A home’s plumbing system needs to be in perfect condition to function correctly and ensure clean water doesn’t mix with wastewater. Homeowners rely on their pipework daily, so regular maintenance is essential in protecting the pipes and keeping them healthy.
Keep reading to learn more:
Protecting your plumbing at home can save you money in the long run. These are a few tips for keeping your plumbing in running condition.
Inspect the home for leaks
When severe structural damage occurs, most homeowners notice a leak or large puddles appear. However, many people overlook the issue when it first develops. It’s best to conduct regular visual inspections to prevent a small leak from causing significant problems. Homeowners who spot a tiny leak should take immediate action and contact an expert to avoid costly repairs and property damage.
Insulate the external pipework
Another way homeowners can protect their pipes is with sufficient insulation. Properly insulated pipes minimize water condensation and are less prone to freezing and breaking during cold months. Additionally, the insulation lowers heat transfer, making the home more energy-efficient and reducing energy expenses.
Homeowners who suspect their pipes are poorly insulated should reach out to an expert to develop an optimal solution for resolving the problem.
Ensure the indoor pipes are warm
Indoor pipes are also susceptible to freezing, especially if they’re exposed. Frozen water expands, overwhelming the pipework and leading to cracks and ruptures.
Inspect the areas around the pipes and determine whether there are any cracks or holes. If so, fill in the gaps to prevent cold air from reaching the pipework.
Placing tape or other insulating materials over the exposed plumbing should help maintain the proper temperature. Use portable heating pads to combat ice formation during the winter months and keep the indoor pipes intact.
Monitor the water pressure
It’s a common misconception that a home should have high water pressure. Although stepping into the shower and finding a weak water spray is disappointing, high water pressure can also result in severe plumbing problems.
Maintaining high water pressure puts stress on the plumbing system and overworks it. Its inner components start to break down, and the pipes cannot meet the home’s demands.
Consider investing in a pressure gauge to monitor the home’s water pressure. The device is easy to install and provides an accurate pressure reading. Optimal pressure levels are between 40 and 80 PSI. If the pressure exceeds this range, it degrades the plumbing and shortens the pipes’ service life. However, an experienced contractor could install pressure-reducing valves to optimize pressure regulation.
Schedule professional maintenance
Scheduling an annual inspection takes the guesswork out of plumbing maintenance. While homeowners can inspect their plumbing, an expert has the skills and experience to assess the system and identify its weak spots. They’ll suggest the best upgrades to strengthen the pipework, prevent future issues, and provide homeowners with peace of mind.
Protect the pipes with professional help
Anyone who wants to enhance their plumbing system and keep the pipes damage-free should contact a professional to arrange an inspection.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!
