According to statistics, simply running the dishwasher requires 60 litres of water consumption. This is just part of the 900 litres daily water consumption of an average household. As you go on with your daily household chores, you should think of how much it could be costing you when you get your water bill.
There are times when the amount you pay does not reflect your usage. There can be different factors that cause this. One of the most common, however, is when there is damage to the pipe or the water system. Even a small issue will add to your bill if it causes leaks.
The main reason you need to prioritise plumbing maintenance is to lessen the cost of the damage in the water system. With the help of a licensed plumber in Newcastle, you can attain this goal, improve water use, and reduce your water bill.
Daily maintenance tips to prevent plumbing issues
Your daily activities can lead to plumbing issues. Adding more pressure to the pipe whenever you are using the faucet or just simply leaving the water unattended can cause simple problems that will lead you to a bigger plumbing issue.
Here are some tips if you want to increase the lifespan of your waste pipes and water system:
- Consider running the dishwasher at night to ensure good water pressure during the day.
- Avoid putting fibrous food waste down the sink disposal. Let the water run for a few minutes after using the disposal to make sure that everything is flushed down properly.
- Install screens over the drains in the bathroom to prevent hair and other small items from clogging it.
- Be careful in choosing clog removal products because some contain chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes.
- Maintain a 10-minute interval between each use of the showers. This can help you ensure good water pressure.
Plumbing issues that need to be checked weekly
Plumbing issues can cause a big problem that will cost you a lot of money if you are not vigilant. As you use water regularly, you may unconsciously cause damage to the faucet. Aside from proper usage, you should consider checking the water in your kitchen and the bathroom daily. This way, you would know if you need to get a professional plumbing service immediately.
Here are some of the plumbing issues that you need to check weekly:
Leaks
The annoying sound of water dripping from the faucet is one of the things that you should not ignore. It has been recorded that leaks in an average household can contribute to almost 10,000 gallons of water wasted in a year. If you have checked the problem and found that you cannot fix it, the best option is to get a Newcastle plumber to handle the job for you.
Foul smell in the kitchen or bathroom
If there is a persistent bad smell coming from your kitchen or bathroom, there may be a plumbing issue that needs to be checked. Aside from the unpleasantness that the smell brings, it can also indicate a serious problem brewing in the pipes. As soon as you notice this issue, contact your trusted plumber to determine the problem that needs to be addressed.
A change in the water pressure
The water pressure can also help you determine if there are problems with your water system. As you use the showers and the faucet regularly, you know the water normally flows. Any inconsistency of the pressure shows that there is something wrong. It is often not easy to determine the main cause of the change in the water pressure. This is why you need a professional plumbing service.
Clogged bathtub or toilet
As you take a bath or use the toilet, you cannot avoid the accumulation of dirt and other debris that can cause clogging. If you go to drain the water from your bathtub and it‘s taking a long time, there must be a clogging issue. You will also notice that it is not draining normally when bubbles appear and the water is stagnant. This kind of problem needs to be addressed by someone who is familiar with the use of plumbing tools.
Diagnose and come up with a monthly plumbing plan
Even if you are don’t hear a dripping sound in your kitchen or bathroom, you should still check if there are leaks in some parts that are not visible. You can do this by monitoring your monthly water use. There are indicators that can help you determine if there is a problem with your water system.
Start by checking the differences in your utility bill. You can also check your water metre. You can easily determine if there are leaks by checking the metre during the night while everyone is asleep and no one is using the water.
All you need to do is to write down the metre reading as soon as everyone is already in bed. Before any person uses water in the morning, check the metre and compare it with the reading you have recorded the night before. If it has increased even though no one used water, you might be dealing with leaks.
The best way to deal with plumbing issues that are out of your control is to have a monthly plumbing maintenance plan. Save yourself from the trouble of searching the damaged pipe and call a licensed plumber right away to help you check for issues every month.
There are plumbing services that you can get monthly like grease trap cleaning, sewer checks, and drain cleaning.
Reasons to consider annual plumbing maintenance
You may have installed a corrosion-resistant plumbing system but this does not mean that you will no longer experience issues in the future. It is true that these drains and pipes are durable; however, there are still some outside factors that can cause damages to these.
Here are the important reasons why you should consider the annual plumbing maintenance:
To identify what needs to be replaced
There are some appliances and equipment that also experience stress during regular use. After a year, a maintenance check should be done to determine if these are still working well.
The water heater needs to be inspected yearly. It should be part of your annual plumbing maintenance to ensure it is still working well. Compared to pipes, this should be a priority because it needs regular tune-up. With the help of a technician, you will be able to know if you need to replace it.
To avoid the consequences of failures in sewer line or water line
The sewer line serves quite an important purpose in your home. It works to eliminate wastewater from your kitchen and bathroom. If it fails, it can cause serious problems. If the wastewater flows back, it can be a reason for contamination on your property and it can also trigger other environmental problems. This failure can cause harm to the health of your family. There are different causes of sewer line failure. It is best to schedule annual maintenance check for your sewer and water line.
To eliminate mineral and sediment build-ups that cause functional issues
If the water pressure is low, it can be a symptom of other issues including mineral deposits that have been accumulated over time. This can happen in the faucet aerators and even the shower heads. There is a need to identify the part that needs to be cleaned every year. This way, you will be able to use the water efficiently.
To identify fittings that need adjustments
Pipes can be misaligned because of the water pressure and other outside factors. This also happens when the materials used come loose over time. There will always come a time when they need to be repaired. An annual check will save you from bigger problems that will require replacement.
Summer plumbing maintenance tips
Summer is the season when water usage is at its highest. This is the time when we are inclined to do more laundry, take more showers, enjoy water games, and water the gardening. All these activities will surely require you to use more water. But you can still save money if you are going to consider lessening the cost of your repair bills. Here are some summer plumbing maintenance tips that you should consider:
- Make sure that the gutters, drains, and pipes are all cleared of serious blockages. You may need the help of a professional plumber to clean the mess and eliminate debris from these parts.
- If you have experienced blocked pipes before, you should consider a sewer line inspection. This is the perfect time for this kind of inspection because the temperature is warm and the plants and trees are also growing faster. You should prevent outgrown roots causing damage to the sewer pipes.
- During the warm weather, one of the common plumbing issues is gas leaks. Before you consider an outdoor BBQ and other fun activities with your family, make sure to fix gas leaks first.
- The sprinklers are usually being used regularly during summer. Make sure that there are no leaks or burst problems.
Create your plumbing maintenance plan now
Holistic property maintenance requires checking all areas regularly. Your water system is a truly important component in your home or business. The sewer is also a vital part that should never be overlooked. Any damage will certainly cause a great problem if not rectified immediately. This is one of the most important systems of any building. It is designed to eliminate wastewater properly. Even if the materials that were used are sturdy, you still need to check if the pipes are working well. Preventive maintenance will help you save money.
Not everyone has the knowledge to be fixing damaged or misaligned pipes. Creating a plumbing maintenance plan will help you protect and maintain your property and the health of your family. Clean water is one of the most important needs of every individual. Make sure that your water system is properly working. Simple issues like small leaks can give you a big headache if you do not know how to locate them. If you want to avoid paying more, you should get your pipes regularly checked for leaks.
Contact Newcastle and Lake Macquarie plumbing experts today
If you are looking for professional plumbing services in Newcastle, Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, Green Planet Plumbing is the company to call. They provide a range of plumbing services for your daily, weekly, and yearly needs. With the help of professional plumbers who are well-trained in the field of plumbing and construction, you will definitely get your money’s worth. Contact us today for enquiries.