How To Test Your Plumbing Like A Professional

Picture your home’s plumbing system as its digestive system. For everything to function smoothly, the pipes and valves must operate properly, keeping your home in good shape and avoiding costly emergencies.

Regular preventative steps can make a big difference, from simple habits like avoiding harmful substances in your drains and maintaining your garbage disposal to taking more proactive measures that safeguard your home and family from plumbing issues. Here is how to test your plumbing like a professional.

Test All Faucets for Blockage Signs

Ensure you check each tap and shower in the house by running them for a few seconds. Pay attention to signs of blockages, like reduced water flow or irregular spurts. Take note of the water pressure as well, excessive pressure could harm your pipes, while low pressure might indicate a blockage or be inconvenient to deal with.

Observe the water’s color and smell as it runs. Rusty or unpleasant-smelling water could point to pipe damage or contamination, which poses a health risk. Rusty water might occur simply because a faucet hasn’t been used in a while. For peace of mind, have the taps inspected to rule out any issues with rusty or corroded pipes.

Avoid Commercial Drain Cleaners

Many store-bought drain cleaners rely on harsh chemicals that can corrode metal pipe joints over time, potentially resulting in costly damage to your plumbing. These solutions can also harm the plastic pipes commonly used in modern homes, creating further complications. Call a professional plumber for clogged drain cleaning. They can safely diagnose the issue and address any underlying problems.

Check the Hot Water

Evaluating the hot water system is a critical step during any plumbing inspection, as no one wants to face a freezing shower in the middle of winter. Since water heaters are costly to replace, test hot water from all taps and showers while also carefully checking the heater for any signs of damage.

Most water heating systems tend to show wear and tear after about ten years. Determining the heater’s installation date can provide useful insight into when a replacement might be necessary in the near future.

Protect Your Pipes with Insulation

Many people mistakenly believe that frozen pipes are a concern only for homes in traditionally cold regions. However, properties in warmer climates are often at greater risk since their pipes may lack proper insulation for freezing conditions. Areas like basements, attics, crawlspace, and other unheated spaces require additional protection to prevent pipes from freezing.

Simple solutions, such as affordable pipe insulation sleeves, can significantly reduce this risk. Additionally, features like in-ground sprinkler systems, pools, and hot tubs need to be correctly winterized and insulated to avoid costly damage from freezing temperatures.

Routinely Check Visible Pipes

Plumbing leaks often stem from gradual issues, such as corroding or deteriorating pipes, rather than sudden failures. Over time, consistent use naturally wears pipes down. A common mistake some homeowners make is hanging clothes or other items on exposed pipes in basements or utility rooms. Pipes aren’t built to hold the weight of even a few pieces of clothing, and doing so can weaken them.

Take time to inspect any visible pipes in your home on a regular basis. Look out for signs like rust, bending, or water droplets forming on the exterior, as these can signal a problem that requires prompt attention from a plumber.

Endnote

While these suggestions can help reduce issues, most homeowners will eventually face a plumbing problem that needs a licensed plumber’s expertise. If you come across a leak or a damaged pipe in your home, prompt professional repairs are the most effective way to avoid expensive water damage.

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