Things to Know About Your Home’s Plumbing System | Tips from Your Trusted Plumber in The Heights, TX

Photo By Yunus Malik at Shutterstock

Plumbers are integral to your home's plumbing system. They keep it running smoothly and efficiently and they handle any emergencies that pop up, setting things right again within your home in The Heights, TX. Here’s a look into some firsthand knowledge from trusted plumbers that will help you maintain a healthy plumbing system.

Detecting Leaks

Leaks are not only costly because they run up your water bill. They can also cost thousands of dollars in property damage if left undetected. Protecting your home's pipe system is the best way to prevent expensive leaks. While there are some things to look for when checking out your home to see if you have a leak afoot, leaks are not always easy to spot.

Because leaks often occur around joints, keep a look out for water spots on the ceiling, wet spots on your floor, and sagging floorboards near sources of water, such as bathtubs and washers. Mildew on floor, carpets or walls is another sign that moisture is leaking into your home, possibly from a leaking pipe. If the ground around your home is damp or wet, then you may have a leak that needs sniffing out. Furthermore, check for a sudden increase in your water bill with no uptick in usage, and be on the lookout for a change in water pressure, which can indicate water being lost somewhere throughout the pipe system. Maintain the area beneath your sinks, keeping them free from clutter so that you can easily spot leaks and drips if they spring up.

Protection for Your Pipes

Pipes that are protected from damage see the least number of leaks. Inexpensive and easy-to-install foam tubes can help. These foam tubes serve not just to protect the pipes running through your home from external damage, but also from damage due to frozen water inside, which expands and can cause cracking and leaking. The foam staves off this damage by serving as insulation.

Be Weather Aware

When the weatherman forecasts freezing temps or if you go away during the winter on vacay, it's a good idea to open your exterior taps to allow a slight amount of water to flow. This will prevent frozen pipes from outdoor faucets around your home in The Heights, TX. Be sure to remove your home's hoses from any exterior faucets when fall comes to a close. Failing to do so can lead to frozen water in the pipes leading to the hose tap, which can cause freezing and damage. Close all interior valves that work to control your exterior faucets, and then drain any water from those faucets too.

Some TLC for Your H2O Heater

Let's face it; without hot water, life comes to a screeching standstill until the plumber arrives. You can't bathe, wash dishes, or do laundry. But with a little TLC for your water heater, you can put the plumber's visit on hold. The key to a properly running and functioning water heater is maintenance. Drain your water heater's pipes annually. This removes sediment that sinks to the bottom and eventually erodes the heater. Insulate pipes running into and from the heater with foam tubes. Keep an eye on the pressure relief valve by lifting its handle and allowing it to snap back down from time to time. You'll know it's working appropriately if you see steam escape from the valve. And remember, keep the temperature at no more than 120 degrees F. This avoids scalds and saves on energy costs while preventing your heater from working too hard.

Also, know when it's time to throw in the proverbial towel and go for a new hot water heater instead. If yours is eight years old or older, and it's starting to give you trouble, it may be a sounder financial move to just buy a new one as opposed to patching it with parts or keeping your plumber on speed dial.

Be Kind to Your Toilet

Little items stuck in the toilet can lead to big clogs and costly visits by your plumber. Be sure that everyone in your home—from youngest to oldest—knows what you can and cannot flush down the toilet. Big no-no's include feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, paper towels, and cooking grease. Ashtrays emptied down the toilet can cause major problems too. And it goes without saying that toy cars and doll shoes should never go into the toilet either.

A locking lid to keep kids of tender years from tossing little items in the toilet is a wise investment in most homes. It also doesn't hurt to keep a wet/dry vac on hand, which can be instrumental in reaching a toy or other obstruction without calling out your plumber, especially since plunging often sends the obstruction further down the pipe, causing a more complex clog.

Give Your Sump Pump Some Love

Sump pumps are godsends if you have an area of the home that's prone to flooding, so keeping yours running efficiently is always a good way to fend off visits by your plumber. Be sure to clean your pump's inlet screen at least once per season and test the pump each season by pouring water into its basin. This should cause the pump to start once the float inside rises to the top. And be sure it's turned on. Nothing's worse than a flooding situation that is made worse because everyone assumed the pump was plugged in when it was not.

And Last but Not Least

Know when it's time to call out a pro plumber. While a few DIY moves can save you money, not all plumbing jobs can be done by even the most avid DIYer. Keep bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in Houston at the top of your list for all your plumbing needs in The Heights, TX. We'll hop on over 24/7 to help.