Do not allow elements like limescale and rust to compromise the pipes, drains, and other plumbing fixtures in your home in Eugene, OR. Use these practical tips to extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Schedule Annual Drain Cleaning
Prolong your plumbing system’s lifespan with annual drain cleaning. This service is important because it helps prevent blockages and eliminate foul odors. Yearly drain cleaning likewise improves the efficiency of the drains in your home in Eugene and mitigates the risk of costly plumbing repairs. The best way to remember to schedule yearly cleaning for your home is to sign up for a maintenance agreement at Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc.
Use a Water Softener
Hire one of our plumbers to install a water softener in your home. This appliance protects the lifespan of your plumbing system by preventing scale buildup. It also helps your appliances last longer and improves their energy efficiency. They do not have to work as hard, mitigating costly repairs for them.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drains
Do not pour grease down your kitchen drain or garbage disposal. It will solidify, creating a large clog that stops water from draining normally. Grease also creates foul drain odors. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, pour it into an aluminum can or other safe container before throwing it away in the garbage.
Repair Leaks Promptly
Leaky pipes and appliances threaten your plumbing system’s lifespan. Water leaks cause rust and corrosion, requiring you to repair or replace fixtures like pipes, faucets, and toilets. When you see water pooling under your cabinet or on the floor, hire one of our plumbers to find and repair the leak immediately.
Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
The plumbing chemicals sold at grocery and hardware stores can damage your pipes and drains. They corrode materials like PVC and aluminum, creating leaks and holes in your plumbing system. If you have a clogged drain or backed-up toilet, call one of our plumbers to snake or plunge it out rather than use harsh, damaging chemicals.
Only Flush Toilet Paper
Do not flush baby wipes or other flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, or other similar materials down your toilet. Even if the wipes say they are flushable, dispose of them in the garbage rather than flushing them. Flushable wipes do not break down like toilet paper, causing clogs inside your drains and putting your system at risk of damage. They also contribute to a serious plumbing problem called fatbergs, which are massive blockages that require professional plumbing services to remove.
Monitor Your Water Pressure
Pay attention to the water pressure in your home. If it is lower than usual, there could be a leak somewhere in the plumbing system. Hire one of our plumbers to investigate and repair the cause of low water pressure.
Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Protecting your plumbing from major damage may call for you to turn off its main water supply. For this, you must know where the main water shut-off valve is. Most homes today have them in a place like a utility room, basement, or on an exterior wall.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing. During cold weather in Eugene, insulate exposed pipes. Use materials like foam, fiberglass pipe wrap, rubber insulation or heat tape to protect your pipes from freezing. For a temporary solution, you can even use towels or newspapers to keep them warm enough to avoid freezing.
Drain Your Water Heater Regularly
Drain your water heater to help your plumbing system last longer. Draining it improves its efficiency and extends its lifespan. This tip also protects your plumbing system from rust and corrosion and ensures a cleaner water supply. It additionally prevents your water heater from making unusual noises like popping and bubbling. Drain your water heater at least once a year. If you have hard water, you should drain the water heater every six months.
Clean the Faucet Aerators
Over time, your faucet aerators collect debris like bacteria, fungi, mineral deposits, and dirt. This buildup affects the taste of your home’s water and reduces water pressure. Clean the aerators every few months by disassembling the parts, soaking them in vinegar, and then using a small brush to remove buildup on them. Rinse them thoroughly before putting the faucets back together.
Install Pressure-Reducing Valves
Install valves that reduce water pressure in your home’s plumbing system. Pressure-reducing valves are beneficial because they protect your plumbing equipment and pipes. They improve your system’s water efficiency and mitigate risks like burst pipes and system failures. They also reduce energy costs by easing the strain on your water heater and pumps.
Run Cold Water Down Your Garbage Disposal
Use cold water when rinsing food down your garbage disposal. Cold water extends the lifespan of your plumbing by preventing grease buildup and helping food particles go down the drain. It also keeps the blades on your garbage disposal sharp and protects the insides of your pipes.
Avoid Overloading the Garbage Disposal
Likewise, do not overload your garbage disposal. Only place small amounts of cooked food down it when using it. Additionally, do not put materials like raw fruits and vegetables, bones and fibrous meat down it. These items will clog your disposal, requiring professional plumbing services to repair it.
Maintain Your Septic System
Have your septic system professionally inspected every three to five years. Maintaining your septic system minimizes costly repairs to it. This service also extends this system’s lifespan and mitigates the risk of overflowing and backed-up sewage. It protects the groundwater and environment around your home. It additionally improves the efficiency of your septic system.
Inspect the Outdoor Hose Bibs and Irrigation Lines
Every few months, inspect the outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines, which can prevent leaks and water waste from developing. This tip also minimizes the risk of water damage that can cause fungus to grow in your yard and on your house. An inspection also lowers the risk of corrosion and rust, minimizing damage to pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. Inspecting hoses and bibs before cold weather arrives also gives you the chance to protect them from freezing, reducing the risk of cracked pipes.
Take Care With Your Landscaping
When you place new trees or shrubs in your yard, be mindful of where you plant them. Roots can grow into your plumbing system, causing serious damage to it. Sewage can back up inside your home. Tree roots that grow into sewer lines require plumbing repairs. You may even have to replace parts of the sewer system because of tree root damage. Plant trees and shrubs away from underground pipes on your property.
Find Out More About Our Plumbing Services
At Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc, we have more than a decade of experience helping customers extend the lifespan of their homes’ plumbing systems. Our experienced plumbing team provides 24/7 emergency plumbing repair services. Our plumbers also work on wells, clogged drains, and water treatment systems. We offer our customers in the Eugene area free estimates on our work. Contact Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc for plumbing services.
