No matter what time of year it is, it’s always a good time to start thinking about how you can better protect and maintain your pipes. Pipes that are improperly cared for lead to corrosion, more clogs, and decreased efficiency. Keeping your pipes in ideal shape should be a priority for all responsible homeowners.
Summer is as good a time as any to pick up new pipe maintenance habits like the ones we’ve listed below.
Pay attention to potential trouble and where it comes from.
You don’t have to be a plumber to be able to understand your pipes. They’ll tell you when something is wrong. If there’s a problem afoot, there are a number of visual signs to look out for. Keep an eye out for condensation, leaks, damp areas, or pooling water.
If your toilet seems to wiggle, it might be because something is leaking and softening the floor. Treat any standing water as a serious problem to solve, not just a puddle to clean up.
Get in the habit of addressing problems immediately.
Protecting your pipes this summer – and all year – means addressing problems when they appear. If you notice a leak, get it fixed. if your drains keep clogging and you think something is wrong, call the professionals. Taking care of pipe problems when they’re small will help you keep them from getting big.
Know what to do to clear minor drain clogs.
A number of pipe problems come from residue buildup and clogs. Knowing DIY methods of clearing these clogs is helpful for anyone trying to stay ahead of pipe maintenance.
First things first, never use chemical drain cleaners. They cause more problems than they solve. The same corrosive chemicals that clear clogs will also eat away at the pipes themselves. If used regularly, they will make your pipes exponentially more likely to leak or burst. Clear them yourselves by flushing them out with hot water. Not boiling – just hot enough to melt any grease or residue build-up. One big bucket of hot water followed by one big bucket of room temperature water will do the trick in most cases.
Invest in a pipe sleeve installation or upgrade.
Pipe sleeves are affordable coverings for any exposed pipes that are frequently used in modern construction. There are a wide variety of styles and models available, but their main intention is to add another level of protection for your pipes. They are especially useful in homes with old, low quality, or worn out pipes. There’s no harm in a little extra protection, right?
We know you’re busy this summer, but there’s always time to protect your home – and its pipes – just a little better. If you’re ever looking for help maintaining your plumbing, give the pros at Ben Franklin Plumbing a call.
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