What Is Plumbing Maintenance

As with any other part of your home, it’s important to regularly maintain drains, hoses, and other components of its plumbing system. Engaging in routine maintenance activities allows you to catch minor problems before they can turn into expensive repairs. Furthermore, it can help to ensure that your home runs in an efficient manner at all times. If necessary, professionals such as those from Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air in Boston can help you complete these tasks.

Being Proactive Can Make It Easier to Maintain Your Home’s Plumbing

There are several steps that you can take before a problem occurs to reduce the chances of a leaky toilet, clogged drain, or broken pipe. For example, it may be possible to minimize the chance of a leaky toilet by checking the seal between the toilet and the floor.

You should also check to make sure that the fill valve, flush valve, and fill tube aren’t loose or broken. A broken seal, valve, or tube could allow water to flood your bathroom floor or spill into other rooms.

It may be possible to prevent a clogged drain by covering it with a strainer, which will allow water to flow through the pipe while catching hair, bone, or other objects that could obstruct or damage it. Finally, you can keep pipes in good condition by using natural ingredients, like vinegar or lemon juice, to clear a drain as opposed to caustic chemicals.

Adding insulation to your basement may prevent cracks during the winter months. This is because the pipes in the basement will be less likely to experience variations in temperature that could lead to expansion and contraction. If adding insulation is not an option, you could use heated tape to make sure that a pipe does not freeze during an extremely cold period.

You may also prevent pipes from freezing by keeping kitchen cabinets open and making sure that faucets are allowed to drip. Taking these steps ensures that air is allowed to circulate, which will keep the water inside from getting too cold.

What Happens If You Notice That a Drain Is Running Slower Than Usual?

Despite your best efforts, it’s possible for grease, shampoo, or other materials to make their way into a drain. The first sign of buildup within a pipe is the fact that water doesn’t flow out of a sink or tub as quickly as it should. Ideally, this is when you will take care of the issue as it may only take a few minutes to fix, and it shouldn’t cost more than a few dollars to take care of the problem.

In most cases, the source of the clog will be near the top of the drain, which means that it should be relatively easy to remove using baking soda and vinegar. Alternatively, you can take apart the trap near the pipe that is experiencing the clog to remove the obstruction manually.

If multiple drains are running slower than usual, it may be a sign that the main sewer line is clogged. In such a scenario, it may be necessary to hire a professional to diagnose the problem and fix it for you. The same may be true if you notice water backing into the toilet when you turn on the sink or water backing into the tub when you flush the toilet. It’s also possible that you’ll hear a gurgling noise after the toilet has finished refilling or after turning off a faucet.

Perform Regular Water Pressure Tests

Inadequate water pressure may be causing your toilet to run slowly or your showerhead to produce a weak stream of water in the morning. A lack of consistent water pressure may mean that a tree root is growing in the sewer or that there is another serious problem that needs to be addressed quickly. It may also be an indication that pipes are loose, broken, or otherwise need to be repaired.

If the pressure is too high, it may result in broken pipes or seals. It could also increase the risk of damage to an appliance or significantly increase your water bill. It may be in your best interest to install a water pressure regulator in your home to remedy this problem.

There Are Multiple Reasons Why the Washing Machine Won’t Drain

You may not think much of how your washing machine works until it decides to dump several gallons of water on your floor. Alternatively, it might decide to simply retain all of the liquid used to wash your clothes inside of the drum. If water is not draining out of the washing machine at all, it may be because there is a clog in the hose that funnels water to a tub or standing tube.

It’s also possible that the unit is too close to the wall, which means that it can’t reach the hose at all. A malfunctioning lid switch, pump, or belt could also be causing the problem. Finally, be sure to use a laundry detergent that is designed for use with your make and model of machine. Ideally, you’ll inspect this machine at least once a month to ensure that it isn’t in need of repairs or upgrades.

A Clogged Plumbing Stack Could Cause Numerous Issues

When you look at your home’s roof, you will likely see a pipe sticking out of it. This is called the plumbing vent stack, and it is responsible for ensuring proper air pressure throughout the property’s pipes and drains. The stack itself is where vent pipes attached to toilets, sinks, or other appliances meet. Over time, it can be clogged with leaves, sticks, or other debris that might fall into it.

There is also a chance that insects, rodents, or small animals might decide to use it for shelter, to nest, or to store food. It may be possible to prevent plumbing stack clogs by adding a mesh cover to prevent anything but air from getting inside of it. Alternatively, you can use a hose to clear out any small items that might be causing an issue.

If you don’t clear a plumbing vent clog in a timely manner, you could experience slow drains inside the house at the same time. You may also notice strange smells in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement. These smells are likely being caused by sewer gas that may seep into your home because the p-traps don’t have access to sufficient moisture. In addition to an unpleasant odor, inhaling too much of this gas can be hazardous to your health.

If you need help maintaining your home’s plumbing components, give the folks at Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air in Boston a call right away! In addition to performing camera inspections or drain cleanings, we can also inspect furnaces, maintain air conditioners, and install tankless water heaters. Our company offers service packages to ensure that your home is properly cared for throughout the year. Call today to schedule an appointment.