Your Guide to Preventing Plumbing Repairs

Your Guide to Preventing Plumbing Repairs

Whether you are a new homeowner, purchased a re-sale, been in your current home for some time or, if you own other properties (recreational or investment), maintaining your plumbing is as essential as maintaining your heating and cooling.

1. Have an Emergency Plumbing Toolbox at Home

Maintaining your plumbing can prevent clogged toilets, bathtubs & sinks. Fix faucet leaks, broken pipes, frozen pipes and more. DIY plumbing starts with having the right tools in your plumber’s toolbox. Some DIY favourites include the following.

  • Plunger
  • Hand & Closet Auger (Plumbing Snake)
  • Pipe Wrench
  • Basin Wrench
  • Adjustable Wrench
  • Tongue & Groove Pliers
  • Hacksaw – for cutting plastic & metal pipes, fasteners & other hardware

2. Check Your Plumbing System Regularly

To prevent plumbing problems, check your facets, sinks, toilets and pipes regularly for leaks and repairs as needed. Leaking faucets, toilets and dripping showerheads waste a substantial amount of water and result in high water bills – an expense no homeowner deserves to pay.

Keep an eye on slow sink & tub drains as they are likely clogged. While there are plenty of residential and commercial drain cleaners, they are mostly made of caustic soda or lye (or sulfuric acid). These cleaners are extremely corrosive to all kinds of metals and organic materials. Try using a DIY mixture of vinegar and hot water to flush down the drain and unclog debris. Get in the habit of using this maintenance tip every month and help keep your drains clean.

Have leaky or running toilets? Faulty seals (near the valve seat) will cause a toilet to run even when not flushed. Over time, build-up or gunk will form around the flapper/valve seat. The build-up prevents the flapper from sealing properly, which is why water continues to run. Another issue could be the handle and/or tank stopper. This is a simple repair that’s quick, easy and inexpensive maintenance.

3. Protect Your Home’s Plumbing System from The Elements

Check exposed and frozen pipes for damage and leaks. Look for visible signs such as puddles, stains on ceilings and walls, and ice if pipes are frozen, especially in winter. Check your appliances for water leaks. That includes your water-heater, refrigerator, dishwasher & washing machine, all of which can be the source of a leak. Check hoses for cracks, leaks and brittleness, and replace hoses as required.

Get Plumbing Maintenance Checks for Your Home in Durham Region

While homeowners can do a lot to help keep their plumbing systems in good shape, sometimes the ONLY answer to plumbing maintenance questions and fixing a problem is calling a certified plumber. At Caldwell Plumbing, our team of experienced plumbers use advanced plumbing methods and technologies to inspect, identify and repair your plumbing system before it becomes an unwanted expense.

Based in Pickering and servicing the entire Durham Region, including Ajax, Clarington and Oshawa, our plumbers are on-hand to give you the professional plumbing advice your home deserves. Book an inspection with us today to get started!

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