Homeownership comes with incredible responsibility, most importantly, regular care and upkeep of the property to maintain or exceed its value. Routine and preventive maintenance is particularly true with the core systems in the home, such as the plumbing.    

Not only do you need to practice good habits and engage in basic upkeep, but also enlist the services of a quality and qualified company for regular inspections and servicing. Reputable and reliable companies like J&B Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Service in Long Island perform thorough assessments to detect potential defects in the system.  

They then present possible solutions to resolve the issues and discuss the pros and cons of each to encourage an informed decision. With defects repaired as they occur and early, you can reduce the likelihood of frequent service calls or major malfunctions. 

Companies like these prioritize the best interests of their customers and establish a communicative relationship where homeowners are advised and instructed on caring for their system, healthy plumbing habits to enlist for effective and seamless functionality. 

Expert Tips on Maintaining an Efficient Plumbing System 

Plumbing systems and fixtures are designed to be long-lasting when adequate care and upkeep are implemented. Routine preventive inspections and maintenance always bring returns on its investment with fewer service calls and reduced chance of the system failing. 

Plumbing experts in Long Island strive to inform and educate their customers on troubleshooting common problems like clogs, leaks, and damaged pipes. Here are tips to help you avoid these issues and enjoy an optimally efficient system. 

Inspect for leaks 

A part of household maintenance includes inspecting the plumbing system, the fixtures and components, periodically to catch defects as they occur. That includes routinely checking for leaks, the slightest of which can consume a significant volume of water and increase utility costs. 

A faucet that consistently drips or leaks wastes 8+ gallons of water every day that the problem persists. A toilet that constantly runs can consume roughly 200 gallons of water.  

All major appliances that use water can develop a leak, such as the water heater, fridge, garbage disposal, dishwasher, and washing machine, leading to extensive water damage and costly repairs.  

A sudden rise in utility costs or low water pressure are warning signs of potential leaks. When a leak is suspected but you can’t locate it, reach out to a reliable plumber. Neglecting leaks can lead to a compromised structure and invite destructive pests into the home. 

Slow moving drains 

Debris and grime can accumulate on drain walls, leading to a slow-draining sink. Before a full-on blockage develops, a few effective and cost-efficient solutions can motivate the drain to move.  

Removing the stopper and cleaning it could sufficiently fix the issue. Another simple fix involves combining vinegar and baking soda to help clear the drain. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners to encourage a slow drain.  

While some give temporary relief, they require repeated use to maintain a clear drain. The caustic chemicals are hazardous to the pipes and for people. To try to clear a clog, you can try a plunger or drain snake to help dislodge it.  

If the problem persists, the block is likely deep within the drain, requiring a skilled plumber to locate and remove it. 

You want to avoid further DIY efforts when simple remedies don’t work. Without adequate experience and proper tools, you could create more damage, leading to high costs for repairs. Visit Plumbing System Maintenance | How to Prevent Clogs – for tips on preventing clogs with routine plumbing maintenance. 

Pay attention to what goes in the drain 

Drains are narrow passages that can clog relatively easily if they’re not adequately maintained.  Paying attention to what you put in the drain, developing good plumbing habits, are essential to avoid extensive blockages.  

Materials like soap, hair, grease, and food particles accumulate in kitchen and bathroom drains to eventually clog the system. For older pipes, you must be more careful since they can even be sensitive to the type of toilet paper or have too much in the drain at one time. 

An inexpensive preventive measure involves using inexpensive mesh drain screens in sinks and bathtubs to keep hair, debris, and other materials from clogging the system. 

In this same vein, it’s critical to understand that the toilet is designed to accept human waste and toilet paper only. Regardless of whether a product claims to be flushable, nothing else should go into the toilet. Other items can not only create a clog but also damage the pipes. 

Paper towels and tissues, though similar to toilet paper, don’t break down in the same way with submerged in water.  

A trash can sitting beside the toilet will encourage everyone to dump items like diapers, feminine hygiene products, wipes, and other non-flushable items into the bin. Click to have common plumbing myths debunked. 

The main water valve 

When moving into a new home, a priority is to find the main water line so it can be shut off if an emergency arises. Shutting this off is a first step when you suspect a leak but can’t locate it. Your plumber can direct you to these valves and show you how to operate them. 

Regular inspections should be done to check the shut-off valves for sinks and toilets. If a toilet overflows or a washing machine hose bursts, hundreds of gallons of water can flood the home quickly. All the valves must be efficient and functional. 

If there are defects with their operation, they should be replaced, and the main water valve should be readily accessible and easy to operate. 

Final Thought 

These expert tips from local Long Island plumbing companies can help prevent major incidents with your system. A licensed plumber offers the fastest, most effective solution for a damaged pipe or a suspected leak to avoid extensive and costly water damage. 

Plumbing problems are inevitable in the home and need to be handled quickly. When simple fixes don’t do the trick, you need a professional plumber to bring effective and efficient solutions.