The top 10 plumbing tips every homeowner should know

Every homeowner in Sydney has had at least one plumbing issue that needs an immediate fix, from leaking taps to blocked toilets and sinks. It can be frustrating to deal with when you don’t have any idea what to do. Aside from wasting your water, you’re also at risk of delaying daily tasks. Although the majority of plumbing jobs are best left to experts, there are things you can do to reduce water waste and save money. 

In any scenario or event that you don’t know how to deal with your sinks or pipes, we’ve put together a list of top plumbing tips every homeowner should know. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly at home.

1. Do regular inspections

You may think your hot water systems are properly working until you get cold water in the middle of a shower. Once a year, inspect your plumbing for any signs of problems so that you can get them fixed immediately. Preventive maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs.

2. Learn where your emergency shut-off valve is

If you know where the main shut-off valve is, you’ll feel at ease in emergency situations. You’ll learn how to stop the water in case of leaks or overflow. Check them under your sink, your water heater, your utility closet, or your basement.

If the main water shut-off valve is not easily accessible, you can turn it off using a metre key at the water vault outside the house, call the apartment owner, or call a plumber near you.

3. Be careful about what you flush or throw

You might not give much thought to the consequences of flushing food scraps down the toilet or your sinks, but doing so might lead to major plumbing issues. If you don’t want to struggle with clogged toilets, dispose of things like grease and food scraps in the trash. 

Fat and oil can be damaging if you keep throwing them in your sinks. Start practising how to dispose of them properly. 

4. Consider purchasing high-quality tools

A plunger is a tool to remove things blocking your drains, sinks, and toilets. Another option is a wet/dry vacuum that works for small stuck items. If you invest in these types of items, you can have a tool that gives immediate relief. 

5. Check your water pressure

High pressure may cause leaks and burst pipes that can become long-term damage. On the other hand, low pressure may make it hard for you to get a steady water supply. Although it depends on every suburb area, 500 kPa is the minimum pressure allowed in Australian homes.

Once you notice that yours doesn’t fall in the optimal pressure range, it’s best to contact a plumber in Sydney. This way, you’ll avoid spending money on repairs and installing a regulator.

6. Fix leaks once they happen

Costly and stressful damages can happen if you repair small leaks immediately. It is preferable to address the issue as soon as possible. If you don’t know how to do it, it’s best not to wait and get in touch with a plumber in Sydney.

7. Avoid using store-bought chemicals

You may believe that chemicals are helpful once you use them, but these are hazardous to your health and can cause serious problems. Aside from damaging your drains, sinks and pipes, it can also contribute to reducing their life span. 

If you want a quick fix, boiling water with baking soda and vinegar is a cheaper and safe remedy. A professional plumber might be needed if it’s completely clogged.

8. Use a whole-house water filter

A typical household in Australia typically has a lot of trash going around its plumbing system. Filters can keep your plumbing system clean and smoothly working as you get to remove unwanted debris. You can also keep your tap water safe for drinking and keep your appliances free from damage. 

9. Be mindful of the amount of toilet paper you flush

Even though you can dispose of toilet paper this way, excessive use might clog the plumbing. Be cautious to use a minimal amount of toilet paper and flush the toilet before inserting too much paper.

10. Get help from expert plumbers in Sydney

Always seek the services of a qualified plumber if you experience plumbing issues. The problem typically worsens when you try to address it on your own.

When you hire a plumber in Sydney to fix problems like leaking taps, burst leaking pipes, malfunctioning gas heaters, and clogged toilets, you can rest assured that they will fix the problem permanently. Our plumbers can identify the source of the problem and give you advice on how to avoid future breakdowns. Call us today for a free quote!