7 Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Avoid Calling Sydney Plumbers or Searching 'Plumber Near Me
If there is one thing you should know about homes in Sydney, it's the problems and challenges they usually have when it comes to plumbing. The humid summer and those sudden cold snaps that can catch every homeowner off guard make your pipes work tirelessly. And the truth is that no one wants to wake up to a plumbing disaster at 1 AM on Sunday morning. This is why it is very much important to understand how you can maintain your plumbing system to keep them working efficiently and avoid expensive repairs.
And it is necessary to know that sudden plumbing issues are totally preventable. You can save yourself stress and thousands of dollars by just understanding what to pay attention to regularly to keep your plumbing system happy.
In this guide, we will walk you through some maintenance tips which you should know as a homeowner in Sydney. These tips will help you avoid the stress and cost of major plumbing repairs.
Once you are able to recognize early warning signs and you're able to perform some DIY maintenance tasks, you will have little to no need of reaching out to professionals. However, note that some plumbing issues totally require you to call professionals, as trying to fix them yourself might not only leave the issue unsolved but can even worsen it.
Getting to Know Your Plumbing System
Before we jump into giving maintenance tips, it is important for you to know what happens behind your walls to make you understand the basis of your home's plumbing system.
If you look at some houses in Sydney, especially those built before the 80s, you will notice a combination of older steel pipes and some kind of new copper or PVC systems. This kind of mixed system usually requires a different approach to maintaining the plumbing work. This alone presents a unique challenge on its own.
There are a couple of units in your plumbing system. The first is responsible for water supply. The second one is the drainage system that removes waste water from your home.
The waste water works under pressure unlike the drainage system which relies mainly on gravity and proper venting to carry out wastewater from your home.
Once you understand this distinct difference between these two systems, you will be able to identify likely problems and know exactly when to go to google and start searching for "plumber near me". Understanding this difference can also make you know simple things you can do to fix the problem as long as it is not a major one.
Without bluffing, the quality of water in Sydney is top notch. If you live in areas like the Inner West or Eastern Suburbs, you might notice how heavy the water pressure is, such that it can almost knock you over in the shower. Meanwhile, it is another story for those living in the outer parts of Sydney. They deal with less water pressure which feels like a gentle massage unlike those living inside the city.
The main thing is for you to get familiar with how your own water system works. Once you know what's the norm with your water system, you'll be able to pick on changes early.
1. Conduct Regular Inspections
This might sound normal to you until you learn about how many people never really take a look at their plumbing until something has already gone wrong. This is why you need to have a proper walk-around where you actually pay attention to what's going on with your plumbing works. This can be weekly, biweekly, monthly or once in two months.
However, monthly inspection might be the best as you won't get tired of inspection earlier and any unnoticed faults will not take too long to get detected.
Start by checking all the faucets, showerheads and other visible pipes for any sign of leaks, water stains, funny smells or just anything that doesn't feel right.
Even though small leaks and drips might look like minor issues, they can later cause major problems if you do not attend to them.
Remember to check under the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom too. Check around the bases of the toilets, near your hot water systems. Also pay attention to any accessible areas where the pipes are exposed.
Look for signs of water damage such as:
- Water stains
- Discolouration on walls or ceilings
- Warped flooring
- Musty smell that can indicate hidden moisture
During your inspection, also remember to carefully examine joint pipes and connections. These areas are vulnerable to leaks due to the intense beating from the summer sun. If you reside in the hills around Hornsby, you might notice frosts that occur once in a while.
Also pay attention to any green particle on your copper pipes or signs of rust on steel pipes. Once you notice any of these, it's your warning sign to start paying attention. And to be on the safer side, it's better to seek professional attention as early as possible
When inspecting your outdoor plumbing, check the garden taps, irrigation systems, and any other pipes laying out in the open for any sign of damage. The intense sun and occasional frost in Sydney can cause these pipes to spoil rapidly.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Water Pressure and Flow
Water pressure is usually something you hardly remember except things go wrong. Sydney's water pressure is usually within the range of 150 to 500kPa. Your own value depends on where you live and what time of the day you're checking it. Understanding your home's normal pressure will help you spot problems from the onset before they become full fledged.
You can know your water pressure by getting a cheap pressure gauge. Just screw the pressure gauge on your tap and turn it to the highest. Normal residential water pressure falls between 200 to 350 kPa. If you are consistently hitting over 400 kPa, that's actually way too much and can damage your pipes and water appliances.
On the other hand, if you are having less than 150 kPa, then that means there is probably something going on with your water supply.
Pay attention to the water flow rates as well. If your water flow suddenly decreases, this can be as a result of something blocking your pipes, or water leaking somewhere within your walls. If you turn on two or more fixtures at the same time and the flow is slow throughout the fixtures, this can be due to your main water supply line or a bigger problem. However, if the flow is only reduced in a single fixture, then this can be a problem with a particular fixture.
Keep note of any strange changes in your water pressure or flow. Once in a while, Sydney Water carries out maintenance that might affect water pressure throughout the homes in Sydney.
If your water pressure or flow however, remains unusual for a day or two, it's worth paying attention to as it can be as a result of problems within your property. Keep notes about these changes so that when you end up calling professional Sydney plumbers, they can easily know where to start.
3. Maintain Your Drains to Prevent Blockages
Drains are one of the most neglected and most abused aspects of your home plumbing system. However, it is also one of the most important aspects to watch out for to prevent expensive emergency callouts.
Older sewer systems can also be quite sensitive to improper waste disposal , thus making it really necessary to pay attention to preventive drain care.
From all drain tubes, kitchen drains are the worst. People pour almost anything that can fit the holes in the drain since they can easily get flushed away. However, what they don't know is that these things they pour in the drains can settle somewhere in the drain pipes and harden.
One of the most overlooked things to never pour in the drain is cooking oil or grease.
Oils and greases have the tendency to solidify somewhere in the pipes. Once they solidify, they create a blockage that can ruin your whole day without notice. Other things that to never pass down the kitchen drains or any other drains in the home include:
- Hair
- Food waste
- Wipes
- Coffee grounds
Just note that anything that's not water should not be allowed to go down the drain. Even the plates you used to eat should be well scraped before washing them, and properly dispose of grease in the bin after it solidifies.
Another drain usually overlooked are bathroom drains. The main issues with bathroom drains are mainly hair and soap buildup. These drains usually require a different approach in maintaining them.
You can install drain screens in your shower and bath drains to catch hair and soap scrums before they escape into your pipes. You can also clean these screens weekly to break down organic buildup of residues. However, try as much as possible to avoid chemical drain cleaners as they can damage older pipes.
Another tip you can use once in a while is to pour hot boiling water down each drain. Once you pour the boiling water into the drain, follow it with some baking soda and vinegar. Let it foam up for 15 minutes before flushing with more warm water. This properly cleans your pipes and breaks down buildups naturally. This natural method works better than using harsh chemicals that can eventually damage older pipes.
Spending five minutes a month in keeping and maintaining your drain is much more better than spending a few bucks on emergency plumber visits.
4. Keep Your Hot Water System Well Maintained
Your hot water system usually works harder than you can think, especially during Sydney's hot summers when everyone needs to have multiple showers a day.
It is one of the most critical plumbing components in your home, and regularly maintaining and servicing it can play a great role in extending its lifespan while at the same time maintaining how efficient it is.
No matter the type of hot water system you use,be it gas, solar or electric, you need to get it serviced by a professional at least once in a year. Do not wait till it starts malfunctioning before calling for professional help.
However, know that the type of care you give your hot water system is going to differ depending on the type ,but they all benefit from regular expert attention. During professional servicing , the technicians will check for corrosion, test safety valves, inspect electrical connections, and ensure everything is running as it should.
Flushing your plumbing system once in a year goes a long way in caring for it and maintaining it.
Sediment buildup is a common problem in Sydney. This is due to the presence of mineral content in the water supply, especially in areas like the Hills District and Northern Beaches. These sediments reduce the efficiency of your heaters and can later damage your heaters later on.
Observe your hot water system's performance and take note of weird noises or changes.
If you notice any of these problems with your heater, seek immediate professional attention:
- Inconsistency in temperature
- Signs of corrosion
- Metallic tastes
- Rust-coloured water
If your system is 10 years and above, consider upgrading it to newer and modern one. Modern hot water systems are usually more reliable. They come with better warranties that can actually save you money later.
- Protect Your Pipe from Extreme Weather Conditions
Sydney's weather condition can be mild most of the time, but occasional extremes in temperature where some days are really cold while some days can be really hot. These can mess with your plumbing system. So, a lot of preparation should be geared towards preventing these problems from happening.
One of the ways you can prevent damages that can result from very high temperatures is insulation. Insulating any pipes that are exposed, especially those in areas that don't receive much heat can help a lot. These can include your garage, basement, and anywhere close to external walls. Pay more attention to joints and fittings where the loss of heat is usually greatest.
There are different types of insulators that you can use but foam pipe insulation is the cheapest and generally easy to install. It can save you from having frozen pipes during those extreme cold weather.
Many people usually think cold weather poses the most serious damage to plumbing works than summer, but the reverse is the case. Summer heat is actually a bigger issue. The pipes in your roof space or external walls can get crazily hot. One the pipes are extremely hot, the heat causes them to expand and contact. These expansion and contraction contribute enough to loose pipe joints, thus causing leaks.
To prevent gradual damage, make sure to provide adequate ventilation in roof spaces. You can also consider extra insulation for pipes that are exposed to direct heat.
During winter when the temperature is mild, you can leave the cabinet open under sinks. If it looks like it will be cold, you can leave your taps to drip slightly while you go to sleep. This slight dripping will prevent pipes in exposed areas from freezing.
When preparing for summer, make sure that outdoor taps have some shade. If you use PVC pipes, pay extra care to them as they are much more sensitive to heat during heat waves.
6. Know Your Water Meter and Where to Shut Off the Water
This might be the most important thing for you to know as a homeowner. It is however shocking how many people actually have no idea whatsoever where their water meter and main shut off is. During a plumbing emergency, knowing where these two things are, especially how to turn off water flow can literally save your home.
Your main water meter and shutoff are usually located near your property boundary. They are usually in a concrete pit with a removable lid. Get yourself familiar with reading your water meter and know how to shut off your water flow.
Frequently reading your water meter can let you know when there is a problem like leakage as early as possible. The water meters usually display your water consumption in kiloliters. A sudden spike in your water usage can indicate the presence of hidden leaks.
Apart from just knowing where your water shut valves are located, make sure you can actually turn the valve. Test the valve once in a while to make sure it works smoothly - but don't make it everytime.
Don't forget the individual shutoff valves under the sinks and behind the toilets. These individual valves let you limit specific fixtures for repairs without cutting your entire water supply to your whole house.
If you notice any valve not working properly, replace them immediately or as soon as possible. They are a cheap insurance against damages that can happen when they are suddenly needed but not working.
You can also make a simple diagram showing where all your shutoff valves are located and keep it where everyone in the house can have access to it (the diagram). If an emergency happens, you won't have to be the one running around trying to remember where all the valves are located.
7. Get Professional Help for Inspections and Maintenance
Even though there are a bit of DIY things you can handle when it comes to your plumbing work maintenance, there are definitely some things that will need professional attention. Knowing when to call for professional help can really save you money and prevent dangerous situations that may not be visible to you during routine inspections.
Schedule poper plumbing inspections a couple of times or more yearly. If you are living in a much older home, you should increase the number of routine professional inspections you'll have. The inspection can include things like camera inspection of your sewer lines, pressure testing that you might not be able to do yourself, and so on. These services can help you catch problems before they become expensive.
Choose plumbers who are very acquainted with the city and its plumbing problems. Someone who understands the city and its common issues and with different types of homes will serve you much more better than hiring just a generic service.
However, before hiring a plumber, make sure you've done your research properly, not just googling "plumber near me" when emergencies occur, in the middle of the night.
If you have any issues with your gas, DO NOT mess with the gas lines yourself. Gas work must only be attended to by professionals. A small gas leak can create serious safety hazards. So, seek professional help immediately if you notice any possible gas problem.
Conclusion
These seven tips are just a few from among the many tips that you can follow in maintaining and taking care of your plumbing system.
When you adhere to these tips, you will help protect your home and property from sudden expensive disasters which could be preventable if you had taken time to take care of them. Your plumbing system works so hard to make your life easier, so it deserves the good attention to keep it running as it should.