Your home’s plumbing system works hard every day, but a little preventative maintenance can save you from a lot of costly and inconvenient repairs down the road. By following a few simple tips, you can extend the life of your plumbing, reduce your water bills, and avoid major emergencies.

This guide will walk you through essential maintenance checks for every part of your home, helping you keep your plumbing in top condition.

1. Kitchen and Laundry

The kitchen sink and laundry are prone to blockages due to a build-up of food scraps, grease, and soap residue.

  • Avoid Clogs: Never pour cooking oil or fat down your sink. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the bin. Also, avoid putting coffee grounds, pasta, or rice down the drain, as these expand in water.
  • Use Strainers: Place strainers over your drains to catch food scraps, lint, and other debris before they can get into your pipes.
  • Monthly Flush: Once a month, pour a kettle of hot water down the kitchen and laundry drains to help clear minor buildups.

2. Bathroom Plumbing

The bathroom is often a source of plumbing issues due to hair, soap, and other products going down the drain.

  • Toilets: Avoid using your toilet as a bin. Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Never flush wet wipes, cotton buds, dental floss, or sanitary products, even if they are labelled as “flushable.”
  • Showers and Basins: Install a hair catcher over the shower drain to prevent hair from building up in the pipes. Regularly clean the pop-up drain stopper in your basin to remove any built-up residue.
  • Check for Leaks: Inspect the base of your toilets and the pipes under your basins for any signs of water leaks. Even a small drip can indicate a larger problem.
  • Inspect Flexible Hoses: Check all flexible hoses under your sinks and behind your toilets for any signs of rust, bulges, or fraying. These hoses are a very common cause of household floods and should be replaced every few years as a preventative measure.

3. Hot Water System

Regular maintenance of your hot water system is key to its longevity and efficiency.

  • Check the PTR Valve: Manually operate the Pressure and Temperature Relief (PTR) valve to ensure it’s working correctly. A constant leak from the PTR valve pipe means the valve needs to be replaced. Manufacturers recommend replacing this valve every five years or less.
  • Look for Leaks: Check the base of your hot water system for any signs of a leak, which could indicate a serious problem.
  • Schedule a Service: Have your hot water system serviced by a professional plumber every two years to ensure it is running safely and efficiently.

4. Outdoor Plumbing

Your outdoor plumbing is just as important as the indoor system and is prone to damage from the elements.

  • Inspect Taps: Check your outdoor taps for drips or leaks. A small leak can waste thousands of litres of water over a year.
  • Check Gutters: Regularly clear your gutters of leaves and other debris to prevent blockages in your downpipes. This helps to prevent water damage to your home’s foundations.
  • Check Your Water Pressure: It’s important to check your home’s water pressure. According to the Australian standard AS/NZS 3500, your water pressure should not exceed 500kpa. Excessive pressure can put a strain on all your plumbing fixtures, including your taps.
  • Look for Damp Spots: Keep an eye out for unusually green or damp spots in your yard, as this could be a sign of an underground pipe leak.

By taking a proactive approach to plumbing maintenance, you can save money on your water bills, extend the life of your plumbing system, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

For professional plumbing maintenance or a free inspection, contact Your Choice Plumbers today to get your home’s plumbing in perfect shape!