In a perfect world, everyone’s plumbing systems would work perfectly with no clogs or leaks, and there would be no need for costly repairs or replacement of pipes. Unfortunately, the world of perfect plumbing does not exist. At one point or another, we will all have to deal with a clogged drain or toilet, or aging pipes that need replacing. Until something unavoidable happens though, you can keep your plumbing in near-perfect condition by merely taking care of it. Let’s take a look at what qualities make for a near-perfect plumbing system!
Clean Drains
Like most thing in life, if you keep your plumbing system clean, it will run better for longer. This requires regularly scheduled drain cleanings with your trusted plumbing contractor.
While it may be tempting to save money by cleaning your drains yourself with a liquid cleaner you picked up at a local convenience store, these “cleaners” can actually end up sticking to the inside of your pipes, causing more of a block.
You’ll end up saving money in the long run if you remember to have your drains professionally cleaned about once every 3 to 6 months.
You can tell that you’re due for a drain cleaning if:
- You have a recurring clog in your line
- There is a foul odor coming from your drain
- Your drains are slow to empty and quick to backup
- You’re experiencing multiple drain clogs at once
Evenly Balanced Water Pressure
An ideal water pressure situation is one in which you are not being pelted with a stream of water that feels like it could peel your skin off, but are also not waiting ten minutes for a pot to fill with water.
Obviously, having drastically low water pressure (even water pressure that is just a little low) can be an annoyance. Having water pressure that is too high, however, can lead to pipe damage. This is why it is essential to monitor and maintain a balance in your home’s water pressure.
Hair Blockers: The First Line of Defense Against Clogs
A “perfect” plumbing system can often be identified by hair blockers or screens in the bathroom sink and shower drains, and drain strainers in the kitchen sink.
These inexpensive tools help keep drain-clogging debris out of your pipes so that you can make your regular drain cleanings less frequent.
To make the most of your drain screen make sure to remove hair or any other debris that may be caught in it on a regular basis, and manually remove any hair that may have gotten past the drain guard.
A System That Is Up to Code
Making sure your plumbing system meets all the requirements set by your city is vital to having a near-perfect plumbing system. You can avoid having to pay thousands of dollars in fines down the line if you make sure that any work on your plumbing system is being done with the proper permits, and that an approved auditor has inspected your system.
Always make sure to check your city’s requirements for work on plumbing systems, and remember to maintain regular drain cleaning appointments, install drain screens, and manage your water pressure and you’ll be on your way to having a perfect (or almost perfect) plumbing system!
