Keeping your home’s plumbing system in top condition is essential. A well-maintained system reduces the risk of unexpected leaks and costly repairs and ensures your water supply remains clean and healthy. With advancements in technology, like Leakbot, it’s even easier to maintain and monitor your home’s plumbing. In this article we share six key tips to keep your plumbing system working efficiently.
1. Regularly Check for Leaks
The first step towards maintaining your plumbing system is regular inspection for leaks. Look out for damp patches on walls, ceilings, and floors. Also, pay attention to dripping taps and constantly running toilets, as these could be signs of leaks. Remember, even a minor leak can escalate into a significant problem if left unchecked and even the smallest of leaks like a dripping tap can soon add up to big water bills for those of us on water meters!
2. Keep Your Drains Clean
Blocked drains can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Avoid disposing of items such as food remnants, oil, or coffee grounds in your sinks. For bathrooms, try to prevent hair and soap scum from going down the drain. It’s advisable to invest in sink strainers to catch any debris before it can block your pipes.
3. Insulate Your Pipes
If you live in an area prone to freezing temperatures, pipe insulation is a must. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, which could lead to a burst pipe and serious water damage. Insulating your pipes helps to protect them from the cold, reducing the risk of freezing. Don’t wait for the cooler months, check your lagging and insulate your pipes now, it is too late in the Autumn as we never now when the first frost will hit.
4. Don’t Neglect Your Boiler
Your boiler is an integral part of your home’s plumbing system. Regular maintenance and servicing ensure it runs efficiently and minimises the risk of breakdowns. Having your boiler serviced annually by a qualified professional is a worthwhile investment. The summer months are the best time to have your boiler serviced as heating engineers are always rammed with break=downs and emergencies in the colder months!
5. Use Water Softeners if Necessary
Hard water, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause damage to your plumbing over time. It leads to scale build-up, which can clog pipes and reduce water flow. If you live in a hard water area, consider installing a water softener. This device removes excess minerals from the water, reducing the risk of scale build-up.
6. Embrace Smart Home Technology: Leakbot
Embracing technology can make maintaining your plumbing system easier. Devices like Leakbot can detect leaks in your home long before they become visible to the naked eye. Leakbot uses thermal technology to measure changes in temperature and humidity, which can indicate a leak. It sends real-time alerts to your mobile device, allowing you to take quick action. This smart home device can be a game-changer in preventing water damage and saving on repair costs.
Proactive plumbing maintenance can save you from a host of inconveniences and unnecessary expenditures. Regular inspections, keeping your drains clean, insulating your pipes, servicing your boiler, using water softeners if needed, and leveraging technology are all crucial steps in maintaining your plumbing system.
If you’re renting out a property, these tips are equally important. As an estate agent, it’s our job to ensure our tenants have a trouble-free stay, and landlords avoid hefty repair bills. So, let’s all do our part in maintaining and protecting the plumbing systems of our homes and properties.
