Use These Techniques to Improve Plumbing at Home

Having reliable plumbing is crucial, but it requires a little preventative maintenance. These simple practices go a long way to keeping your plumbing system functioning as it should. Additionally, preventative maintenance can help to prolong your plumbing’s lifespan and help you to avoid costly repairs for clogs and plumbing leaks.

When you consider the amount of time that you actually have to invest in doing these simple tasks and what you get in return, it is well worth your while to take them on. Here is what you'll need to know to get started.

Adhere to Local Regulations

The first step when you are doing some DIY plumbing isn't going to the hardware store. It should be to contact the Bloomington, MN Municipal department. That's because you need to determine what sort of permits you need and what guidelines your work needs to follow.

Sticking to code may seem like a hassle because of the paperwork and extra time, but your work needs to follow the regulations for many reasons. Doing so ensures safety and keeps your costs down in the long term.

Adjust Your Water Pressure for Balance

If your water pressure climbs too high, the force of the water flowing through your plumbing system will actually cause harm and breakage.

You do need a certain degree of water pressure to be able to take a proper shower or fill your pots for cooking. It's all about striking a balance.

Check your water pressure monthly. If it is higher than about 65 psi, drop it down to 40-60 psi, this is safer.

Hair Traps to Save the Drains

The number one reason that you end up with clogged drains is hair falling down there during bathing and showering. Hair is fibrous and hard to remove, which is why it creates such stubborn clogs.

The solution to this problem is very low-tech but highly effective. Place a hair trap over the drain, which will collect all the hair before it has a chance to fall into the drain and pipes.

Drain Cleaning is a Must

Other than the hair, some of the most common blockage causes are food debris and other matter that shouldn't be in your plumbing in the first place. You can avoid some of the worst clogs simply by watching what goes down the drain.

As a precaution, plan on getting your pipes cleaned professionally every year. It's a worthwhile investment. Be proactive with your plumbing, and it will be more reliable and cost-effective for you.