Don't Wait Until It Bursts: Preventative Plumbing

Wish there was a way to avoid plumbing emergencies altogether? There is! Regular maintenance, like taking care of your car, can keep your home's plumbing system running smoothly. Your plumbing system, like veins, keeps everything running smoothly. Like you wouldn't wait for a fire to check the smoke alarm, preventative plumbing means addressing minor issues early. This saves money and avoids water damage. In the coming sections, we'll explore the benefits and how to find reliable smart plumbing services in Sydney for a stress-free home.

The usual suspects: plumbing problems you can prevent
We've all been there: the sink full of suds because of a clogged drain, the annoyance that comes along with listening to a never-ending drip-drip-drip and the somehow way colder shower just when you least expect it. All of these plumbing issues can be prevented with a tiny TLC.

• Clogged drains: the hairy culprit

Did you ever wonder where hair ends up after you shave your legs or bathe your pet? So what if it doesn't end up in rubbish bins? Then, it may find itself down the sink of your house. The meal's leftovers, including scraps, grease, and other debris cause a block too. The silver lining is that if you get a drain cleaning done regularly, you can remain free of such problems. Handy accessories like plungers and drain snakes can often help with minor clogs, but for serious blockages, it is always recommended to bring in a licensed plumber.

• Leaky faucets: a drip, drip, drip in your wallet

The seemingly insignificant drip from your tap may seem like a petty bother, but in the long run, it can waste a tremendous amount of water and money! On one hand, tiresome and boring drips like a song that you attempt to get rid of but it continues to follow and hunt you may arise. One of the most common causes of leakage was a washer or a seal which needs to be replaced. However, surprisingly, mending a leaky faucet is mainly a rather plain action that can be implemented even by a handyman or a plumber.

• Water heater woes: keeping the hot water flowing

It is a fact that nobody would wish to take a cold shower, especially when it is winter. Routine servicing of your water heater can guarantee that it keeps showering you with warmth. Such could be done by emptying the tank to remove the sediment buildup, checking the temperature and release valve, as well as making sure that the pilot light is lit well (if you have a gas one). You don't have to be a DIY expert to tackle this - don't be afraid if you're not sure! Almost all water heater manufacturers recommend routine services at least once per year.

• Toilet troubles: banishing the bowl blues

Toilette is the powerhouse of the bathroom but often, due to some issues with these faithful competitors, they go out of service. A toilet, either constantly being on or being clogged, can quietly mass your water bill but a clogged one could bring any time your routines you may have in the bathroom to a halt abruptly. Knowing some very useful more advanced toilet maintenance skills, like ensuring the operability of the flapper valve and checking for leaks, can be a major factor in preventing such mishaps in the future. On one hand, when the problem is just a slow drain, leaking faucet, or flickering lights, homeowners can search for some of the common fixes, but for complex ones like installation or repairs, it's always best to call in a licensed plumber.

Your preventative plumbing maintenance toolbox
And now that you know the usual culprits, let's get to the nitty-gritty of preventive plumbing maintenance. Here's a basic toolbox to keep your pipes happy:

• Regular drain cleaning: You should consider professional drain cleaning every 12-18 months since this greatly depends on how much punishment your drains take. Before you call in the professionals, give this remedy a try by either using a drain snake or a natural cleaning formula of baking soda and vinegar to clear minor clogs.
• Leak detection 101: A good knowledge of where to look for such leaks is imperative. Try to identify puddles of water under your pipes or fixtures, any peculiar stains on the walls and ceiling, or unusually high water bills. Be on the lookout for the presence of any hissing or dripping noise, too.
• Water heater wisdom: The current suggestions from most water heater manufacturers suggest calling in a licensed plumber for maintenance every year. For the time being, look for leaks or rust in the visual examination of your water heater. Also, inspect the pressure valve to ensure it's smoothly working.
• Toilet TLC: A skill to plunge a clogged toilet or a flushing technique to stop a running toilet can be a lifeline (and a financial rescue). You may also use the coaptation valve to check for any signs of wear and tear and verify the water level in the tank.

DIY plumbing hacks vs. when to call the professionals
In some scenarios, some of the D-I-Y skills can be helpful, however, there are also situations where you should not try to do it yourself. Here's a breakdown:
DIY plumbing hacks you can tackle

• Clog crusaders: When slow drains are making you mad, plumbers and drain snakes with their expert help can save you. And more of these natural cleaning solutions like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar also can be used.
• Leak detectives: Try to detect the signs indicating even small leaks, like the presence of water stains near the pipes or the unusually high water bills.

When to call the professionals

• The cavalry arrives: It is better to engage the services of a licensed plumber rather than trying to tackle stubborn clogs or complicated plumbing problems on your own. They can fill this role quite well, as they have both the expertise and the tools to identify and put the problem under control promptly and professionally.
• Safety first: If you are not very confident about handling the issue of the plumbing by yourself, especially if it involves the electric or gas components, then it's better to entrust the job to a pro plumber. Their experience can be of great help in preventing accidents and to perform the job safely.

Bonus tip: Concerning Sydney’s water distribution system, specialised companies are working on smart plumbing as well. These plumbers can do different types of installations and maintenance on smart devices such as water monitors that will keep your water usage and leak detection early on. You can also remotely control your water heater through your smartphone.
What is important to know is the fact that it is in prevention rather than in fixing plumbing that you keep your system healthy and happy. Managing these tips and being attentive to give a plumbing contractor a call when required ensures you free yourself from those pests that would disrupt your peace at home.