Owning a house is an investment, but it includes a lot of maintenance. If one isn’t careful, a lot of money can get lost in house repairs. I mean, it’s bad enough to pay electricity, landline, Wi-Fi, water and cable (if you have a connection) fees, let alone additional bills related to electrical work or plumbing work. And what if the house floods over?
The following are ten simple pointers that you can follow to make sure that your plumbing and drainage system stays in top shape:
1- Disengage the hoses from the fixtures:
Stagnant water in a hose might get iced inside the pipes. The resultant ice block could severely hinder the water flow. The ice block could also potentially lead to burst pipes if the water expands due to the cold – it is in a larger quantity than the pipelines can handle. The fixtures could also burst because of increased water pressure from the mains.
2- Flush gutters and downspouts:
Even though it may seem as though the sewage system is automated, it does get clogged occasionally. Channels can also freeze in sub-zero temperatures – not that that’s common in Queensland – but still. Standing water could potentially damage your funnels and roof. While overflowing conduits tend to make puddles, which in turn can ruin the base of the house. You should clean the gutters at least once a year, and don’t forget the downspouts.
3- Keep the green in check:
If you are very enthusiastic about plants, preferring a garden full of trees and shrubs, you should keep in mind that those could potentially cost you a pipe replacement or two. Their roots might coil round and destroy pipes underground, causing massive damage to the lines and a waste of a lot of water. It would be best if you were especially careful about where you grow plants, ensuring that the roots are far from the sewage pipes. Roots of trees and bushes can be particularly damaging to clay pipes.
4- Learn where the water main of the property is:
It is the information that every home-owner should know. Learn about where the water main for your house is, and learn to switch it on and off. This information comes in handy when leaving for a long trip or excursion since it’s best to turn the water main off. It will lower the chances of conduit damages in your absence.
5- Check appliances regularly:
Regularly check up on your devices by doing test runs to see any leaks or damages. Remember, maintenance is critical, and you should keep the manufacturer’s directions in mind while you do so.
6- Examine leakages immediate and fix them as soon as possible:
If you let minor problems, like water damage or leaky taps, pile up, and ignore them, you should be ready to face more consequential (and more horrific) challenges like mould, fungus, decay, or even harm to the house’s structure.
And if you are relying on the idea that insurance will cover such huge losses, this is a reminder that insurance covers accidental or sudden damages. Damages as a result of lack of care and maintenance will all be on you.
7- Replace washing machine pipes:
One of the most common reasons behind water loss are old, broken washing machine hoses. If you wonder what’s the big deal with water loss other than an expensive water bill, and the fact that freshwater gets wasted, water leaks can cause mould to grow in those areas, and still, water can corrode and damage the floor. It’s also the best breeding ground for insects.
8- Place water sensor mechanisms:
Water sensors are minute gimmicks. The device blares a warning when it contacts any moisture. The chief benefit of these gadgets is the detection of low precipitation levels or quiet water-flows that can frequently go unheeded. Invest a bit to save for the long run, and install these devices close to water heating devices, washing machines, dishwashers, flushes, and inside basements to avoid enormous loss and mould germination.
9- Monitor the pressure gauge:
Ensure that the water pressure is of the safe amount and will not cause potential harm to your pipes. Remember that very high water pressure may cause the pipelines and hoses to bust under stress. Invest in a water pressure scale from the nearby appliance store, connect it to a fixture outside the house, and adjust the tap to the full force. If the power is higher than how it typically should be, place a pressure controller.
10- Observe the water bill:
At times, you can only tell there’s a water leak somewhere in the house through the water charge. If your consumption leaps astoundingly compared to previous months, you should put two and two together and get cracking to find where the leak is. Be sure to get it fixed by professional plumbers to avoid permanent damage.
