Whenever my pipes are clogged, I just use drain cleaner. Is this a good idea?
Drain cleaners and similar chemicals have their purpose, but overusing drain cleaner is NOT a good idea. The chemicals are strong enough to clean out your pipes, but over time they can also eat away at your pipes and ruin plumbing.
Chemical drain openers work via a chemical reaction. They may include sulfuric or hydrochloric acids, or caustic ingredients such as lye, sodium hydroxide or caustic soda. The chemical nature of these products may generate heat that could soften PVC, damage older pipes, corrode steel or aluminum, or crack porcelain. Unexpected results such as splash back and toxic vapors are harmful to anyone in the area.
Another thing to note is that not all drain cleaners are meant for every type of drain, and overuse can damage the walls of both metal and PVC pipes. If you do use drain cleaner, be sure to read all labels in advance.
You can buy a water pressure test gauge from many local home improvement stores. Turn off any appliances inside that might be using water (such as the dishwasher or washing machine) and attach the gauge to an outdoor hose spigot. They screw onto the threads just like a garden hose. Turn on the spigot and note the reading. Anything less than 60psi is on the low side. Ideally, you will see a reading between 60 and 75 psi. Anything above 80 is too high and will wear down your plumbing fixtures and pipe joints over time.
You can buy a water pressure test gauge from many local home improvement stores. Turn off any appliances inside that might be using water (such as the dishwasher or washing machine) and attach the gauge to an outdoor hose spigot. They screw onto the threads just like a garden hose. Turn on the spigot and note the reading. Anything less than 60psi is on the low side. Ideally, you will see a reading between 60 and 75 psi. Anything above 80 is too high and will wear down your plumbing fixtures and pipe joints over time.
If you’ve (unfortunately) verified that your water pressure problems are yours alone, start with the basics. Check your water meter and the main shut-off valve at the street to ensure that they are both fully open. Contractors may shut off water at this point to do routine or other maintenance. If you have a water pressure regulator, check that too. Poorly functioning regulators can result in gradual drops in water pressure.
Cracked or damaged pipes allow water to slowly seep into your home, damaging walls or ceilings and reducing water pressure overall. Check for hidden leaks using your water meter. Turn off all the water in your home and record the number on your water meter. Wait at least 20 minutes, return to check your meter again. If the meter reading has changed, that means you have a leak.
If you want to try to locate the leak, check the tank parts of your toilets, especially the flapper valve; look under kitchen and bathroom sinks; look for drips from your bathtubs and showers. You should also check for puddles around your water heater, as well as possible leaks in your washing machine hoses. If you need a professional to check for hidden leaks, you can rely on Total Plumbing’s leak repair professionals to locate and repair every type of water leak in and around your home.
If you got a normal reading on your water pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot but still experience low water pressure indoors, take a closer look at your faucets and shower heads. Mineral buildup on fixtures can affect water flow. Loose or worn-out washers can also contribute to leaks, reducing water pressure.
Years of buildup and residue inside your water supply pipes decreases the amount of water flowing through, reducing water pressure. This rarely occurs in copper pipes or PEX piping, but it is a common problem with iron and galvanized pipes. If you are experiencing low water pressure throughout your house, you’ve thoroughly cleaned and removed mineral deposits from faucets and showerheads, and can’t find any leaks, it’s time to call in a professional plumber from Total Plumbing to assess the pipes in your home and determine whether extensive buildup is affecting your water pressure.
How to maintain a water heater
Your water heater is one of the most important parts of your home. It is the power behind hot showers, fresh laundry, and clean dishes, so there would be some big issues if it were ever to break down. The average water heater lifespan is about 11 years, but without proper maintenance it might not make it that long.
1) Check the temperature
2) Drain the tank Regularly
3) Test the pressure relief valve
Water heaters are complex contraptions that require regular attention and maintenance. If you run into a problem you can’t solve yourself, be sure to call a professional plumbing services company to take care of it.