When working with plumbing, it is important to understand its functions and limitations. Even simple knowledge can prevent costly mistakes, such as flushing items that should go in the trash instead of down a drain or sewer line.

Educating family members about plumbing safety is also key. This includes knowing where the water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it in an emergency.

Leaky Pipes

Pipe leaks can cause serious problems in your home or building including flooding, stains on the walls and ceilings, bad water quality, and high energy bills. There are several reasons that pipes leak but most of them are preventable.

One reason for leaking pipes is corrosion. The water in your pipes contains oxygen and other chemicals which can corrode the metal, especially older copper plumbing systems. Corrosion also affects the pipe joints which can lead to leaking.

Another cause of leaking pipes is fluctuations in temperature. This can cause the pipes to expand and contract which can lead to cracking. This can be prevented by insulating your exposed pipes and by ensuring that any joints or fittings are properly tightened.

If you notice a puddle in your basement, musty smells near drains, or low water pressure you should have a plumber inspect your plumbing system right away. A licensed plumber can ensure that all of your pipes are sealed properly and that there is no leaking.

Clogged Drains

Drain clogs are one of the most frustrating plumbing issues. Not only do they slow water flow and cause sewage backups in toilets or bathtubs, but they can also lead to extensive damage to your pipes. Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent drain clogs and keep them from happening in the first place.

Start by educating your family on what can and cannot go down the drains. It's also a good idea to invest in some inexpensive drain covers for your home. This will help to ensure that food scraps, coffee grounds, hair and other debris do not enter your pipes in the first place. Finally, make sure to perform regular drain cleaning with tools like a plunger or snake. This will not only prevent clogs, but it will also extend the life of your drains.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a major concern for many homeowners during the winter due to the potential damage it can cause. Water expands as it freezes, creating pressure that can lead to leaking or even bursting of weak pipes.

This is especially common in older homes with outdated insulation or for any pipes

that are exposed outside or in uninsulated areas. Additionally, wind chill can play a role in freezing pipes.

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, turn off the water and apply heat to the affected area. You can use an electric heating pad, a hair dryer or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials). This will melt the ice and restore your water flow. For more serious issues, call a professional plumber to help thaw your pipes and repair any damage caused. They can also take precautions to prevent future freezing.

Low Water Pressure

Sometimes the cause of low water pressure in your home has nothing to do with your plumbing. It could be a problem with your water company or the local water supply. If construction happens near your home’s water pipes or if there is an issue at the treatment plant, it can temporarily affect the flow of water to your house.

Older homes often have galvanized steel pipes that corrode, restricting the flow of water. In this case, it is a good idea to get the pipes replaced before the problem gets worse.

In other cases, the problem is a specific fixture that has a problem with it’s aerator or has accumulated mineral deposits from limestone and rust. Cleaning the aerator on faucets or removing and cleaning a shower head can help improve low water pressure in these fixtures. In some cases, it may be a good time to invest in newer fixtures that will not have issues with their aerators or other components. For more information on plumbing systems and services, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ offer a lot of resourceful information.