Today's modern world is full of so many wonders that we sometimes forget to think about them. Your home has a complicated piping network that delivers cold and hot water systems directly to your house. You can even use the pipes to eliminate your waste. Just a few hundred years ago, that waste would have been collected in an outhouse instead.
Your home's water system is precious, and you should treat it as such. These are 5 tips to help you keep your water system working in top shape. We've also included a few energy saving pointers to cut down your bill.
5 Tips for a Working Water System
1. Do regular system cleaning
There are a number of different system parts that should be cleaned regularly. Your aerators and faucets need regular cleaning. The next time you clean your bathroom or kitchen, wipe down the faucet with a sanitary wipe.
You should also clean your sinks and drains on a regular basis. This includes the shower drain. If you can, put a netted covering over the shower drain to catch hair and other debris. As for the sinks, it's helpful to wipe them down a few times a week with a sanitary wipe.
2. Get old plumbing replaced and install lead-free fixtures
The amount of old plumbing that needs replacing will vary widely depending on where you live, how old your house is, and when the house was last updated. The oldest homes were built without regard for plumbing systems, so they may have some very strange configurations.
Old plumbing systems need to be replaced. Even if they don't have lead or other hazardous materials in them, plumbing systems break down over periods of time. The pipes rust and begin to clog more easily. It's better to replace the plumbing early than wait until it's an emergency.
When you replace your plumbing, make sure all the new fixtures have been certified as lead-free.
3. Follow manufacturer instructions and guides
This one seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people forget there are manufacturer guides for their home. You'll have specific instructions for the softeners, treatment devices, filters, water heater, and whatever other accessories are part of your water system.
If you don't have an instruction manual, and you can't find your answer online, try calling the manufacturer's customer service line to see if you can get help. A plumbing company may also be able to help diagnose and fix issues.
4. Do not connect non-drinking accessories to drinking faucets
Drinking water faucets are made for exactly what it sounds like: drinking. You shouldn't be using accessories unrelated to drinking with them. For example, you shouldn't attach a hose. This helps keep your drinking water clean and ensures that all of your systems function the way they're supposed to.
While on the subject of drinking faucets, make sure you keep unsanitary material and hazardous chemicals far away from your drinking water faucets. Again, it's a point that should be obvious, but sometimes you aren't thinking. You might spray a pesticide to get rid of that pesky kitchen ant problem... only to realize you've contaminated your water faucet.
5. Contact a professional if you need help
When it comes to plumbing issues more intense than a clog, get in contact with a professional. You don't want to DIY a plumbing crisis. If you get it right, you've saved a little money and wasted an hour or two of your time. If you get it wrong, you could end up with more costly repairs than you originally needed. Plus, depending on the issue, dealing with it yourself could be potentially dangerous.
Plumbers are familiar with how the water system works in different homes. They'll be able to assess any issues and come up with a plan to fix them. Some emergency plumbing companies are available 24/7 if you have an immediate problem, although you can expect to pay higher rates for them.
Even a clog, a seemingly simple issue, is best dealt with by a professional. Mild clogs can sometimes be saved by pouring boiling water down the sink. However, you should avoid drain-cleaning chemicals, as these can corrode your pipes. These types of chemicals don't even break up the whole clog most of the time, so the problem tends to come back.
A plumber can snake the drain for you, ensuring the whole clog is removed. They can also double check the pipe to make sure nothing's wrong with your water pressure.
Tips to Save Water and Energy
Economize
Pay attention to how much water you use on a regular basis. Maybe you leave the sink running while you brush your teeth. Why not turn it off? Maybe you run the faucet while doing dishes by hand. Why not fill the sink with dish water and let the dishes soak?
Try to use less water by being conscious of the little spaces where you can stop.
Repair Leaks
One drop per second is a leak that wastes a whopping 2,400 gallons each year. The majority of leaks can be easily repaired by a plumber.
Install Devices That Save Water
Some devices can be bought inexpensively, while others can even be made by yourself. These include displacement devices, flow regulators, and aerators.
Reuse Water
You can often use water for multiple purposes. Maybe you use the old half-empty water bottle to water your plants. Maybe you soap a dishrag in your dish water before scrubbing so you can wipe down your counters. There are a ton of ways to use water for multiple purposes before letting it go. Just don't drink dirty water!
Final Thoughts
As long as you use common sense and take care of your pipes, you should have no issue maintaining a working water system. Remember to call for help if you're ever in doubt, and a plumber can save you from a potential headache.