Virtually every homeowner will encounter at least a few plumbing problems at some point in their lives. After all, the water system in your home is used every single day, working hard to ensure that your property stays warm and your shower keeps flowing.

However, whilst plumbing repairs are an inevitability for most people, the frequency of these maintenance jobs can be lessened if you look after your pipes properly. Take note of the following tips if you want to increase the lifespan of your plumbing system:

Watch out for clogs

Clogs are amongst the most common of plumbing issues and can end up prematurely aging your pipe system. To avoid any disasters, make sure you remain vigilant regarding the types of items that you allow to flow down the drain. For example, you should remember to keep certain types of food waste out of the garbage disposal such as potato peel, bones, oils, and fruit pits. You may also wish to invest in drain covers, as these can help to strain dirt, hairs, and other unwanted substances from water as it enters the pipe system. Finally, try not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet, as this can easily clog up your system. This means throwing feminine hygiene products, floss, facial wipes, and more straight into the trash instead.

Prepare your pipes for cold weather

When winter comes around, you need to prepare your pipes for harsh conditions. If you have outdoor faucets, for example, you should shut off the water supply during cooler months. Indeed, this will save you a lot of hassle when you need to start using them again. This is because water that is left running can freeze and cause burst pipes. Similarly, if you go on a winter vacation, you should keep your heating running on a low temperature to ensure that pipes do not freeze whilst you are away.

Insulate your pipes

Insulating your pipes in unheated areas of the home such as the attic and garage can help to prevent unfortunate freezing incidents and save you a lot of money in the long term. Remember that ice is one of the biggest threats to your plumbing system so it is important that you take every measure to combat it.

Soften the water in your home

Sediments found in hard water such as calcium and magnesium can be harmful to your pipes and appliances, causing clogs and corrosion. In this way, it is a good idea to install a water softener to get rid of unwanted sediments and make your plumbing system more durable.

Enlist a plumber for regular check-ups

Generally speaking, preventing plumbing issues through regular service checks is more efficient and less costly than dealing with a full-on piping disaster. Ask your friendly local plumber to inspect your plumbing system and make any necessary tweaks at least once a year. Remember that every season comes with different plumbing obstacles so it may even be a good idea to ask for a check-up every six months, particularly if you have a large household and use significant amounts of water.

If you need help with increasing the lifespan of your plumbing system then make sure to contact the experts at D&N Plumbing and Gas!