Many residents in Canberra have the capacity and the tools to cope with minor maintenance and upkeep around the house, including plumbing issues that arise. Problems like a clog with the toilet or a sink draining slowly might require merely a plunger to get things moving again.
For a homeowner with skills, unexpected “emergencies” or small repairs like switching out a washer are easy to tackle. But the more significant challenges need to be taken care of by a plumbing professional. Significant clogs, leaks, or pipe issues can lead to more extensive damages and costly repairs down the road if not taken care of promptly by a licensed, reputable plumbing expert.
Homeowner Maintenance And Upkeep
It’s crucial for a homeowner, as a part of regular household maintenance, to go through and investigate exposed piping. You’ll need to check behind the toilet and underneath sinks for signs of dampness and also for any corrosion on copper/brass fittings (an indication of a slow leak.) You will want to monitor pressure by turning on faucets.
There will be some variation, but as a whole, the flow should be steady overall with rapid drainage. Slower drains could show a potential clog. Toilets need to be flushed to ensure there’s no leaking at the base (wax seal), and they don’t continue to run.
** Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Tasks
Though it’s required that you contact plumbers and other professionals for any type of household upkeep in Australia, there are some small things that you can do yourself. The main thing to ensure is that you feel confident in your skill level so that the little problems don’t turn into massive undertakings that result in potential harm for you or are destructive in any way to the household. Some things to keep in mind as a DIY-er:
- Turn off the main water valve before attempting any repairs regardless of the nature.
- Make sure you have no attachment to the clothing you wear. You will get messy and potentially wet despite your attempts at being careful.
- There is an adage among the variety of trades “measure twice, cut once” that applies to all industries, including plumbing with the various parts like washers, pipes, and different fittings. The suggestion is to remove the piece and bring it to the store to ensure you purchase the identical part.
Always make sure to have a professional service as a back up in the instance the issue is something more advanced than you can deal with, your fix is not successful, or you break something in your attempts.
Investing In Preventative Inspection Services
One way to prevent specific problems with your household plumbing system is to enlist the recurring services of a professional plumber in Canberra. You can search online for a qualified, reputable company like bluelineplumbers.com.au, for whom you can check references from previous clients and check out completed projects. In most cases, you can employ these experts for a “regular maintenance regimen” as a preventative measure against potential problems.
With regular inspections, small issues can be caught before they have a chance to cause extensive damage and turn into a major repair cost. A leak that is hidden beneath the drain or under a water heater can, over the course of time, create damage to your entire structure. Water that finds its way into the drywall creates an opportunity for the growth of mold or can rot flooring.
** Professional Inspections
Inspections from a licensed plumbing professional allow for a more in-depth assessment of the water system in the household. The plumber takes the time to look at every component of the plumbing – the pipes and drains and the garbage disposal and water heater.
A premium analysis can use “remote video” as a means to look at pipes, perform lead tests, and the overall filter unit. After the expert inspects the system, typically, the aerators are removed and cleaned from the shower heads and faucets because sediment accumulates, which can create a slower flow. Some other maintenance generally taken care of includes:
- Treatment with drains for the maximum in flow rate
- Water heater / garbage disposal thoroughly cleaned
- Detection of hairline leakage using pressure testing
- Assessment of water pressure and adjustment
Periodic inspections with a professional of this nature will help to prevent unexpected emergencies, extensive damages to your home, and expensive repairs. That isn’t saying an emergency won’t ever happen. Learn some trade secrets by taking this link.
Plumbing issues are one of the most prevalent for homeowners, whether it be frozen pipes in the winter or clogged drains or toilets. There will inevitably be a need to call a professional, so it’s better to have a regular schedule and save much time, effort, potential damages, and money.
** When It’s Time To Call A Plumber
Even if you have a contract for regular inspections, there will be occasions where an expert is needed outside of those visits, particularly when there’s a problem that is simply too complicated or dangerous for you to handle on your own. For your well-being and the integrity of the structure, you need to phone a plumber in these situations:
- When new tubs, piping, or sinks need to be installed
- Any time the water heater seems to have an issue
- When building permits are needed for a newly constructed structure
- Leakage with the septic tank
- If there is a break with the sewer line or leaks
These are merely a few instances, but essential cases where a plumbing company will need to be called. Regardless of your skill set or qualifications, these services need to be taken care of by experts in the industry for the overall safety of you and those around you.
Final Thought
The takeaway for residents in Canberra is merely to educate on what the minor tasks you can handle in the household as general homeowner maintenance and upkeep and what professional plumbers will be responsible for. Ultimately, at the end of the day, you want the work done at the optimum level for the safety of your home and your family.
With a professional, you can feel secure in that.