Plumbing is an integral part of every homestead, but still provokes confusion among many homeowners. When properly maintained, it can boost the value and functionality of your home. This blog post aims to demystify the crucial small changes you can make to greatly impact your homesteading plumbing system.
The Power of Regular Maintenance
You might only pay attention to your plumbing when something goes wrong. However, just like any other part of your household, it requires regular upkeep. It’s easy to put off this task, yet remember that frequent maintenance significantly lessens the risks of serious damage. This includes checking for any leaks, drips or slow drains and resolving them immediately before they aggravate.
Proper Drain Usage
Drains have a superpower – that is, until they get clogged! Treat your drains well by throwing only toilet paper into the toilet and avoid letting fats or cooking oil go down the kitchen sink. Also be sure that none of your major appliances are being drained into your septic system as this could overload it in no time.
Investing in Quality Plumbing Materials
You don’t want to be constantly thinking about your plumbing system. Therefore, investing in quality materials from trusted brands will give you peace of mind. While it might be tempting to go for cheaper alternatives, think long-term and choose products that last.
Want more tips on how to choose good quality plumbing wares? Join us on Twitter for more insightful discussions!
The Inside Story: Water Pressure
Water pressure too high can cause wear and tear on your pipes causing leaks while low pressure affects the functionality of your appliances such as washing machines. Regularly check your water pressure using a pressure gauge. The ideal range should be within 40-60 psi.
Frozen Pipes during Winter
As winter approaches, so do the chances of frozen pipes. Insulate your pipes properly to lower energy costs and prevent damage. Draining the sprinkler system, closing inside values and opening outside ones can also help avoid pipe bursts.
All about Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are gaining popularity due to their efficiency and durability. They’re a worthy investment that pays off over time by conserving energy and providing instant access to hot water.
Harnessing Greywater Recycling
Efficient homesteading often involves prudent resource management. Greywater recycling, which reuses domestic wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines, can be utilized for gardening purposes. This significantly reduces water consumption while promoting sustainability.
Addressing Toilet Clogs
A clogged toilet is not just unsightly but can cause more serious issues if left unattended. Learn about the correct way to use a plunger and invest in one for emergency cases. If necessary, a closet auger can effectively clear stubborn toilet clogs.
Sump Pump Maintenance
If you have a basement, you probably have a sump pump to prevent flooding. Routine check-up includes ensuring the pump is upright, testing it frequently and cleaning it at least once a year.
Plumbing Vent Importance
Plumbing vents remove gasses and odors from your home, supplying fresh air into the plumbing system. Make sure vents are not blocked or damaged to ensure the correct functioning of your overall waste disposal system.
Incorporating Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow fixtures are a great way to save water and lower your bills! They reduce the flow rate in showers and faucets, minimizing wastage while still providing the same level of performance.
Learning Basic Plumbing Skills
Relying on professionals for every single issue is costly. Learning basic plumbing skills can help you in tackling minor issues, saving both money and time. There are abundant online resources available where you can begin.
Choosing Seasoned Professionals
If a plumbing job is beyond your DIY ability, call in seasoned professionals. It’s important to choose skilled plumbers who will provide quality work without exacerbating the issue and causing unnecessary costs.
A Final Word
By mastering a few basics of homestead plumbing, you can make little changes that yield tremendous impact. Consistent maintenance, good usage habits, investment in quality materials and basic DIY knowledge can equip you with what’s needed to keep your homestead’s plumbing system at its peak condition. Remember that when faced with a complex problem, do not hesitate to enlist the help of experienced professionals.