If there’s one thing that all homeowners and renters can agree on, it’s this: no one wants to deal with the drama and cost of a plumbing issue!

With that said, both homeowners and renters need to take a few precautions to ensure that plumbing problems don’t get the better of them. One way to do this is to enlist the help of the plumbing services Melbourne residents rely on for any plumbing emergency!

Homeowners Should Know These Plumbing Guidelines

For many homeowners, plumbing emergencies are one of those issues that are often only dealt with as and if they happen. Our plumbing experts advise against this mindset. Don’t live in denial until something goes wrong! A small problem can turn into a major catastrophe very quickly.

To help prevent this, our team of experts have compiled a few basic tips that will help you prevent any potential plumbing disasters.

Ensure Everyone Knows Where the Water Shut-Off Valve is Located

Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, know where the water shut-off valve is located. Turning the water off when you notice a leak is the best course of action while you wait for the plumber to arrive.

This is essential as it will prevent extensive water damage. It’s important to teach your older children or anyone else living in the home how this process works. They may need to switch the water off if an emergency arises when you’re not at home.

Do Regular Hot Water Systems Regularly

Many plumbing emergencies require a hot water system repair and this can be quite expensive! To avoid having to replace the entire unit, we recommend that you perform regular checks on your hot water system. You’ll be able to notify your plumber of small leaks or instances where the unit isn’t heating up properly.

Here are a few signs that your hot water system is faulty:

Water leaks (even small drips)
Discoloured water
Smell of rotten eggs (if your hot water system uses gas)
Strange noises coming from the heater
Inconsistent water temperature

Invest in a Drain Snake and Plunger

When you notice a minor clog or blockage, the good news is that in most cases you can sort the problem out by yourself in a few hours. Here’s what you’ll need:

Plunger: No one should be without a plunger. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to unclog sinks, shower drains and even toilets. Plungers work well for minor clogs and regularly using a plunger will avoid the clog from turning into a major blockage. Our experts recommend that you add some petroleum jelly around the lining of the plunger. This will create a stronger seal for high suction for more stubborn clogs.
Drain snake: Unlike a plunger, a drain snake doesn’t rely on suction pressure. Rather it’s a device similar to a piece of wire that you can push into the drain and pull debris out of the pipe. Usually, this is hair, soap scum or even food materials in kitchen sinks. Be sure to sanitise your drain snake after use.

Clean Your Shower and Bathtub Drain Regularly

No matter how clean you keep your bathroom and shower area, you must clean the shower and bathtub drain as well. This is because shower drains collect soap and hair which, depending on the number of people in your home, can accumulate quite quickly!

Use boiling water to rinse your pipes regularly. Additionally, keep an eye out for standing water in the shower or bathtub as this is a clear indication of blockage. In this instance, use a combination of hot water, vinegar and baking soda along with your trusty plunger. In some instances, you may need to repeat the process a few times to get the pipe and drains open.

Opt for Natural Drain Cleaners

It’s very easy for drains to become blocked with hair, dirt, food particles, grime and other things that may have found their way into the pipes. Regular cleaning will ensure that these particles move along the pipe or at least break up.

To facilitate this process, many homeowners opt to use chemicals to keep their drains and pipes clean. While drain cleaners are popular because they can instantly eat through any gunk in the pipe, they often cause severe damage to the plumbing. Rather pour boiling water down the drain every few days. Add lemon juice, baking soda and even vinegar to remove bacteria, small clogs and even bad odours.

Final Thoughts

Many minor plumbing issues can easily be cleared up if you catch them in their early stages. Regular inspections and maintenance will quickly identify any leaks or faults that a simple valve change could repair. This will save you the stress and cost of a plumbing emergency down the line!

Vigilance and having a plumber on speed dial will help you manage your plumbing infrastructure much easier than before!