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We don’t usually think too much about how important our plumbing systems are until there is a problem. It could be a blocked toilet, clogged drains, or leaking pipes, but when an issue occurs it can cause serious damage to your home. Identifying problems before they occur is the best way to protect your home by keeping your plumbing working properly. This will also enable you to save money and time which would otherwise be wasted on costly repairs.
Here is a guide to practical investments you should consider for your plumbing system at home.
1. A Water Softener
Hard water is a problem which many people’s homes, unfortunately, suffer from. Having hard water means that there are too many minerals and impurities in the water which can make it taste bad and can also cause mineral build-ups in your pipes which can damage your plumbing system. Different areas have hard water and so the best way to solve the problem is to invest in a water softener. There are various factors to consider when choosing the best water softener system such as how much water the water softener can clean before it needs a replacement filter and the size of the softener required for your home. A quality water softener will cost you around one thousand dollars, but it is an investment well worth making if your home has hard water.
2. New Pipes and Faucets
Leaky pipes are often more of an inconvenience than they are an emergency, but it can still be an annoying problem that can end up adding dollars to your water bill. In fact, a leaking faucet can waste as much water per year as is used for almost two hundred showers. When pipes are leaking it is often because something has cracked or has become stiff or dislodged. These problems can happen as a result of normal everyday wear and tear, so it is worth investing in new pipes and faucets whenever you start to experience and repairs are not working. You shouldn’t need to replace your systems too often as long as you take care of them by taking easy steps like reducing water pressure and protecting your faucets by turning the handles carefully.
3. A New Water Heater
Being forced to take a cold shower when the temperature in your home is chilly is no one’s idea of fun. Knowing if the problem is with your water heater can be difficult, but you can look out for discolored water or peculiar sounds coming from the heater. Water heater problems can occur because there is a leak, or there are mineral buildups. While you may be able to repair the water heater yourself, calling in a professional is the best way to identify the cause of the issue and to make any possible repairs safely. If the unit is older or is beyond repair, a replacement machine is sometimes necessary as the problems may just reoccur. A new water heater can be quite expensive, but it can add serious value to your home as new owners will be confident that they won’t need to replace the heater after they buy the house.
4. A Full Plumbing Inspection
As well as the investments above, one of the best ways to ensure that your plumbing systems continue to operate well is by investing in a full plumbing inspection. A professional plumber will be able to identify any major issues such as cracked pipes. Particularly if you have an older home or plumbing system, regular inspections are important because systems can develop problems very quickly. Having a plumber inspect and tune the whole system will help to alleviate minor problems like low water pressure or lukewarm hot water. Many people just accept these issues, but they are often an easy fix for a professional plumber. Make sure that you choose a reputable plumber by looking at online reviews and asking friends and family members for recommendations of plumbers who have done good work for them in the past.
Far too many people take their plumbing for granted, and it is only when some issue occurs that plumbing is given the attention it deserves. From low water pressure to leaking pipes and water heater issues, there are so many problems that can occur that can be costly and frustrating. Investing a little money in your home plumbing system will ensure that everything is working properly and that small issues don’t develop into bigger problems. Consider some of the investments in this article, and it could make a huge difference to your home.