Water, electricity and heating are vital aspects of any home. It is believed that the level of civilization has advanced, to such an extent that everyone should have these three basic things in a house or apartment. Although there are still passive and poor parts in every country, it is still believed that people generally live in conditions where they have these basic things.
This is the reason why most people, even in their lives, encounter several professions. Who hasn’t had an encounter with a plumber, electrician or heating specialist? Anyone can tell a story about a breakdown and repair in their house or apartment, whether it is fun or dramatic. We all know what it looks like when something leaks in our bathroom or kitchen, doesn’t work properly or, worst of all, causes a flood. Some unwanted events cannot be prevented, but there are certain types of behavior and rules, which everyone can adopt and respect and thus prevent trouble and costs.
Here are some ways to better maintain water installations and thus prevent breakdowns and costs:
1. Check the taps
The simplest and most basic thing is, first of all, to determine the existing condition of your faucets, pipes, cisterns, toilets, water heaters and other elements in the bathroom in the kitchen. If you notice that the faucet is dripping, first try to turn it better, and warn your family members to do the same. There is no need to exaggerate in the strong twisting, if it continues to drip, it’s time for a new eraser. Most people know how to do it themselves, it’s an easy job, rubber bands are very cheap and it’s wise to buy them and have them at home.
2. Determine the condition of the cistern
This is the black spot of every bathroom. Cisterns leak very often, even though they are newer. Huge amounts of water can leak out this way. This will greatly increase your water bill, not to mention the great damage from unnecessary water loss, at a time when water is becoming more and more valuable. If you see traces of limescale in your toilet or notice a jet that drains when the cistern is full, you must intervene and call a plumber. The solution is to change the mechanism inside the cistern, replace the rubber parts that are probably broken, so they do not seal properly, or replace the complete cistern. Sometimes it is possible to solve the problem by pouring the anti-scale agent into the cistern itself. Everything is better than expensive and unnecessary water drainage.
3. Water heater
The boiler is also a place where huge deposits of limescale accumulate. According to the LPGS plumbers, the quality of water deteriorates that way, and electricity consumption increases, leading to huge electricity bills. It happens that the boiler leaks and then it must be replaced. If you have the ability, the recommended and useful thing is instantaneous water heater. It consumes water and electricity only when used (it can be in the kitchen and bathroom). There is no water tank that needs to be constantly heated and thus consume energy, and the instantaneous water heater also eliminates the deposition of limescale in the tank.
4. Condition of drainage pipes and toilets
Nobody really likes to deal with drains, drain pipes and toilets, but it is necessary to focus on that as well. Especially if you live in old houses, where pipes can be made of clay or other porous materials, which are more easily damaged. If you hear a gurgling sound coming from the drain pipes of the sink, bathtub, shower, toilet, it is a sign that there is an obstacle. It can be from limescale, soap and detergents, grease, dirt… And it needs to be removed, so that there is no return and unwanted consequences in the form of flooding with wastewater. You can pour baking soda or vinegar into the drains, once every ten days. Degrease pipes, prevent unwanted odors and make wastewater go away easier and faster. It is not advisable to pour on products that contain heavy chemicals, damage pipes and poison the environment.
5. Hidden leaks
Leaks that are not manifest, we do not hear dripping, chattering, we do not see a jet of water, does not mean that they do not exist. They are even dangerous and can do us a lot of harm. If you notice the wall getting wet, even if it is the slightest stain, know that it will certainly expand. Water always finds its way, the wall expands and soaks, and with it the installations if they are nearby. Also, always check the condition around the toilet, that it has not loosened the material with which it is fixed to the floor and which protects against water leaks from the toilet. This is a job for a plumber, but it’s up to you to spot it as soon as possible.
6. Installation of energy saving elements
Gone are the days when water was wasted relentlessly and no one cared about it. Awareness of people and dealing with climate change, droughts, disasters and water scarcity, has forced humanity to deal with this issue at all levels and in all segments. Boilers, cisterns, showers have been constructed, which consume half as much water as the old models. Although, at first glance, they seem more expensive, buying and installing them is not a luxury at all. On the contrary! You will reduce bills, save water and make sure that your activities in the bathroom will not lose quality. Inquire about it and make sure that modern elements have many advantages.
7. Arrange a regular inspection of the plumber
This would be an ideal decision, to arrange a visit by an expert, once every few months. No matter how well you know your living space, see around the experts what you missed. Pipes, drains, drains, faucets, toilets… all this would be examined in detail by a professional and the problem, if any, would be noticed. His visits in the form of inspections alone would not cost much, and breakdowns would certainly be less and interventions cheaper, if the situation was regularly monitored.
Conclusion:
Taking care of plumbing and all the elements that cover the kitchen, bathroom, possibly the pool, if any, implies constant attention. If you are diligent in this regard, carefully observe the possible places where the problem is most common, then you will be able to fix something yourself, and even if you need a professional, the breakdown will be smaller and your budget will not be too damaged. At the same time, there will be no danger of a water accident, which can be catastrophic and you will be calm when you use the toilets and when you go on the road and when you go to sleep. All this will save you from annoyances, stress, costs, work and clutter in the house. A well-kept and tidy household is a prerequisite for your comfortable life and peaceful sleep.
