Plumbing includes the water supply lines, waste disposal system, and venting. It’s important to understand how your plumbing is configured, especially if you need to do repairs or remodeling.

Plumbing plans can include a floor plan showing fixture locations, a sewer plan, and a riser diagram for vertical pipe placement. The use of official plumbing symbols ensures consistency throughout the drawing. Visit https://www.plumbing-express.com/ to learn more.

Sump pumps are essential for keeping a basement dry and preventing mold from growing in the event of a flooding disaster. However, as with any system that is constantly running, it needs regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and keep it in good working condition. Some of these tasks are easy enough for in-the-know homeowners to perform, while others should be left to professionals.

Clean the Pump and Pit

A sump pump is vulnerable to clogs, especially as the discharge pipe becomes blocked by debris in the pit. Routine cleaning of the pump and pit helps remove these particles before they cause a problem. Cleaning also allows for an inspection of the pit, making sure it is large enough for the pump to function well. It is also important to regularly clean the discharge pipe so that it does not become obstructed.

Check the Float Switch

The float switch is an important component of your sump pump because it is responsible for turning on the pump and moving water away from the home when the pit level rises. It is necessary to periodically test this device, and a professional can help determine whether the switch itself is working properly. This testing can include pouring a bucket of water into the pit and seeing whether or not the pump activates and moves the water.

Examine the Alarm: The alarm on a sump pump can sound as it is draining, but it should also remain silent once the pump is turned off. If the alarm is continuously sounding, the pump may be underpowered or the switch itself is not functioning correctly. A repair or replacement is often recommended in these cases.

Lastly, the sump pump should be inspected for backup power sources. Installing a battery backup system can make sure that the sump pump will work in the event of a power outage, which is especially important during heavy rainstorms. In addition, it is a good idea to have an alternate drainage system in place, such as French drains or interior waterproofing techniques. This can further protect a home from flood damage and save money on repairs.

Septic System Maintenance

More than 1 in 5 households depend on septic systems to efficiently manage sewage and wastewater for their homes. Often found in rural and semi-rural areas not served by centralized sewer systems, these individual on-site sewage treatment structures are an effective and affordable solution for treating and dispersing household waste.

A septic system works through natural processes to purify sewage and wastewater. Wastewater enters a septic tank where solids settle and liquid wastewater — called effluent — exits the tank into a drain field. As the effluent percolates through the soil, microorganisms neutralize pathogens and other contaminants. The soil acts as a natural filter to ensure that by the time the water reaches groundwater sources, it is clean and safe for consumption and environmental use.

Properly functioning septic systems keep dangerous bacteria and other pollutants from entering nearby drinking water wells and local waterways, which can make people sick and harm ecosystems. Signs of a failing septic system include sewage backing up into a house or draining onto the lawn, sewage odors near the septic tank or drain field area, high levels of nitrates and coliform in drinking water tests, and excessive plant growth and algae blooms in nearby ponds and lakes.

A variety of factors can affect septic system performance, including the age and condition of the septic tank and drainfield; soil conditions; water usage; and household waste disposal habits. Conscientious maintenance practices can help extend the life of septic tanks and drainfields. Taking steps to reduce water usage, landscaping carefully, and scheduling regular septic tank pumpings can help prevent problems.

Using water-efficient toilets, showerheads, faucets and appliances can help to minimize septic system loads. Doing so also saves money on utility bills and helps to conserve freshwater resources. Avoiding hazardous household cleaners, pesticides, and paints that may enter the septic system and cause a disruption to the natural microbial balance can further aid in septic tank performance. It’s best to have the septic tank and drainfield inspected by a professional to detect potential problems. It’s also a good idea to have septic tank liners installed as they help to extend the life of the septic tank and drainfield.

Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning is a crucial component of plumbing maintenance. When done regularly, it prevents clogs, eliminates foul odors and reduces the risk of bacteria and other harmful pathogen growth within pipes. This seemingly mundane task often gets pushed aside in favor of other home chores, but it’s important to keep this priority in mind, as the health and functionality of your entire plumbing system depends on it.

There are several methods of drain cleaning, with some cleaners being more environmentally friendly than others. For instance, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be an effective non-toxic solution to many types of clogs. Other environmentally-friendly options include enzyme cleaners that utilize natural bacteria and other substances to break down organic material without damaging pipes or disrupting ecosystems. In contrast, harsh chemical cleaners should only be used as a last resort because they can corrode pipes and cause toxic reactions in people and animals that come into contact with them.

A common cause of clogged drains is hair, soap scum, grease and other debris that builds up over time. Kitchen drains are especially susceptible to grease clogs because cooking oil solidifies as it cools, and bathroom drains often become obstructed with soap residue and other grime. Over time, these clogs can lead to overflows and serious damage to your pipes.

Some clogs are stubborn and require more extensive drain cleaning techniques. For example, a plumbing professional can use a drain snake with a flexible cable that is inserted into the pipe and twisted to dislodge clogs and restore water flow. Another powerful tool is a hydro jetting machine, which uses a high-pressure hose to obliterate tough clogs and thoroughly clean pipes.

When using manual drain cleaning tools, it’s important to wear proper safety equipment to avoid exposure to biological and chemical contaminants. Durable gloves and eye protection can protect you from direct contact with the material being removed, while a face mask can shield your nose and mouth from fumes. When working with powered drain cleaning machines, hearing protection like earplugs can also help prevent long-term hearing loss.

Water Heater Maintenance

Keeping water heaters working properly translates into fewer repair bills and a longer life for the units. Tank flushes, draining and other maintenance tasks help prevent sediment buildup that robs water heaters of efficiency, as well as increases the risk of leaks and ruptures. A plumbing professional can also check the water temperature setting to ensure it is safe and economical.

If you own a gas hot water heater, it is important to have the vent stack inspected annually to make sure it has no obstructions. The vent stack lets the exhaust gases escape from the tank, and a blocked vent can cause carbon monoxide poisoning for people in the home or business. A facility maintenance technician can inspect the vent stack for rust and corrosion, blockage and other issues.

A water heater should be partially drained and flushed every six months to reduce sediment accumulation. The process requires turning off the power and water, opening a nearby faucet, connecting a garden hose to the drain valve, and draining about a gallon of water from the unit into the hose. Then, the plumber turns the power and water back on and drains a few more gallons to clear out remaining sediment.

Another maintenance task is checking the anode rod for corrosion and reinstalling it or replacing it as needed. A corroded anode rod robs the water heater of its ability to protect the tanks interior by attracting minerals and other debris. This causes the tank to corrode, which shortens its lifespan and increases energy consumption.

Lastly, the plumber will visually examine the unit and all its components to check for water leaks. He or she will also look at the air intake, flue, and vents for signs of corrosion and blockage. Finally, he or she will test the pressure-relief valve to ensure it is working correctly and can discharge excess pressure before it can damage the tank structure.

It is important to follow a routine of preventive maintenance, including inspections, cleaning, draining, and flushing. A plumbing professional can help you develop a routine that meets your needs, as well as the requirements of your local water utility. A digital calendar, maintenance log application or other facility management software solution can help you schedule and track maintenance tasks.