A comfortable and safe home requires the existence of several systems that work together to provide satisfactory living conditions. The sanitary system is one of them; its main role is to transport various types of water (cold, hot, used water) to the sanitary objects and from them to the evacuation. Basically, the sanitary installation is made up of all the pipes, faucets and fittings existing in the house and which are grouped in four distinct parts (transport of cold, hot, used and heating water). In most cases, the installation is incorporated in the structure of the house and, for this reason, it is essential to be properly designed and built from the start, but also maintained along the way.
Major problems with plumbing, such as clogged sewers, damaged water connections, or water leaks, represent the job of professional installers.
However, there are a number of simple techniques and procedures that you can perform to keep your home’s sanitary system in good condition and to prevent severe damage and emergencies.
Here are some simple tips to help you avoid the need to call for emergency plumbers.
- To maintain a constant flow of water in the shower or sink, you must frequently remove deposits accumulated in the faucet or shower siphon. Using a special cleaning solution on a regular basis ensures that the mineral deposits will decompose, leaving the shower heads and faucets clean. If the cleaning solutions are not efficient anymore, you should replace your shower head or faucet.
- Check the bathroom and kitchen faucets regularly, for leaks or accumulated water. Make the necessary repairs on time, in order to have a perfectly functional installation and to save water.
- Regularly inspect exposed pipes under sinks or in the basement, for signs of leaks. If you see rust, swelling, or water droplets, it is time to call a plumber.
- Install mesh drains for tubs, sinks and showers. This will prevent the hair, soap scraps and other particles from entering the drains and clogging them.
- Do not use your toilet to dispose household waste or other rubbish. Apart from its destination, the only other substances that should be thrown in the toilet are toilet paper that decomposes easily, when it comes into contact with water.
- People are often tempted to also throw hair, bandages, women’s toiletries, paper towels and toilet paper, but these items belong to the trash bin. If you throw these materials in the toilet, it will only be a matter of time before it gets clogged.
- Inspect toilet bowls and tanks for leaks or cracks. An easy way to test your toilet is to add a few drops of food coloring to the water tank. Let it sit for about an hour and then come back to check it out. If the water in the toilet is colored in that shade, it means that the tank is leaking. This can be easily remedied by replacing the float in the tank.