We’ve all likely got horror stories to tell about burst pipes, leaking taps, blocked toilets, and clogged kitchen sinks. They are a real pain to deal with and often result in a hefty repair bill. The good news? Most of these headaches are entirely preventable with care and foresight.
As the classic Benjamin Franklin quote goes: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care.”
With a little bit of maintenance and some smart drain cleaning, you can stay ahead of the game and avoid costly emergence jobs further down the line. Here’s how.
1. Check for leaks early (and often)
Leaks are a red flag, a clear indicator that something isn’t quite right with your system. Make it a habit to inspect all of your exposed pipes and water-based appliances — water heater, fridge, dishwasher etc. — especially during the winter months. We recommend checking at least once every 4 weeks.
Look for any water stains on walls or cracked hoses, basically anything that points to water pooling or damage. Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage if you don’t act early and get a drain repair.
Most appliance manuals offer maintenance tips — use them!
2. Keep an eye on slow drains
Water draining slowly down sinks is a sign that debris is building up or something is clogged in your pipes. Don’t ignore it. Acting early with a simple mixture of hot water or baking soda and vinegar can dislodge pesky blockages and improve water flow. All you need to do is pour the liquid down the drain and wait for it to bubble and fizz for 30 minutes — then flush with water.
Shower heads need maintenance, too. Try to remove the heads and clean away any detritus at least every few months. Preventative maintenance here can improve the water pressure in your drainage system.
3. Fix leaky taps and shower heads
Constantly dripping taps and shower heads are more than just a minor annoyance — they can wear down and damage your drainage system over time. Here’s how:
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- Constant moisture promotes rust and causes corrosion
- Steady drips of water can lead to limescale inside pipes
- Leaks create damp areas ripe for mould and mildew growth
- Wasted water overwhelms drains
- Pressure imbalances stress plumbing components.
Regularly checking your faucets and shower heads for leaks, and repairing or replacing faulty washers and fittings when needed, will keep your plumbing system in tip-top condition for longer.
4. Watch what you flush
A toilet isn’t a trash can! While it might be tempting to flush away (and forget) about rubbish, it’s a short-term gain you’ll soon regret.
Your toilet is only for human waste and toilet paper — nothing more. Flushing things like wipes, paper towels, diapers, sanitary products, and medication down your toilet is a big no-no. These items can cause major issues with the sewer system, leading to blocked drains and very expensive repairs.
Be mindful about what you flush. It’s a simple (and underrated) maintenance tip that will save you repeat visits from a plumber.
5. Monitor water pressure
Water pressure can be a ticking time bomb. If it’s too high, it can put your pipes under unnecessary strain and increase the risk of pinhole leaks and even major bursts. Too low and your system won’t be working optimally.
The simple solution is to use a pressure gauge to test your home’s levels. If you’re having trouble with volatility, you can also install a water pressure regulator to keep it within a recommended range. This is especially useful in older properties where plumbing may already be deteriorating and under stress.
6. Don’t ignore toilet leaks
Yes, your toilet can leak too! While not as easy to spot as other fixtures, your toilet might have an issue if water is constantly running down the back of the pan. To check if you’ve got a problem, you can:
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- Flush your toilet and wait for 15 minutes
- Dry the back of the pan with paper
- Place a piece of the toilet paper on the pan
- Leave and return an hour or two later
If the paper is wet, there’s a good chance you may have a leak. These are often caused by a faulty flapper or a worn-out value seat. A leak isn’t good news — it can lead to a build of gunk around the components, wasted water, higher utility bills. If left unchecked, it can also cause serious damage.
Fortunately, if you spot it early enough, you can get a professional to complete a quick and inexpensive drain repair to sort things out.
Final Thoughts
Just a few minutes of regular maintenance can save you the stress and cost of having to sort major blockages and burst pipes. If you see a leak — even if it’s minor — or think something isn’t quite right, don’t delay in taking action. Prevention is the best cure.
Drain Fixers fix blocked drains in Melbourne. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink or a blocked toilet, our expert team is just a call away and ready to help. We offer fast and affordable services that will keep your drains flowing smoothly. Long-lasting results are what we do best.
Contact us today for a speedy solution.
