How to Care for Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings

Have you noticed an increase in your water bills, leaks, low water pressure, or other unexplained plumbing problems? Call Formica Plumbing, the leading plumber in Painesville, OH, at 440-485-3850 to find and fix the issue.

Fixtures and fittings are critical parts of plumbing systems. Without them, you wouldn't be able to use any water in your home, which is a major inconvenience in today's world. From valves and drain stoppers to faucets, shower heads, sink basins, and toilets, your home has many plumbing fixtures and fittings that need regular maintenance to keep working as they should. 

Neglecting to maintain plumbing fixtures and fittings, or incorrectly maintaining them, can contribute to a long list of problems that waste water and damage your home. Because most plumbing fixtures are metal, they are vulnerable to corrosion and deterioration over time.

Seals can also break down over time, creating leaks. Changes in water pressure, sudden temperature changes, and clogs can also put more pressure on the pipes, connections, and seals, causing a wide variety of problems in your home. 

Taking care of your plumbing system with regular maintenance and knowing how to identify problems and correct them without causing more damage can prevent costly damage and the need for more extensive repairs. Follow the advice of experienced plumbers in Painesville, OH, to avoid worsening minor problems and keep your plumbing working smoothly.

1. Address Problems Immediately

Problems within plumbing systems are only sometimes immediately apparent. It's more common for plumbing fixtures and fittings to develop slow leaks than for pipes to burst suddenly. Calling a professional plumber for an inspection and leak detection at the first sign of an issue can stop minor issues from becoming major problems. Pay attention to changes in the water pressure, for instance. Plumbing fixtures can withstand a great deal of water pressure but they have maximum flow rates and a sudden or extreme change can damage seals and connections and cause leaks. 

Other signs to watch for include moisture and condensation around the pipe joints, which indicates corrosion and worn seals, and the surrounding water damage. Musty odors coming from behind the walls, water stains on the ceiling and walls, and puddles are surefire signs that you have a plumbing problem that needs immediate repair. 

2. Schedule Inspections 

Much of your home's plumbing is behind walls and under floors, meaning you may not immediately notice that trouble is brewing or that something within the system has failed. You might hear unusual noises or notice odors, but schedule an inspection to confirm that the plumbing system is in good shape. An annual professional plumbing inspection to identify loose connections and signs of corrosion can stop problems before they start. 

3. Take Care with Connections 

If a home improvement project involves plumbing fixtures and fittings, such as installing a new shower head or faucet, take extra care when connecting anything to the pipes. Every connection point has threads that help create a tight seal, but those threads can wear out when they are too tight or tightened incorrectly. Adjusting the connections slowly and not over-tightening the fixtures connected to the pipes can keep this from happening and ensure a secure connection.

Protecting the threads also means always turning the connections in the correct direction. When you want to loosen a fixture, turn it to the left. To tighten it, turn it to the right. This way, you can avoid stripping the threads and weakening the connection. 

4. Only Use Tools When Absolutely Necessary 

Most of the time, plumbing fixtures and fittings do not need tightening with tools. Using a tool like a wrench creates the risk of over-tightening, which, as mentioned, can strip the threads. A too-tight connection can also affect water flow, increasing the risk of a burst pipe. When making repairs or installing a new fixture, use your hands to secure it to keep this from happening. If you need tools, make sure you use the right ones for the job, or call a professional for help.

5. Use Plumber's Tape 

Applying plumber's tape over the fixture and fitting connections provides an extra layer of protection over connections and seals. The waterproof, silicone-based tape helps prevent leaks and reduces the risk of over-tightening the connection. It forms a watertight seal on the pipe that can help keep it from coming loose.

6. Choose the Right Fixtures

When you select and install the right plumbing fixtures and fittings, you're less likely to have problems with leaks, clogs, and water pressure. Fixtures like shower heads and faucets are not interchangeable and may need adjustments to the existing plumbing and pipes to work as they should. If you're unsure, consult with a professional plumber for advice. Choosing the right fixtures helps ensure that all connections are secure and durable.

7. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

Plumbing fixtures often fail or have problems because they aren't used or maintained according to manufacturer instructions. Even if you have a professional plumber handle the job, reading the owner's manual ensures you know the maintenance requirements. The owner's manual can also help you troubleshoot signs of trouble and learn how to respond. 

Call the Local Experts of Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. 

Residential plumbing systems are complex. The average homeowner might be able to manage basic tasks like a minor toilet clog, but it's best to leave more complicated jobs to the pros. The team of experienced plumbers of Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. is ready to help with any plumbing issue. Whether you need us to service sink clogs or find a leak, or you want to know when to replace your grease trap at home, we are standing by to provide hassle-free plumbing services. 

To learn more about the plumbers Painesville, OH, residents trust to maintain their plumbing fixtures and fittings, call Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co at 440-485-3850 today. We offer 24/7 emergency service, and you can rest assured knowing we back all work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.