Plumbers are responsible for ensuring that water and plumbing systems function correctly in homes and commercial settings. This includes installing new pipes, repairing existing ones, and addressing issues like leaks and clogs. 

Maintaining a plumbing system can help reduce energy costs, prevent water damage, and extend the lifespan of appliances like sinks, faucets, showerheads, and toilets. In addition, regular inspections by plumbers can help ensure that your plumbing is functioning properly. 

Clogs 

Clogged drains and toilets are more than just an inconvenience. If they're not addressed promptly, they can lead to water damage and even mold growth in your home. Professional plumbers have a variety of tools at their disposal to clear stubborn clogs. For example, they can use a manual drain snake to dislodge clogs in pipes that are too far down to reach with a plunger. 

For more serious clogs, plumbers can use hydro jetting, a process that involves shooting a stream of high-pressure water at the obstruction. This can break up and wash away large clumps of hair, grease, and other debris that accumulate in drain lines over time. 

To prevent clogs, you should install drain screens in your shower and kitchen sinks and avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes. You should also regularly check for leaks and make sure that your shut-off valves are working properly. Taking care of these simple tasks can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly and extend its lifespan. 

Leaks 

Plumbing leaks can cause serious water damage in a short amount of time. They also waste water and contribute to higher utility bills. Catching a leak early through regular maintenance checks helps minimise damage and saves money. 

Leaks from pipes are difficult to detect, since they often occur behind walls and under floors. Fortunately, plumbers have many tools at their disposal to help locate these problematic areas. 

These tools include listening discs and ground microphones, which can pick up sounds of escaping water and pinpoint their location without opening walls or digging up the floor. More advanced technology, such as thermal imaging cameras, can even detect temperature differences caused by leaking water in underground pipes. 

Surface leaks around sinks and other fixtures are generally easier to spot. Signs of these leaks include damp spots on walls and ceilings, mineral deposits around faucets, unexplained increases in water bills, or puddles forming near appliances. In most cases, repairing these types of leaks is simply a matter of replacing the faulty

part. 

Frozen Pipes 

Pipes can freeze during prolonged cold weather, especially in unheated or exposed areas of your home. Insulating your pipes and ensuring they're properly sealed against drafts can help prevent this common problem. But if you're experiencing a sudden lack of water pressure or find that one or more of your faucets has turned to ice, it's time to call a plumber. 

Plumbers can quickly diagnose and fix the issue before it worsens, reducing damage and preventing further issues like leaks and flooding. They'll start by turning off the water supply and applying heat to the frozen area. This can be done with heat guns, electric heating pads, portable heaters (kept away from flammable materials), or even hot towels. 

Once the ice melts, plumbers will turn on your faucets to ensure that water can flow freely again. This helps thaw the rest of the frozen pipe and can also reduce future freezing in that area. Then, they'll teach you about proper insulation and prevention strategies so you can keep your plumbing in good condition year-round. 

Inspections 

A plumber’s inspection of your system allows them to spot early warning signs that could indicate a major issue like a water main break or clogged pipes. It also helps them address problems like a leaking faucet or slow draining sink. These minor issues can be easily corrected and will save you from bigger problems down the road. 

Leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per day, which adds up to a significant amount of money over time. Also, leaking pipes can promote mold and water damage. Inspectors check for any leaks, silent or otherwise, and fix them quickly to prevent unnecessary expenditure and long-term problems. 

Older plumbing systems can experience corrosion that reduces the efficiency of your home’s water supply. Inspectors will spot corroded pipes and suggest replacements that are more durable. They will also test your water pressure to make sure it’s within safe limits to avoid overworking the pipes and risking a pipe burst. For help locating professional plumbing companies to help with your plumbing system, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/, some of the best plumbers in Melbourne, can assist with all your plumbing needs.