Your home plumbing system is designed to withstand just about anything, but that doesn?t mean it can handle everything you send down the pipes. Clogged drains, leaky pipes, running toilets – all of these common plumbing problems happen when we get a little careless. Maybe you shouldn?t let all that food go down the garbage disposal, because it can end up impacting your kitchen sink in a few week?s time.? Or perhaps that small drip from the bathroom faucet could become more than a drip and more of a pour later on. You know you should replace your ancient water heater before it goes out, but you keep putting it off. These are all examples of how we fall victim to putting seemingly non-urgent plumbing issues ?on the back burner? until they become an emergency and demand our attention and our wallets.
If you want to stay on top of your home plumbing and prevent long term problems before they begin, we have a few suggestions that will keep your home plumbing running smoothly all year long.
Fix The Small Leaks and Keep Things Clean
If you have a leaky faucet or showerhead, it?s probably because you need to replace the washer that?s connecting your shower head or faucet to the water source. Washers can get worn down over time, which is what creates these annoying leaks. However, if left unchecked, your water bill is just going to increase over time – all that leaking water can create a big impact on your wallet.
It?s also a good idea to clean your sink and showerheads every year. Over time, mineral build-up can form inside these important fixtures, which can limit the water flow you?re getting from these sources. This can also affect the water pressure of your shower or sink, which just causes your system to work harder than necessary.
Don?t Ignore Your Sink and Tub Drains
A clogged drain is annoying no matter what – but if left unchecked, it will cause more than a slow drain. If your sink drain or tub is particularly clogged, ignoring it will just create major problems within your pipes. The bigger the clog, the bigger the problem. The last thing you want is for the pipes to burst because you ignored the sink for a couple of months. If you need guidance getting rid of that drain blockage, read how to clean clogged drains for all our basic tips.
Drain the Water Heater
In order to keep your water heater, it?s a good idea to flush and drain the tank every year. You?ll be able to avoid sediment, minerals, and other build-up making its way into the tank and sitting there for extended periods of time. The build-up can prevent your water from heating up, and change the efficiency of your water tank, which can create a damaged or broken hot water heater.
If you don?t want to drain your water heater on your own, this is something your local plumber can take care of for you.
Annual Plumbing Maintenance
The best way to avoid annual problems? Just schedule an annual maintenance visit from your local plumber. Plumbers do far more than handle a dripping faucet. They can check to see if your pipes have corroded, causing them to burst or leak, perform annual hot water heater maintenance, and see how your sewer line is holding up. A damaged water line or sewer line can actually have the biggest long term impact on your home, so by scheduling annual maintenance, you will be saving money down the road. Also, if you have a septic tank, you should get it pumped at least every 5 years.
During an inspection, your plumber will check your entire home plumbing system, from faucets to pipes, even your heavy-duty appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher. This way, you can have peace of mind, and everything will be secured moving forward.
If you want to expand your plumbing knowledge, take a look at our Basic Plumbing Knowledge for Homeowners to sharpen your plumbing skills, and avoid maintenance mishaps.
