With some plumbing preventative maintenance tips, you ensure the proper functioning of all pipes and fixtures over the long term. First, it requires an understanding of the component of your water system. Anything that uses water in your home falls into this category, including your bathroom, kitchen, toilet, laundry room, sinks, washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater. All of these items must be maintained to control plumbing issues, so you don’t wait for something to go wrong to intervene!
As an expert plumbing service in Germantown, we share some tips for properly maintaining your plumbing and keeping it in good condition.
What is Preventive Plumbing Maintenance?
Preventative plumbing maintenance is a process that involves identifying problems in your plumbing system at an early stage and addressing them before they become major problems.
It includes regular annual checks of your plumbing system, such as inspecting pipes, drains, pumps, tanks, faucets, bathtubs, sinks, showers, toilets, water heaters, and other equipment.
The plumbing in your home needs routine maintenance to keep everything running smoothly and in good condition. As with anything, prevention is better than cure. Regular preventive maintenance tips save you unnecessary expenses and stress. Homeowners are advised to contact a water line repair expert to set up a preventative maintenance plan.
Nine Must-Know Plumbing Preventive Maintenance Tips
1. A Complete Plumbing Checkup by a Plumbing Specialist
An average home can benefit from a complete plumbing checkup every two years.
During each visit, your plumbing installation expert:
- Examines your pipes for cracks, leaks, or water spots.
- Checks for objects or damage inside drains and pipes using a special camera.
- Checks air ducts, valves, and water and waste lines.
- Examines the water pressure and flow in sinks, showers, and tubs.
- Looks for signs of leaks or excessive flow in the toilet.
- Examines all appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers, to see if they are damaged or improperly connected.
Certain aspects of your plumbing system should be inspected more frequently. For example, the route of your main sewer line through your home might be best understood with the help of a plumbing installation service. You should schedule an annual plumbing inspection if tall trees are above or near the main drain. This will ensure tree roots do not cause cracks and seep into the pipe.
These issues can often be repaired if you discover them when they are still minor. A simple annual checkup can prevent catastrophic ruptures that require a complete line replacement. Your home’s pipes and other plumbing essentials can deteriorate if they are over 40 years old. In addition, an annual examination can avoid ruptures, burst pipes, and even the presence of dangerous substances in your water.
You should also schedule a plumbing checkup if you have recently purchased a new home. Have a qualified Germantown plumber check out the property, as licensed home inspectors often don’t have plumbing experience. Any significant repair issues may affect your selling price. By having your property appraised by a professional plumber before putting it up for sale, you will avoid any surprises that could compromise the transaction.
Clean All Traps and Drains
Due to the slow flow caused by clogged drains, water backs up and bubbles through the drain holes. Spend a few minutes clearing your drains of debris every two months or whenever your bathroom drains slower than usual. Contact a drain cleaning service if vinegar and baking soda aren’t enough to clear the clog.
2. Fix Leaky Faucets
Your broken faucet leaks once every two seconds, which wastes nearly 3,000 gallons of water annually. Plumbing leaks get worse over time, with drips flowing more frequently, increasing water costs. Before a leak gets out of control, check and fix showerheads and faucets. The cost of plumbing repairs is far less than those excessive water bills.
Also, remove and clean the faucet aerators regularly to prevent calcium buildup that can lead to low water pressure and uneven spray from your faucet.
3. Check for Water Leaks in Appliances
Washing machines and water heaters are two common examples of appliances in homes that frequently have hidden leaks. Frequently check these devices for puddles or wet areas. If you place a drain pan under the appliances, water leaks will not damage your walls and floors.
4. Make Sure Your Toilet is Fixed
Your toilet may continue to function if your valve seat has a faulty seal. Mineral deposits cause the gasket to deteriorate over time. However, the rubber valve may need to be replaced. According to the EPA, replacing old broken toilets can help you save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.
5. Maintain Your Showerheads Regularly
6. Check the Water Pressure
Even though you like high water pressure levels when you shower, your faucets and pipes are usually stressed by this pressure. The joints of your water pipes deteriorate and are susceptible to rupture. Using a water pressure gauge, you can find the high and low-pressure taps on your plumbing line. Consider contacting a licensed plumbing installation service to follow up on any significant pressure changes you experience.
7. Check for Corrosion on All Observable Pipes
Corrosion in the form of rust or blue/green deposits on your pipes indicates that you will soon be dealing with a leak. You can attempt to remove rust stains, but contacting a plumbing installation specialist is best.
8. Maintain Your Sewer Line and Septic System
Have your septic system inspected frequently to ensure it works at its best. If your septic tank needs pumping, a professional can tell you. Maintaining your sewer line and being alert to the signs that it is about to clog is also essential. To avoid a complete clog, consider regular plumbing maintenance services.
9. Maintain Your Water Heater
Rinse your water heater once a year and change the anode rod if necessary. Check temperature and pressure relief valves frequently. If you’re unsure how to perform these tasks, contact a trusted water heater service specialist.
Looking for an Expert Plumbing Service in Germantown, Maryland? Contact Your 1 Plumber!
Now you know some of the best plumbing preventive maintenance tips with which you ensure everything keeps running smoothly. The best is to hire a plumbing installation service for regular annual checkups.
For expert plumbing service in Germantown, contact Your 1 Plumber, a leading Maryland plumber service that has been offering top-notch plumbing installation services in Maryland and beyond for over 15 years. Our team has licensed and certified specialists with experience in dealing with all plumbing issues and installations.
For more information, call 301-540-7586 or visit our website.