The Essentials of Residential Plumbing Maintenance

Maintaining your home’s plumbing system is crucial to prevent unexpected problems and costly repairs. This blog provides essential tips and insights from experienced licensed plumbers to help you keep your plumbing in top shape.

Regular Inspection and Monitoring

One of the first steps in effective plumbing maintenance is regular inspection and monitoring of your system. This proactive approach allows you to catch issues before they escalate. Look for signs of leaks, such as wet spots on floors and ceilings, or listen for dripping sounds inside walls. Checking water pressure regularly can also indicate potential problems; too high or too low pressure can damage your plumbing fixtures and pipes.

• How to Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect all exposed pipes, especially under sinks and toilets, for any signs of moisture. Monitoring your water meter is a simple way to check for hidden leaks. If the meter changes while you are not using water, your system might leak.
• Monitoring Water Pressure: You can use a gauge to check the water pressure. Please attach it to a fixture outside and ensure it reads between 40 and 60 psi. Consistently higher readings require installing a pressure reducer.

Preventative Maintenance Tasks

Preventative maintenance is critical to extending the life of your plumbing system and avoiding emergency calls to plumbers.

• Clean Drains and Overflows: Regularly cleaning your drains and overflows can prevent clogs and backups. Avoid chemical drain cleaners as they can wear downpipes. Instead, opt for a mixture of vinegar and hot water, or use a plunger or a plumber’s snake.
• Maintain Your Water Heater: Drain and flush your water heater annually to remove sediment that can build up and cause inefficiency or damage. Every few years, check the anode rod and replace it if it shows signs of corrosion. This simple task can significantly extend the life of your water heater.

Seasonal Plumbing Tips

Seasonal changes can significantly affect your plumbing system, so adapting your maintenance routine is essential.

• Prepare for Winter: To prevent freezing, insulate your pipes, especially those exposed or in unheated areas of your home. Before winter, detach garden hoses and use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. It prevents frozen pipes and cracks.
• Summer Maintenance: Check for leaks in outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems during summer. These are often overlooked and can lead to significant water wastage. Also, ensure that your sump pump works correctly before the rainy season starts to prevent basement flooding.

When to Contact a Professional

While many maintenance tasks are manageable on your own, there are times when a professional plumber is essential.

• Unresolved Issues: If you’ve attempted to clear a clog or fix a leak without success, it may be time to call a professional. Persistent issues often indicate a more complex problem that requires specialized tools and knowledge.
• Major Installations: Professionals should generally handle significant installations, such as a new water heater or the replacement of pipes. It ensures the work is done safely and complies with local plumbing codes.

By following these essential residential plumbing maintenance tips, you can keep your system running smoothly and avoid the hassle and expense of unexpected repairs. Remember, when in doubt, contact the experienced licensed plumbers at Clarks Plumbing to provide peace of mind and expertly address your plumbing needs. Remember to visit our blog for more helpful maintenance tips and tricks!