Stop nasty plumbing disasters before they happen.
Plumbing problems are a rite of passage for every homeowner. Yet most could have been avoided with a little preventative maintenance. Left unchecked, a small leaky faucet can result in thousands of dollars in water damage.
Don’t worry! You don’t need a degree in plumbing to keep your home in good shape. Basic knowledge, and some simple attention, is all it takes to head off major disasters.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Why regular plumbing maintenance is so important
- What common problems to expect over the years
- Simple maintenance tasks you can do easily
- How to tell when it’s time to call a professional
Why Regular Plumbing Maintenance Is So Important
It’s not all about fixing leaks, though that’s a big part of it.
Maintaining your plumbing is about prevention and catching small problems before they turn into big headaches. Think about how much work your pipes, drains, and fixtures do every day.
Water flows. Drains pull waste away. Faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances all use water nonstop. Over time all this activity causes wear and tear.
Seals and gaskets dry out. Pipes corrode. Connections loosen. Filters clog. Fittings crack. When something breaks it’s much harder (and more expensive) to fix.
Leaks can be sneaky too. A drip here or there might not seem like much but add up to 10,000 gallons of wasted water per year per household. Your wallet will feel the loss as your water bill skyrockets.
Emergency plumbers can certainly handle major problems when they arise. But even then working with reputable, reliable contractors like Adelaide plumbing services is a must. Maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your professional repairs and saving money. Let’s dig into the why and what you can do to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape.
What Common Plumbing Problems Will You Experience?
Let’s start with a shocking statistic that will help show just how important plumbing maintenance really is…
Turns out, most plumbing problems have a pattern. Knowing what issues are common makes it much easier to spot and prevent them. Here are the problems homeowners struggle with most often:
- Leaky faucets are the top problem. They might seem harmless but waste a ton of water. One slow drip wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. That can drive up your water bill fast!
- Running toilets are another stealthy budget-buster. A toilet that runs constantly is literally flushing money down the toilet. Some toilets can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.
- Clogged drains happen to every homeowner eventually. Hair, soap scum, food, and grease all clog up pipes over time. Let it go too long and you’ve got a nasty backup.
- Water pressure problems can be caused by a few different things. Low water pressure could be mineral buildup in pipes. High pressure can damage fixtures and cause leaks.
The proof’s in the pudding here. In fact, water damage claims average $13,954 each time they happen. Yikes, that’s money homeowners would rather spend on something else.
Easy Plumbing Maintenance Tasks For The Everyday Homeowner
Ready for some good news?
Most plumbing maintenance tasks are way easier than you think. It doesn’t take a trained professional to keep your system healthy. Let’s review a few basic things you can do regularly at home to keep your plumbing system in good working order.
Inspect For Leaks At Least Monthly
Walk around your home and take a look at all the exposed plumbing you can find. Look under sinks, around toilets, near water heaters, and anywhere else you see pipes. Feel for wet spots. Listen for drips.
Leaks left alone only get worse. 1 in 10 homes has leaks wasting 90 or more gallons per day according to the EPA. Catching a leak early is far cheaper than dealing with major water damage.
Clean Your Drains
Prevention is the best medicine. If you wait for a clog to happen you’re already behind the 8 ball. Help prevent clogs by using a drain strainer on all sinks and showers to catch hair and debris.
Once a month, flush drains with hot water to clear away buildup. Chemical drain cleaners are usually a last resort as they’re hard on pipes. Stick to using a plunger or drain snake for most clogs.
Check Water Pressure
Did you know high water pressure feels great in the shower but wrecks your plumbing over time?
Grab a pressure gauge and test your home’s water pressure. The ideal range is 40-60 PSI. If pressure is too high, you can install a pressure regulator to protect your fixtures and appliances from damage.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater needs some TLC too. Twice a year drain a few gallons from the tank to get rid of sediment buildup. Check the temperature setting is set around 120°F.
Look for signs of corrosion or leaks around the base. Strange noises or rusty water when you run the tap indicate your water heater might need professional help.
Maintain Your Toilet
Toilets are hard working and need regular care too. Check the flapper valve inside the tank every few months. These rubber seals wear out over time and leak.
A quick test for leaks is to put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If the color shows up in the bowl you have a leak that needs to be fixed.
When To Call In The Professionals
Some plumbing issues are definitely DIY projects. But other times you need professional help. There are two reasons to call a plumber.
- For issues beyond your skill level or available tools
- For preventive maintenance or inspection at regular intervals
Call a plumber ASAP if you notice:
- Water backing up out of multiple drains
- No water coming out of any faucet
- Sewage smells in your home
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Frozen pipes in the winter
- Major leaks you can’t turn off
Don’t try to fix major issues yourself, plumbers have the tools and training to make proper diagnoses. They’ll know what to look for and fix properly the first time.
Regular professional inspections are also wise. Every couple of years a plumber should be inspecting your system. They’ll find issues you can’t see or fix yourself, like inside walls or underground.
Don’t Put Off Fixing Plumbing Issues
Little plumbing problems rarely go away on their own.
The little drip will only get bigger. The slow drain will eventually stop draining. The minor leak will turn into major water damage.
Addressing problems early is much cheaper and easier than waiting. Every homeowner learns the hard way that prevention is much cheaper than treatment. Tend to the little issues now, and you’ll save time and money in the long run.
Wrapping Up The Plumbing Maintenance Basics
Plumbing maintenance is easy with a little effort and regular attention.
Just a few simple tasks done frequently keep your system healthy and prevent major costly repairs. The key is to do a little rather than nothing. Here are some simple tips for avoiding plumbing nightmares:
- Check for leaks monthly and fix as soon as possible
- Keep drains clear with routine cleaning
- Monitor water pressure and temperature
- Maintain your water heater and toilet
- Call professionals when it’s beyond your skill level
Most major plumbing problems are preventable with the right approach. By paying a little attention and tending to small issues, you can avoid thousands in water damage and repairs. Plus, your plumbing system will serve you better for longer.
Take action now to save yourself time, money, and headaches. Remember, the pipes and fixtures in your home work hard every day. Give them the maintenance they deserve and they’ll keep performing when you need them most.