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Plumbing Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
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Your home’s plumbing system is an essential part of your daily life, from providing fresh water to keeping your drains clear. Keeping your plumbing in top-notch shape ensures that you don’t face unexpected and costly plumbing problems and keeps the gallons of water flowing. While some issues require professional help, there are many simple plumbing maintenance tasks homeowners can perform to avoid emergencies. By taking these preventative steps, you can help extend the life of your plumbing system and avoid major headaches and plumbing repairs down the line.
You can take actions and perform preventative maintenance that may help maintain your plumbing system or fix a minor problem on your own, without the assistance of a licensed plumber for drain cleaning professionals. Great maintenance can help avoid clogs, leaks, buildup, costly repairs, septic tank issues, and general plumbing problems, keeping your drains, hot water, and cold water, and spigots and faucets running well, as it was intended originally in your home’s plumbing. Following plumbing maintenance tips is a small step homeowners can take to keep their plumbing system healthy and functioning.
If you are uncertain about what you are doing to take care of your plumbing needs, it is a good idea to stop and to seek out assistance from a licensed plumber. Minor water leaks from indoor faucets or outdoor faucets, pipes, sinks, or other plumbing leaks may be repaired simply and easily, however, there are some situations where the water leak appears to be simple, but there can be much larger plumbing problems beneath the surface. The same can be held true for toilets, kitchen drains, bathroom drains, and other situations where sediment, corrosion, and other buildup can cause a major blockage and create a situation where the clog cannot be solved by a plunger and elbow grease.
At A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc., we are dedicated to providing high-quality work to solve the plumbing problems of the residents of the Kansas City metro area and have been in business for 50 years. Since 1968 we have served the homeowners and business owners of the KC area, and we always keep your pocketbook in mind. Our services are reasonably priced, and we can act fast for you, no matter how simple or complex the job is to solve your plumbing problems, drain cleaning issues, or plumbing emergencies.
- Be on the Lookout for Trouble
Small plumbing issues can quickly escalate into major problems if left unchecked. Stay vigilant for signs of trouble, such as leaky faucets, low water pressure, damp cabinets, or unusual water sounds. A sudden increase in your water bill could also signal a hidden leak. Early detection can prevent water damage and costly repairs.
- Know Your Shut-Off Valves
One of the most critical plumbing tips every homeowner should know is the location of the water shut-off valve. In case of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or flooding, being able to quickly shut off the water supply can save you from significant damage. Locate both the main shut-off valve and any individual shut-off valves for appliances like sinks, toilets, and washing machines.
- Maintain Your Water Heater
Water heaters are often at the center of plumbing issues. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and improve efficiency. If your water is getting colder or your heater isn’t performing as it should, it could be time to relight the pilot light or replace the anode rod. Flushing the tank periodically to remove sediment buildup will prevent blockages and improve water flow.
- Take Care of Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is another plumbing feature that needs regular attention. Avoid putting hard-to-grind items like eggshells, coffee grounds, and large food scraps down the disposal. To keep it clean, run cold water and grind small amounts of food waste at a time. Additionally, using baking soda and vinegar or ice cubes occasionally can help prevent clogs, extend its lifespan and keep the blades sharp.
- Keep Your Drains and Sewer Lines Clear
Preventing clogs and blockages in your home’s drains is essential. Always be mindful of what you flush down the toilet or pour down the sink. Excessive toilet paper, grease, or food scraps can build up and cause slow drains or even blockages in your sewer lines. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, especially if you have PVC pipes, as they can corrode your plumbing. If you have a septic tank, take extra care not to overload it, as poor water flow can lead to serious issues. We do offer hydro jetting, hush uses high water pressure to clean your drain, whereas a smaller drain cleaning systems are used for sink drain, tub drains and more.
- Check for Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common and damaging plumbing problems. Regularly check your plumbing system for signs of leaks, including around faucets, toilets, and exposed pipes. If you notice a decrease in water pressure, see water stains or an unexplained increase in your water bill, this could indicate a hidden leak. Don’t ignore small leaks—they can lead to mold growth, water damage, and more expensive repairs if not addressed early.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes in Cold Weather
During the winter months, frozen pipes can cause significant damage if they burst. Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, to prevent them from freezing. If you plan to be away during the colder months, consider shutting off your water supply to avoid any risk of a plumbing disaster.
- Inspect Your Plumbing Regularly
Routine plumbing inspections are key to catching potential issues before they turn into major problems. Look for signs of corrosion on exposed pipes, check for moisture around appliances, and ensure that your sump pump and water heater are in good condition. Seasonal inspections by a licensed plumber are also a great way to stay ahead of issues.
- Know When to Call a Professional
While many plumbing maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, there are some issues that require the expertise of a licensed plumber. If you encounter broken or leaky pipes, sediment buildup that you can’t clear, or tree roots invading your sewer lines, it’s time to call in a professional. A licensed plumber has the experience and tools needed to address complex problems and ensure your system is running smoothly.
A Simple Plumbing Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance is the key to a well-functioning plumbing system. Here’s a simple schedule to follow:
Daily:
- Run hot water down drains to prevent buildup.
- Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
- Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the drain.
Weekly:
- Test faucets and showerheads for water pressure changes.
- Inspect exposed pipes for signs of moisture or corrosion.
- Clean out sink and tub drains to prevent clogs.
Seasonal:
- Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup.
- Check outdoor spigots and hose bibs for leaks.
- Inspect your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.
- Schedule a seasonal plumbing inspection by a licensed professional.
Preparing Your Home for Vacation: Before heading out on vacation, shut off your main water supply to prevent potential leaks or water damage. You can also set your water heater to “vacation mode” to save energy. Double-check for any running toilets or leaks before you leave.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your home’s plumbing through regular maintenance can save you from costly repairs, clogged drains and frustrating plumbing emergencies. While some issues may be simple fixes, others require the expertise of a professional plumber. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted plumbing service to keep your system in top condition and solve even the most complex backups. At A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc., we’ve been proudly serving the Kansas City metro area for over 50 years, providing high-quality plumbing solutions with your budget in mind. Let us help keep your plumbing running smoothly—call us today!
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