Plumbing is typically an out of sight out of mind home system. Because you can’t see it, it’s not uncommon to forget that it needs some basic maintenance to continue operating as intended. When your system isn’t maintained or repaired promptly, it can lead to expensive emergency calls and damage to your pipes and home.
4 Ways Maintaining Your Plumbing System Can Save Money
Plumbing problems have a habit of spilling over into other parts of your home. Good new first, most plumbing problems can be preventing with simple safeguards and regular maintenance. The bad news is that if you don’t take care of your plumbing, it will cost you more than a maintenance plan. We can make it even easier for you. Listed below are five task you can DIY to protect your plumbing and prevent major plumbing incidents.
Water Waste & Fixture Leaks
Leaky fixtures cause water waste, and while this may seem like a small issue, it can quickly become a significant plumbing problem. When fixtures like your sink faucets leak or your toilets run, they waste countless gallons on water, which translates into expensive water bills. Additionally, they are bad for your fixtures, causing premature wear and tear.
Drain Maintenance
If you notice the drains in your home are emptying slowly, it’s time to have them inspected for possible blockages. Even if you are intentional about preventing hair and foreign objects from entering your drain, soap scum and build up can still lead to slow draining of your sinks and showers. Once your drains have been cleaned, it’s important to be on the watch for common causes of drain blockages like:
- Hair
- Food Waste
- Soap Residue
- Mineral Buildus
- Foreign Objects
It’s also important to mention that drains can also be obstructed by external blockages, like tree roots, so you may need to call in a plumbing professional to use drain camera inspections to find the source of your blockage.
Water Pressure Test
Your preventative maintenance inspection should include a test of your home’s water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, it can lead to a laundry list of expenses that add up over time. While not as expensive, low water pressure can cost you time and energy. Low water pressure can lead to poorly washed clothes and slow filling tubs and sinks. High water pressure is a more costly concern as it can lead to fixture damage, appliance wear and tear, and increases to your overall water bill. The good news is a simple pressure test can gauge whether your system needs to be adjusted and a plumbing professional can easily fix the issue.
Water Heater Inspection
Your water heater is a work horse in your home, so much so that it gets its own category of inspection. If you have a traditional storage tank water heater, you need to inspect your system twice per year and have it drained on a regular basis to prevent sediment buildup. Foregoing regular inspection and water heater maintenance can lead to expensive problems. Traditional water heaters, if not properly maintained, can lead to severe water damage and plumbing expenses.
Contact Wallner Plumbing Heating and Air for expert plumbing services. We’re available online and at (530) 223-5622. Schedule an appointment or inspection today!
