What’s Involved in Plumbing Maintenance?
At the start of a new year, many people like to make a list of New Year’s resolutions. For some, this could mean exercising more, keeping in touch with family and friends, or any number of personal goals they’d like to achieve. For most people, the yearly resolutions probably don’t include keeping up with plumbing maintenance – but this is something every homeowner should resolve to do in the new year!
Like the rest of the home, a home's plumbing system is susceptible to the forces of nature and time. But when it comes to protecting the plumbing system against these forces and making sure it keeps running smoothly, many homeowners aren’t sure where to begin. So this article will lay out the key aspects of plumbing maintenance, from drain cleaning to water heater service and everything in between, and their benefits.
DIY and Professional Drain Cleaning
One important part of plumbing maintenance is drain cleaning. Over time, things like soap scum, oils, food, and other debris can build up inside the home’s drain pipes and sewer lines. Not only does this increase the likelihood of clogs, but it can also lead to negative effects of clogs, such as slow draining, bad smells, and backups.
Drain cleaning, while most commonly thought of as a remedy for clogged drains and sewer lines, can get rid of this nasty buildup. One professional drain cleaning method, hydro jetting, involves feeding a high-pressure water hose through the pipes to blast away obstructions and scour the pipe walls to eliminate buildup and help prevent future clogs, so it is also a great way to maintain the pipes and avoid clogs. Another drain cleaning method that plumbers may use to clear clogs is using a drain snake, but this method is not the most effective for preventative maintenance.
But homeowners can also do a little DIY drain cleaning between professional visits. The best method for this is to pour equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let the combination sit and fizz for 15 minutes, then pour hot water down the drain to rinse it away. This is a much safer alternative than chemical drain cleaners, which can damage the plumbing and the environment.
Schedule Yearly Maintenance Visits With a Professional
Homeowners should schedule annual plumbing maintenance with a qualified plumbing company. This is the best way to tackle general maintenance tasks that go beyond the scope of most homeowners’ capabilities. A typical plumbing maintenance checklist includes tasks such as:
- Inspecting pipes for leaks, clogs, and signs of corrosion.
- Test the home’s water pressure and adjust the water pressure regulator if necessary to prevent problems.
- Checking toilets, faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures for leaks, problems, or signs of wear.
- Replacing or repairing damaged parts, if necessary.
- Checking connections to water-using appliances.
Professional plumbing maintenance allows plumbers to catch and fix minor issues before they get worse. This can help prevent plumbing emergencies and save homeowners money on repairs and water lost to hidden leaks. It can also alert homeowners to inefficiencies so a pro can recommend ways to help reduce costs. Plumbing maintenance has many benefits, like preventing issues, extending the life of the plumbing, and saving homeowners money.
Water Heater Maintenance
Having the water heater serviced by a professional is also a must. A water heater maintenance visit involves flushing the tank to remove sediment, checking the anode rod (an anti-corrosion device inside the tank) and replacing it if it’s worn out, testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, checking connections, inspecting for corrosion and leaks, and other tasks.
Having this done by a plumber ensures that every last detail is accounted for and that all work is done safely and properly. This is so important that many manufacturer warranties require that the unit be serviced annually by a certified professional. But preserving the warranty isn’t the only benefit of professional water heater maintenance. It also helps reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, prevents problems, improves energy efficiency, reduces water heating costs, and prolongs the life of the unit.
About Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc.
Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. is a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company serving Lombard, IL, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, honest advice, and on-time service. Call them today for plumbing services in Lombard, IL.
