Many homeowners will only call a plumber when plumbing emergencies present themselves. Routine plumbing maintenance and inspections can drastically reduce the chances of plumbing disasters or repairs. All too common, a small plumbing issue can lead to a larger, more costly repair if not caught in time. Basement flooding, water leaks, burst pipes, and more can cause thousands of dollars of damages that could have otherwise been prevented with some simple routine maintenance and repair. Fortunately, we will go through several DIY methods a homeowner can do to prolong the life of their home plumbing system to prevent plumbing emergencies. Continue reading to learn how to care for your home's plumbing, properly, and who you should call if you require plumbing repair services.
Plumbing Maintenance and Care
Always remember that a little preventative maintenance goes a long way for a residential plumbing system. Preventing emergencies like clogged drains, toilet overflows, water heater failures prevent larger disasters from occurring. Save yourself thousands of dollars each year! Prevention is always the cheaper route. A properly cared-for plumbing system simply won't require as much repair and replacement. Check out some DIY methods to prolonging and caring for your home plumbing and start preparing your system for the long-haul!
Water Leaks
Regularly inspect and examine all areas of your home for potential water leaks. This means checking the faucet for excessive dripping, inspecting the HVAC system for possible leaks, paying special attention for moisture accumulation on appliances or pipes, and more. This should be done at least once a year. Finding a water leak in its beginning stages can stop possible flooding situations, structural damages, and mold problems; saving a homeowner the headaches, stress, and a great deal of money.
Septic Tanks
Septic tanks can cause serious problems. Septic problems can be a nightmare and costs thousands of dollars to clean up and repair. Severe storms and system defects can cause septic tanks to breakdown, malfunction, or overflow, causing extreme damages. It is strongly encouraged to check your sump pump at least annually and to install a battery-powered for emergencies. Also, if you have a septic tank to have it checked by a plumber at least once a year; or more if you live in an area that experiences higher precipitation or rain levels.
Water Heaters and Conditioners
Water pressure can be a sign that something isn't right with your plumbing. Check the shower heads and faucets for decreased water pressure. This can be an indication that you have sediment developing or built up in your plumbing system, or worse, a faulty water line. You may also have sediment buildup in your water heater, causing loss of performance and corrosion. You can empty your water heater, and clean the sediment from your system a few times a year or call a plumber. This can save you from having to replace and extend the life of your water heater and reduce several costly problems and repairs.
Gas and Water Shut-Off Valves
Every homeowner should know where their gas and water shut-off valve is located in the case of an emergency. On the off chance, you ever need to turn your water off,
make sure to also turn off your water heater so there are no damages to the heating elements within it. If you ever smell gas, an aroma like rotten eggs, if possible, immediately turn your gas valve off and leave your home. Also, at the same time, do not flip off light switches or use anything that can create a spark. Just get outside immediately and call your local authorities and a plumber to inspect your home. Gas leaks can be fatal, so it is imperative to act immediately.
Routine plumbing upkeep can prevent very expensive future plumbing disasters, emergencies, and repairs, and even save lives. You can save yourself thousands of dollars by catching and preventing a plumbing problem early.