Plumbing Maintenance
There is a way to prevent those costly plumbing repairs in the home and that is through a regular maintenance schedule. Since many problems that occur with pipes tend to sneak up on you, a good and thorough inspection is the way to catch smaller problems before they get bigger.
Hidden leaks below water heaters and in sink drains are not merely a nuisance. Given time, they can and do tend to cause structural damage. Water that continually seeps into plaster or sheetrock also contributes to the growth of mold. Wood flooring and porous tiles can warp and discolor when wet.
For many people, routine maintenance tasks can mean a relatively straightforward do-it-yourself job. Regular inspection makes for the foundation of every maintenance schedule.
Thus, go through your home and have a close look at the plumbing. Examine the exposed pipes for signs of moisture. Check for any sign of corrosion on copper or brass fittings. Corroded connections may reveal a slow leak.
And while you’re making your maintenance round, flush all the toilets in your home to ensure they are not leaking at the base or running.
Once your inspection is at an end, remove then clean aerators on shower heads and faucets. Sediment tends to build up which will slow the flow of water.
If you have a preference for professional maintenance, your plumber will take care of everything for you. A few of the maintenance duties that a licensed plumber will undertake include:
- cleaning of water heaters and garbage disposals
- maximization of flow rate through drain treatment
- assessment and adjustment of water pressure
- detecting of hairline leaks through pressure tests
Tips for Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Repair
Prior to tackling any repair, turn the water main off.
Even if you’re careful, plumbing tasks can be messy.
The old adage to measure twice over and cut once certainly applies to washers, pipes, and other fittings. If you can, take parts that need to be replaced along to the hardware store so you know you’re purchasing the right item at the correct size.
It’s good policy to keep your plumber’s telephone number to hand. You might not need it, but if there’s a sudden emergency, you’ll be happy that you have the number immediately available.
When to Call the Professional
Some plumbing jobs are too complex or perhaps too dangerous for you to tackle. Here are a few tasks that you are likely best to avoid:
- problems with water heaters
- installation of new sinks, tubs, or pipes
- septic tank leaks
- leaks or breaks in a sewer line
- constructions that call for a building permit
Cutting corners to save a few dollars can create problems down the road that can lead to expensive repairs. Water damage from leaky pipes can go undetected for a long time, causing some big, hidden, and expensive problems" - Christian Dalling, Empire Plumbing in Athens, GA
