Similar to performing system checks on your car, the plumbing system in your home or commercial building needs regular plumbing maintenance and upkeep to ensure optimal performance. There are some preventative plumbing maintenance tips that you can perform yourself and it can save you your hard earned cash and also help prevent the need for large, complex, time consuming major plumbing repairs along with improving the efficiency of your pipes and faucets.
The experienced plumbers and service technicians at Orsack Plumbing Company recommend the following maintenance tips combined with a comprehensive maintenance plan to help you prevent or prepare for any unexpected plumbing emergencies.
• Know where meters and shutoff valves are located – sometimes even the most properly maintained homes can have a plumbing emergency. An appliance could malfunction and leak requiring you to turn off the water at its source. Be sure that you and other family members know where the water cut off valve is located and how to turn it off.
• Periodically check your hoses and appliances – water connections for appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers can start as a small leak and quickly turn into a much larger issue. Check hoses regularly for cracks and wear and make sure that your appliances are working correctly.
• Repair leaks – leaky faucets and running toilets are often ignored by home and business owners but did you know that a running toilet can waste as much as 75,000 gallons of water per year. Leaky faucets can breed mold and cause damage to drywall if they are left to their own devices.
• Thoroughly clean drains and other fixtures – basic maintenance such as keeping showerheads free of mineral buildup and drains cleared of hair or other items will help in preventing future issues. Odors can often be the result of clogged drains and if left unattended will most likely need professional repair or replacement.
• Use protective plumbing products – Routinely use a professional grad pipe shield product for drains and root destroying product for your toilets to keep your plumbing clear. Also consider installing some drain strainers to catch hair in your shower. Drain strainers are cheap to purchase, easily installed and quick and easy to empty when they become full.
• Don’t use your toilet as a waste receptacle – this may seem obvious but you would be amazed at what plumbers find in backed up toilets. Never flush facial tissue, cotton balls, make-up pad, diapers, sanitary products or incontinence shields down your toilet as they do not dissolve and can result in a clogged line.
• Don’t neglect your hot water heater – Water heaters are generally tucked away out of sight and we give them little thought until something goes wrong. Some of the most common plumbing issues are related to your hot water heater. Yearly maintenance such as flushing out sediment and checking for leaks will extend the life of your hot water heater and avoid expensive future repairs.
• The outside plumbing of your home is just as important as the inside – gutters, and drains can directly affect the inside of your home. Make sure that your gutters are cleared of leaves and branches and be sure to inspect plumbing vents that could potentially be blocked by bird’s nests.
• Pay attention to seasonal plumbing changes – each season should be a reminder to take care of your yearly maintenance. In the winter make sure you close off outdoor water sources to prevent frozen pipes and don’t forget to adjust the temperature on your hot water heater. During the spring, heavy rains can cause flooding so be sure to check your sump pump to make sure it is fully operational and running smoothly.
Preventive Plumbing Maintenance & Emergency Plumbing Repairs Service in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
These plumbing maintenance tips are the easiest way to avoid many of the plumbing emergencies that your home or business might experience but some things are best left to the professional plumbers and service technicians at Orsack Plumbing Company. If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency contact our customer service representatives today, our plumbers and technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.
