What Are the Most Common Plumbing Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners?

As a homeowner, the last thing you want to deal with is an unforeseen plumbing issue that degrades into costly repairs. Fortunately, with proper maintenance and care, such issues can be avoided. So, let’s review the vital plumbing maintenance tips to help prevent expensive repairs and protect your home’s plumbing system.

1. Regularly Inspect Your Pipe: Regular pipe inspection is one of the most important aspects of plumbing maintenance. Check for signs of erosion, leaks, cracks, or damage, particularly in areas often exposed to moisture. Secondly, ensure your pipes are insulated in cold months not to freeze. Frozen pipes can burst, which may damage your home’s water in such a scenario. Pipe insulation materials are easily obtained from most hardware stores and can be placed with minimal effort. In case it is too high or too low, it indicates a critical issue that requires investigation by a professional plumber. 
2. Clean Your Drains and Do Not Clog: clogged drains lead to many other problems, including slow-draining water, foul odours, and even pipe damage. Prevent clogs by keeping debris accumulation in your sink, shower, or bathtub drains manageable as a habit. Do not dispose of grease, fats, or oil down your kitchen sink, as they can solidify into sludge and block the pipes. Collect these in a container and dispose of them appropriately. 
3. Be Mindful of Your Garbage Disposal: Garbage disposals can be convenient, but improper use can quickly lead to costly repairs and plumbing issues. To keep your disposal functioning correctly, avoid discarding fibrous, hard vegetables like celery or corn husks. Also, be careful not to overload the disposal, putting only small amounts of waste at a time and always running cold water to prevent overheating. 
4. Keep Your Water Heater: Regular home maintenance ensures effectiveness, longevity, and safety. First, periodically check for signs of leaks or damage, especially around the bottom of the unit. Schedule a yearly water heater service with our qualified service technicians, where we test the pressure relief valve, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, and check the anode rod. By addressing these critical components, you can prolong your water heater life and prevent the need for costly replacements or repairs.
5. Checking For Leaks and Monitoring Water Pressure: Monitoring the home water pressure can enable you to note leaks and damage to some pipes and other plumbing problems before they become uncontrollable. Install the water pressure gauge and ensure that the pressure level falls within the safe range, which is between 40 and 85 pounds per square inch. 
6. Maintain Regular Toilet Hygiene: When not maintained well, the toilet is one of the most common causes of plumbing issues. Do not make your toilet a trash can, and never flush items, such as diapers and paper towels, which may cause blockages and sewer overflows. 

In Conclusion, protective plumbing maintenance and implementation of these essential tips can play a critical role in preventing repairs and extending the life of your home plumbing system. Partnering with experienced professionals will consistently monitor and address your home plumbing health.