Stay One Step Ahead: Yearly Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Did you know that the average American household wastes approximately 10,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks? That’s enough to fill a swimming pool!

As a homeowner, it’s important to stay one step ahead of potential plumbing issues to prevent costly repairs and conserve water. That’s why we’ve created a yearly plumbing maintenance checklist to help you keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that your plumbing system is in good condition and catch any issues before they become major problems. From checking for leaks to inspecting your water heater, these steps will help you maintain your plumbing system and save you money in the long run.

So, let’s take a closer look at the steps you should take to stay one step ahead of potential plumbing issues.

Check for Leaks

Don’t forget to regularly check for leaks – they may seem small and harmless, but like termites slowly eating away at the foundation of your house, they can cause serious damage over time. Check for leaks in your faucets, toilets, and pipes. Look for signs of water damage and dampness around fixtures, walls, and floors. If you notice a leak, don’t ignore it. Fixing leaks promptly can save you money on your water bill and prevent water damage to your home.

Water conservation is also an important consideration when it comes to leak prevention. If you’re not sure how to fix a leak, there are plenty of DIY repair tips available online, or you can call a plumber for assistance.

Clean drains are essential to keeping your plumbing system functioning properly. When your drains are clogged, water can back up into your sinks, toilets, and tubs, causing unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions. To keep your drains flowing freely, use a drain cleaner once a month or as needed. You can also prevent clogs by being careful about what you put down your drains. Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, and other solids down your sink or toilet.

With a little bit of effort, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the line.

Clean Drains

You can easily prevent clogged drains by regularly pouring boiling water down the drain, which melts away any grease or build-up. Another DIY solution is making a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This mixture can break down any debris and help clear the drain. It’s an eco-friendly option that’s not only effective but also inexpensive.

However, if the blockage is severe, it may require professional help. You can prevent such situations by scheduling yearly plumbing maintenance. The next step on the yearly plumbing maintenance checklist is to test water pressure.

Test Water Pressure

To ensure your faucets and showerheads are working properly, it’s important to test the water pressure in your home on a regular basis. Water pressure is the force of water flowing through your pipes and out of your fixtures. If the pressure is too low, it can cause slow-flowing faucets and showerheads, while high pressure can cause leaks and damage to your pipes and fixtures.

To test your water pressure, you can use a simple pressure gauge that can be purchased at most hardware stores. Attach the gauge to an outdoor spigot and turn on the water. The gauge will give you a reading in pounds per square inch (PSI). Ideally, your pressure should be between 40-60 PSI. Troubleshooting tips for low pressure include checking for leaks, cleaning aerators, and checking the pressure reducing valve. Inconsistencies in pressure can be due to water usage in other parts of your home or even in your neighborhood. Maintaining consistent pressure is important to avoid damage to your pipes and fixtures.

Inspecting your water heater is the next step in your yearly plumbing maintenance checklist.

Inspect Water Heater

Now it’s time to take a look at your water heater and make sure it’s not about to explode like a ticking timebomb.

The first thing you need to do is check the temperature of the water. If it’s too hot, it could be a sign that the thermostat needs to be replaced. This is a quick and easy fix that can be done by most homeowners.

Next, you need to flush the tank to remove any sediment buildup. Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank and cause the water heater to work harder, which can result in higher energy bills. Flushing the tank is a simple process that can be done with a garden hose. Just make sure to turn off the power to the water heater before doing so.

Now that you’ve inspected your water heater and made any necessary repairs, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. This will ensure that your water heater is functioning properly and is not at risk of breaking down in the near future.

A professional plumber can identify any potential issues and provide you with recommendations on how to keep your water heater running efficiently.

Schedule Professional Inspection

Don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumber who can inspect your water heater and provide valuable insights on its functionality. Regular inspections can help prevent major issues from occurring and extend the lifespan of your water heater. A plumbing professional can also identify any potential safety hazards, such as gas leaks or faulty electrical connections, and make necessary repairs.

When scheduling a professional inspection, it’s important to find the right plumbing professional for the job. Look for a licensed and insured plumber with experience in water heater maintenance and repair. Ask for references and read online reviews to ensure you’re hiring a reputable and trustworthy professional. By investing in regular inspections and finding the right plumbing professional, you can ensure your water heater is functioning properly and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.