Helpful Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Plumbing repairs average $175 to $450, but major plumbing issues can cost a lot more. Taking care of your plumbing can prevent common issues, such as leaks and clogged drains, that require you to call a plumber. Most of the plumbing maintenance tasks are simple enough for anyone to handle on their own.

Doing regular plumbing maintenance can keep you from needing to do a quick “plumbers near me” search for an emergency plumber. When it gets to the point of needing emergency repairs, you’re likely looking at water damage and a much higher price tag on your repair bill. Preventing issues and catching them early is key. Keep reading to learn about the plumbing maintenance tasks you should be doing.

Look for Water Leaks

Leaks account for almost 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year in the United States. On average, a household with leaks can waste almost 10,000 gallons of water. Finding and fixing those leaks protects natural resources and can save you on your water bills.

One way to see if your home has a leak somewhere is to stop using water for one to two hours. Look at your water meter before and after that period. Changes in the meter mean that water is still running somewhere, which likely means you have a leak.

Inspect any visible plumbing components for leaks at any time. Check faucets and any exposed pipes, such as those under sinks and in unfinished areas like basements and crawl spaces. Look for signs of water below the pipes, such as puddles or mold. In finished areas, leaks often aren’t easy to spot until you notice water stains on walls or ceilings or smell mold or mildew from the excess moisture.

Leaks often happen where pipes connect, so look at those areas closely. Faucets often leak when washers and gaskets wear out. If you discover a leak, call a plumber if it’s not something minor you can fix yourself. Don’t forget to look for leaks around appliances that use water, including dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators with icemakers or dispensers. It could be a connection issue or a leaking hose that needs replacing. Hoses eventually deteriorate and can develop cracks.

While you’re looking for leaks, check the condition of pipes and hoses in your home. Components can corrode or crack over time. Even if they’re not leaking yet, they could be close to leaking if they show signs of deterioration.

Check for Toilet Leaks

Toilets are often the cause of leaks in homes. An easy way to check for toilet leaks is to put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. Give it an hour or two, then check the bowl. If the water in the bowl is colored, you have a leak. You can fix this easily by replacing the flush seal, available at any home improvement store.

Check Shut-Off Valves

All home plumbing systems have shut-off valves to stop the water supply. These valves are crucial if you have a plumbing emergency or major leak. Turning off the water supply can prevent your home from flooding.

Your home has a main shut-off valve, usually where the water supply enters your home. You can use it to shut off all water to the house. Individual fixtures like toilets and sinks also typically have their own shut-off valves. This lets you cut water to just that fixture if needed.

As part of your yearly plumbing maintenance, locate all shut-off valves in your home and ensure they turn easily and work properly. If they don’t turn, don’t work, or leak when used, call a plumber for repair or replacement.

Test the Water Pressure

If you have a sudden drop in water pressure, you’ll likely notice it right away. This could be due to large demand from other faucets or a plumbing issue. Most homes have a pressure regulating valve that can fail or clog over time.

This valve reduces water pressure from the street pipes to a safe level for your home. Water pressure can also decrease slowly due to corroded or clogged pipes or buildup in faucet heads. If the lower pressure is isolated to one faucet, look for clogs there. If you can’t find the cause, have a plumber inspect the system.

Inspect Your Water Heater

Your water heater is one of the most important plumbing fixtures. While you might not feel comfortable working on it, you can look for signs of aging or issues. Check the floor around the water heater for puddles or leaks, and inspect the pipes and unit for moisture or rust. Strange noises like rattling or banging can also indicate problems.

If you have a traditional tank water heater, draining it once a year can remove sediments. Sediment buildup makes the heater work harder, increasing energy bills and shortening its life. If you’re not comfortable draining it yourself, schedule yearly maintenance with a plumber.

Insulate Plumbing Components

Insulating exposed parts of your plumbing helps protect them and improves efficiency. Insulating pipes near exterior walls or in cold areas prevents water from freezing. Insulating hot water pipes helps retain heat, lowering utility costs.

Foam pipe wrap or pipe sleeves fit around pipes easily and can be secured with duct tape. Insulating your water heater can also increase efficiency. If your tank feels warm to the touch, wrapping it with a water heater blanket can reduce standby heat loss by up to 45%.