Plumbing Preventative Maintenance Tips

It’s easy to take your plumbing system for granted, but regular preventative maintenance can save you from costly repairs and emergencies. In this guide, you’ll learn practical preventative plumbing maintenance tips to keep your pipes and drains in good condition.

Keep an Eye Out for Leaks

Small leaks can waste gallons of water every day. The longer a leak goes unnoticed, the more it costs you. If the leak isn’t contained to a sink or toilet bowl, it could also cause property damage. Here are some tips to detect plumbing leaks:

• Test your toilets: To detect a leak between the toilet tank and the bowl, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Wait for about 30 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you know there’s a leak.
• Monitor your water meter: Head outside to the water meter and note the reading. Then, avoid using any water for two hours. Check the meter again, and if the reading has changed, there might be a leak.
• Listen for dripping sounds: The drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet or showerhead isn’t just annoying—it’s a waste of water and money. Repair the leak as soon as possible.
• Check for wet spots or discoloration on walls and ceilings: Small yellowish-brown rings can grow and eventually cause the ceiling to sag if you don’t address the underlying issue.

Remove Sediment Buildup from Faucets and Showerheads

Over time, minerals in hard water accumulate on faucet and showerhead aerators, reducing the water flow. To remove this sediment buildup, soak faucets and showerheads in white vinegar overnight. You don’t even have to remove the fixtures—simply tie a vinegar-filled bag around them using rubber bands and let the vinegar work its magic. After removing the bag, run the water for several minutes to flush out any remaining sediment and vinegar.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Anyone living in Texas in early 2021 knows deep freezes aren’t unheard of, even in this warm climate. To prevent frozen pipes the next time the temperature drops, follow these steps:

• Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas like basements and attics.
• Seal cracks and openings where pipes run from the outside in.
• Set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher at all times.
• In extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to keep the water moving.

Check the Water Pressure

Maintaining the right water pressure is important for your plumbing system’s health and performance. Too much pressure can strain your pipes, leading to leaks or bursting, while too little pressure creates a less-than-ideal user experience.

You can check the pressure with a simple gauge available at your local hardware store. Attach the gauge to an outside spigot and open it all the way to get an accurate reading. Ideal home water pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi. Bring anything above 80 psi into the ideal range with a pressure-reducing valve, and address a low reading with a water-pressure booster.

Be Careful What You Flush

Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. All other items can cause plumbing problems like clogs and backups. Here’s what should never go down your toilet:

• Wipes, even those labeled flushable
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Facial tissues
• Paper towels

Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment accumulates at the bottom of your water heater, reducing heat transfer efficiency. Regularly flushing the tank extends its lifespan and improves performance. Once a year, drain several gallons from the tank until the water runs clear. To prevent scalding, turn off the tank the night before you plan to drain it, and wear protective gloves just in case. While you’re at it, check for corrosion or signs of leaks around the water heater.

Keep Your Drains Flowing

Clogged drains lead to backups and water damage. Avoid unpleasant scenarios with these preventative maintenance tips:

• Never pour grease down the sink.
• Use a hair catcher in showers to prevent clogs.
• Once a week, pour a pot of near-boiling water down the drain to loosen gunk and send it on its way.
• Clear small clogs with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. Avoid chemical drain cleaners.

Schedule Professional Inspections

While you can do many plumbing maintenance tasks yourself, a professional plumber can provide thorough diagnostics to identify issues you might miss. They can also offer tips specific to your home’s plumbing system. In short, regular inspections are the key to catching problems early and preventing expensive repairs.

Trust Specialty Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Needs

At Specialty Plumbing, we recognize the importance of a well-maintained plumbing system. That’s why we offer plumbing preventative maintenance to keep your pipes and drains flowing smoothly. We also perform comprehensive plumbing repairs, from drain cleaning and toilet repair to water heater service and sewer line replacement. As a family-owned business, we are committed to clear communication, exceptional service, and customer satisfaction. To schedule reliable plumbing maintenance or repair in North DFW, please contact us at 972-730-9314 today.