Keeping your home’s plumbing in good shape is essential for preventing emergencies. Imagine a small leak that turns into a flooded room or a clogged drain that backs up water in your home. Plumbing issues often start as minor problems, but they can quickly escalate if not addressed. By following a few regular maintenance steps, you can avoid most major plumbing issues and save money on costly repairs. 

Here, we will discuss simple but effective ways to maintain your plumbing system and keep it running smoothly.

Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters

Regular plumbing maintenance saves homeowners from unexpected and often expensive emergencies. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks can waste about 10,000 gallons of water per year. Fixing these leaks can save up to 10% on water bills. Also, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that water damage is one of the leading causes of homeowner insurance claims, with average claim costs exceeding $10,000.

Here is how you can do this manually to prevent plumbing emergencies:

Check for Leaks Regularly

Leaks are often small but can lead to major water damage and high bills. Checking for leaks involves inspecting visible pipes, faucets, and under-sink areas.

How to Spot Leaks:

  • Look for water spots, stains, or moisture around faucets and pipes.
  • Listen for dripping sounds, even if you can’t see the leak.
  • Monitor your water meter by noting its reading, avoiding water use for an hour, and then checking it again. If it changes, there’s likely a hidden leak.

Fixing small leaks immediately can save you from a costly repair later on.

Prevent Drain Clogs

Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing issues. When drains clog, they can cause water backups and unpleasant odors. The main culprits are hair, soap scum, and grease.

Tips for Preventing Clogs:

  • Use Drain Screens. Place screens over your sink and shower drains to catch hair and other debris.
  • Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain. Grease hardens as it cools, eventually clogging pipes. Instead, pour grease into a container and throw it away.
  • Run Hot Water. Running hot water through your drains weekly can help break down grease and soap buildup.

Using these methods can help reduce the risk of clogged pipes and keep your water flowing smoothly.

Test Water Pressure

Water pressure that’s too high or too low can harm your plumbing system. Low water pressure can indicate a blockage or leak, while high pressure can put stress on pipes.

How to Test Water Pressure:

  • Use a water pressure gauge (available at hardware stores).
  • Attach it to a faucet and check the reading. Ideal home water pressure should be between 40 to 60 psi (pounds per square inch).
  • If the pressure is too high, consider installing a pressure regulator.

Checking water pressure regularly can help prolong the life of your pipes and appliances.

Flush Your Water Heater

Sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater over time, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. Flushing your water heater yearly can prevent this issue and improve its efficiency.

How to Flush a Water Heater:

  • Turn off the water heater and let it cool.
  • Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom and place the other end in a bucket.
  • Open the valve and let the water drain until it’s clear, then close the valve.

Regular maintenance of your water heater can help it last longer and perform better.

Inspect the Toilet and Fix the Running Toilets

Toilets are another common source of leaks, especially if they run constantly. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.

How to Inspect and Fix Running Toilets:

  • Remove the toilet tank lid and check if the flapper seals properly.
  • If the flapper is worn out, replace it. This is an inexpensive part you can find at most hardware stores.
  • Make sure the float is adjusted to the correct water level, as this also affects the toilet’s efficiency.

Fixing a running toilet can save you from wasting gallons of water and paying higher bills.

Winterize Your Pipes

Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst. To avoid this, winterize your plumbing system before cold weather hits.

Winterizing Tips:

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes. Use foam pipe covers on exposed pipes in unheated areas.
  • Drain Outdoor Faucets. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water.
  • Let Faucets Drip. During extreme cold, let faucets drip slowly to prevent freezing.

Taking these steps can help protect your pipes from winter damage and prevent costly repairs.

Schedule Annual Professional Inspections

While you can handle much of your plumbing maintenance on your own, it’s always a good idea to schedule an annual professional inspection. If you’re in Annapolis, MD, consider reaching out to staton plumbing. Their licensed plumbers have the expertise and advanced tools to spot potential issues you may overlook, ensuring your plumbing system runs smoothly year-round.

Conclusion

Effective plumbing maintenance doesn’t require much time or effort, but it can save you from expensive repairs and water waste. By checking for leaks, preventing clogs, testing water pressure, flushing your water heater, and winterizing pipes, you can keep your plumbing system in top shape. Additionally, scheduling a yearly inspection with a plumber can help detect any hidden issues and give you peace of mind. 

Regular maintenance is the key to a well-functioning plumbing system and a safe, comfortable home.

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