Buying a new home is an important step and a major investment. While decorating and settling in are enjoyable, system maintenance is equally important. Plumbing systems are one important area to focus on. It can start with minor problems and turn into an expensive repair if not tackled early. Preventive maintenance should be on the agenda of every homeowner.
This blog brings you actionable advice that any new homeowner can use to maintain their plumbing, keep problems away, and save from unnecessary expenses. Whether you are learning about your pipelines or the maintenance of appliances, these hints will help save money, minimise water waste, and give that sense of security.
1. Know Your Plumbing System
Understanding the plumbing layout of your home helps in fast-tracking emergencies. Find your main water shut-off valve and have it labelled conspicuously so that all members of the family are aware of it. In addition, learn about the shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, or appliances. With this knowledge, you can switch off the water flow when dealing with any minor or even a major plumbing issue. Getting used to this kinda stuff early in life will reduce panic during the actual thing and also lessen damage.
You may want to check if there is any copper, PVC, or PEX pipe in your system. Some older homes may have materials unsuitable for use nowadays, which are more likely to get damaged. If there is a sump pump or water heater present, the ways of working and inspecting them should be known. A printed copy of a plumbing map or diagram can prove useful. Knowing water flows through the house instills confidence in the handling of minor issues.
2. Have Your Home Inspected for Any Leaks Regularly
Leaks might go unnoticed until such a time as considerable harm is inflicted. Once per month, make it a habit to check under sinks, around toilets, behind appliances, and along any visible pipes. Look for signs of dampness, musty odors, peeling paint, or mold. Small leaks can waste an indirect amount of water and provide ideal grounds for rot or mildew. Catching repairs at an early stage avoids further damage and costlier fixes.
There are numerous instances of unobserved leaking in toilets or faucet leaks. Put food coloring in the toilet tank for up to 10 minutes and check if it forms leaks in the toilet bowl. Fix drips from faucets by replacing washers or tightening nuts, while threading joints can be sealed by using plumber tape for minor leaks. Anything big should require the attention of a professional before it worsens.
3. Keep Clear and Clean the Drains
Drains clogging are always frustrating and a very common concern, but with regular care, they can be avoided. Never pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down a kitchen sink. Use screens over your drain holes in the shower or sink to keep hair and debris out, and clean them weekly to prevent buildup.
This cleanser helps dissolve slight blockages while keeping the pipes fresh. Do not apply these chemical cleaners too often; damage to pipes is a slow process. Should there be a slow drain uncontrolled, take action before it becomes worse. Prevention is the better measure and cheaper than paying the plumber. Check out our latest blog post on The Importance of Prepping Walls Before Painting
4. Check Water Pressure
Water pressure that feels amazing in the shower can become a detriment to your home. Excessive pressure will strain joints, connectors, and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. Use a pressure gauge to check on the outdoor faucet to measure water pressure in your home. The pressure should ideally fall between 40 and 60 PSI. Anything over that can result in leakage or burst pipes.
The valves are price-worthy investments and, if anything, defer the cost of plumbing repairs. Monitoring pressure will increase the lifetime of your appliances and fixtures. It will also stop any irritation from either of the noises sometimes emanating from pipes or that awful water hammer. Catching the problem early will be possible if regular inspections are done on time.
5. Maintain Your Water Heater
The water heater keeps working in silence but plays a role in your comfort. As time passes, sediments accumulate at the bottom of the tank, and this greatly affects the efficiency of the heater. Have the water heater flushed at least once or twice a year to remove buildup and improve performance. Set the temperature at 120°F to prevent scalding and save energy. Watch out for rust, leaking, and strange sounds.
Inspect water heater filters and flush the system as per the manufacturer’s instructions if you have a tankless water heater. Older units need to be professionally serviced every year to keep the water heater clean, reduce utility bills, and extend the service life. A water heater that has not been maintained may give away at the worst possible time, leaving you without hot water or causing damage to your property.
6. Protect Pipes in Winter
In these zones, the issue is commonplace, with very expensive bursts at stake. Insulate any pipes exposed in any kind of basement, attic, garage, or crawl space with foam pipe sleeves that are heat-resistant; or alternatively, heat tapes and wraps will work. Before the first major frost comes, disconnect those garden hoses and get those outdoor faucets all shut off. Keep cabinet doors underneath sinks open.
During very cold nights, it might be helpful to keep the faucet dripping a little. A little water movement inside the pipe helps relieve pressure, hence preventing freezing. Know where the shut-off valve is in case a pipe bursts. Pipe protection in the winter is far cheaper than emergency repairs. Don’t wait until the freeze; get ready now.
Final Thoughts
Preventive plumbing maintenance is not about doing everything at once, but about building good habits. Checking for leaks, cleaning drains, insulating pipes, and keeping a lookout for changes will save new homeowners from the majority of common plumbing issues. A little effort today will ensure the home stays safe, dry, and stress-free tomorrow. Contact us and take the time to learn about your home’s plumbing system and stay ahead with these helpful tips.
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