Plumbing is one of those things we often take for granted until something goes wrong: a clogged drain, a leaky pipe, or worse. However, regular maintenance can go a long way in avoiding these issues and keeping your home’s system in top shape. But what is plumbing preventative maintenance, and how can you implement it in your home?
In this blog, our CJ Brubacher experts explore some effective ways to maintain your home’s system, including regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs when needed. By following these simple steps, you can save yourself from the headache and expense of emergencies and keep your water flowing smoothly for years to come.
Understanding Plumbing Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is a routine practice designed to keep your piping systems working optimally and minimize the risk of major issues. At its core, it involves regular check-ups and quick fixes of minor issues before they escalate into significant problems. Efficient prevention often combines DIY tactics and professional assistance.
The Cornerstones of Plumbing Maintenance
- Routine Inspections: This includes checking for any visible leaks, drips, or clogs. Regularly inspecting your fixtures such as faucets, shower heads, and toilets can help spot minor issues and fix them promptly.
- Drain Cleaning: Regular cleaning of drains is crucial to prevent the build-up of food particles, hair, and other debris that can lead to clogs. Don’t forget to clean the garbage disposal regularly too!
- Water Heater Servicing: This involves inspecting the thermostat, checking the pressure relief valve, and draining the tank to remove sediment buildup.
- Sump Pump Testing: Regularly test your sump pump, especially before a heavy rainfall season, to ensure it’s working properly and avoid basement flooding.
The Role of A Professional
While these tasks may sound easy enough to perform by yourself, some aspects of your home’s plumbing may require professional expertise. Discrepancies such as unusual noises from pipes, persistent drainage problems, or issues with water pressure often indicate more significant issues and are best handled by a professional plumbing service provider.
Beyond these tasks, regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures. By periodically replacing worn components, carefully inspecting pipes for signs of potential leaks, or even upgrading old equipment, you can significantly enhance your home’s health. Investing in a professional team’s assistance is a proactive and protective step in preserving the longevity and reliability of your home’s water and drainage system.
The Role of Regular Inspections
Regular inspections play an indispensable role in maintenance. When these inspections are done consistently, it’s easier to pick up on minor issues before they turn into full-blown repairs.
Try to look at your pipes critically: do you notice any corrosion or leaks? Any slow leaks under sinks, moist spots on ceilings, walls or floors, or signs of water damage? How about the water pressure in your showers and sinks? Anything out of the ordinary may be a sign of an issue that needs professional attention.
What Does a Regular Plumbing Inspection Include?
A typical inspection usually covers:
- Leak Detection: Your professional plumber will conduct a thorough inspection of all visible taps, shower heads, and pipes, for any possible leaks.
- Drainage / Sewer Check: This involves looking for slow drains, frequent clogs, or sewage odours that may indicate a problem with your drainage or sewer system.
- Water Heater Examination: A routine inspection of the water heater includes checking the thermostat setting, inspecting the pressure relief valve, and ensuring there’s no corrosion or leaks.
- Toilet Operations: This entails checking toilets for leaks and making sure the flushing mechanism is functioning optimally.
These regular inspections are vital for catching problems early before they escalate into larger, more costly repairs. But, remember that not all issues are immediately apparent. Some may lurk beneath the surface, which is why professional inspections are an essential task.
How Often Should You Carry Out Inspections?
As a rule of thumb, you should have your water pipes professionally inspected at least once a year. This may vary based on the age and condition of your home. Older systems or those with a history of problems may require more frequent check-ups.
Also, it’s a good practice to conduct a personal inspection of your home’s water delivery system semi-annually or seasonally. Regularly checking taps for drips, drains for slow water flow, toilets for silent leaks, or the water heater for signs of corrosion can help you spot issues early on.
Remember, the goal is to head off potential problems before they become significant issues that can disrupt your home and require costly repairs. With regular inspections, a proactive approach, and the right professional team by your side, you can keep your home’s water system working smoothly year-round.
Protecting Your Pipes: Tips for Winter
Winter months often pose a unique set of challenges to your home’s water system. The plunging temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and potentially burst, leading to significant damage. However, with some simple preventative actions, you can protect your pipes when temperatures start to dip.
Insulate Your Pipes
Perhaps the most critical step to ensuring sound winter pipe maintenance is to insulate them. Pipes located in unheated spaces like basements, crawlspaces, and even under kitchen and bathroom cabinets can be especially susceptible to freezing. Wrapping these pipes in insulation can provide a much-needed barrier against the cold and reduce the chances of freezing.
Keep the Heat On
To prevent pipes from freezing, it’s essential to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. Keeping the heat on, even when you’re not home or during the night, helps ensure that they stay warm enough to avoid freezing.
Ensure Outside Faucets are Turned Off
Your outdoor faucets pose a particular risk during the winter months. Before the winter season arrives, be sure to disconnect any garden hoses, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water. This helps to prevent any water from freezing inside your outdoor fixtures, which could lead to burst pipes.
Let Cold Water Drip
Interestingly, even a small amount of water movement can help prevent your pipes from freezing. If anticipated temperatures are below freezing leave a hot and cold water drip in sinks overnight, particularly those pipes running against exterior walls.
Following these simple tips can play a crucial role in saving your home from potential disasters during winter. Never underestimate the power of prevention! And if you have any doubts or encounter potential issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber.
The Benefits of Hiring CJ Brubacher’s Professional Plumbing Services
Choosing CJ Brubacher is not just about addressing your plumbing system’s existing issues. It also contributes to prevention, ensuring your home remains a safe and comfortable place for you and your family. Here’s why you should consider us.
Experienced and Licensed Plumbers
Our company is home to experienced professionals who are not only licensed but also continually trained to handle different situations. You’ll be confident in the knowledge that the person looking after your pipes knows what they’re doing. Plus, we follow all necessary safety and industry protocols.
Wide Range of Services
We offer an array of services, from maintenance and repair work to installing new fixtures. Whether you have a clogged drain, a leaking faucet, or need a new sink installed, we’ll provide a high-quality service that meets and even exceeds your expectations.
Prompt and Timely Service
We understand that issues can surface anytime and that when they do, you need them addressed swiftly. Our team is committed to providing prompt and efficient service, ensuring that your system gets back on track in no time.
Use of Modern Tools and Technology
Our company invests in the latest tools and technology. This not only aids in accurate diagnoses and interventions but also ensures that procedures are done with minimal disruption to your home.
Hiring our professional plumbers means investing in your home’s long-term health. We’re here to handle your issues, no matter how big or small, and keep your home running smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain your home’s plumbing system effectively.