If you’re like most homeowners, plumbing is a major ongoing expense. Whether for installation, repairs, or maintenance, upgrading your home’s pipes and drains can mean excessive costs if left unchecked. But there are options to help keep these expenses in check – one of which is preventative care through proactive maintenance. It may take some effort up front, but caring for your plumbing ahead of time can stretch out its lifespan and minimize potential bills later down the line. Read on to learn why preventive plumbing maintenance could be key to saving money overall.
1. Inspect Your Pipes Regularly
If your plumbing system is steadily performing without any issues, it can be easy to forget the importance of regularly inspecting your pipes. However, minor issues arising from neglect can quickly become significant problems that require expensive solutions, so tackling these minor problems early on is the best way to save time and money. Paying attention to odors, water pressure, damp spots, and changes in water temperature inside your home indicates that it might be time for a more thorough inspection of your plumbing system.
Inspect your pipes regularly for leaks or other signs of damage. You can do this by checking under sinks and behind toilets for any water pooling or dripping. If you notice any leaks, no matter how small, contact one of our experts to fix the problem immediately. It is also advisable to have an expert plumber conduct an extensive inspection of your pipes to detect any potential problems early enough.
2. Routine Maintenance
Slight changes such as improving insulation and weatherproofing will protect your system from potential damage due to extreme temperatures. Ensuring that routine maintenance checks are carried out regularly could save you considerable time, hassle, and money. Ensure you hire professional plumbers to guarantee a thorough, expert inspection and maintenance of your plumbing.
3. Wrap Exposed Pipes and Insulate Your Plumbing
Freezing weather can cause a cascade of problems starting from frozen pipes, broken seals, and damaged valves that all result in high-cost repairs if not taken care of promptly. Wrapping them with insulating materials like fiberglass jackets retains heat without their protective layer on exposed water pipes. It prevents future incidents caused by extreme temperatures, including freezing and bursting of pipes. Additionally, insulate hot water pipes because the warmth helps to prevent condensation build-up, which can become dangerous if allowed to settle around electrical equipment. You can protect your plumbing by having an expert plumber inspect the vulnerable areas and install the most suitable insulation. By taking this preventative step now, you’ll save money by avoiding high repair fees resulting from unnecessary damage caused by poor insulation maintenance.
4. Clean and Unclog Your Drains
Keeping your drains clean is an often overlooked aspect of plumbing maintenance. Regularly flushing pipes with hot water or using environmentally safe products designed for drain cleaning can help break up deposits that cause blockage and reduce future issues. A simple drain cleaning may not seem like much at first, but this preventative measure can save you a lot of money and help ensure that minor plumbing issues do not snowball into expensive disasters. In addition, investing a bit of time each month into proper plumbing maintenance is a great way to ensure your plumbing infrastructure continues performing as expected year after year.
5. Flush Out Hot Water Heaters Regularly
Regularly flushing your water heater is a simple yet effective plumbing maintenance tip that can save you time and money. Over time, sediment builds up in the bottom of the heater and can cause it to become inefficient and costly to run. Tackling this problem early on by regularly flushing the unit will prevent build-up while maintaining peak energy efficiency. Additionally, if the home uses hard water, its minerals will solidify inside the heater over time, even if regular maintenance is done. If left unchecked, these deposits can cause production issues such as eroding parts or completely blocking flow, resulting in huge bills.
6. Shut Off Outdoor Fixtures With the Seasons
Winterizing your plumbing system is an essential maintenance tip for homeowners. Unchecked hoses, faucets, and sprinkler systems can cause costly problems in winter if not properly attended to. The best way to proactively avoid these types of issues is by shutting off outside water sources completely before the coldest months arrive. This can prevent significant damage, such as fixed lines, burst pipes, and corroded fixtures, by cutting off water access to the exterior of your home entirely. This simple but effective step shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, yet it could save you money and stress later on.
7. Fix Leaking Faucets and Showerheads
While the emergence of significant plumbing issues may be out of a homeowner’s control, tackling smaller problems, such as leaking faucets or shower heads early on, can often alleviate most significant matters overall. It may seem like a small detail, but ignoring that annoying leaking faucet or showerhead could cost you big time. Leaky plumbing can cause an increase in your monthly water bills and even lead to more severe issues down the line. Fixing these leaks early on can help you save money and prevent a build-up of mold or mildew caused by excessive dripping.
8. Maintain Your Septic Tank and Sewer Lines
To keep your septic tank or sewer lines functioning optimally, it’s vital to maintain them with proper care and attention. You can look for several warning signs before potential issues arise, such as a slow-draining bathtub or sink or standing water in your backyard near the septic system. It is vital to make repairs to avoid backing up sewage and other bacteria, which may cause hazardous waste-water contamination and severe health risks. Knowing what material is used for each system to determine when and how often it should be inspected can be helpful. Regular inspections can help detect clogs or problems in the pipes before they become major, expensive issues. Furthermore, thoroughly cleaning your systems every few years can ensure smoother operation and fewer clogs. This kind of maintenance also helps to avoid emergency plumbing situations, so make sure to have one of our professionals check on your septic tank or sewer lines.
Rely on the Professionals
By following these tips on plumbing maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home in good condition. Remember to inspect your pipes regularly for leaks, know when to call a plumber, invest in quality products, and practice water conservation. Taking care of your plumbing system can save you a lot of money overall. If you have any questions or need a plumber for plumbing repair or routine maintenance, reach out to one of our experts.
We also offer comprehensive heating, cooling, plumbing, and air quality services in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas. Some benefits include repairing, installing, and maintaining furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, water heaters, drain cleaning, pipe repair, sewer repair, gas lines, air purifiers, and mini-splits. Contact Summit Heating & A/C today for exceptional plumbing maintenance solutions.
