A checklist for plumbing maintenance in your home is the best way to keep yourself on track at the beginning of the year. Plumbing systems can be a hassle if preventative measures are not taken. Leaky drains and pipes can turn into severe water damage that will end up being more costly then doing regular maintenance checks.
There are a few things you can do to easily avoid unnecessary expenses when it comes to your plumbing system. Contact Service Plumbing Co. Inc., the best local plumber in Ardmore, OK for complete plumbing services at (580) 223-1780 or find our services online.
Keep reading further for a checklist of seven preventive steps you can take to maintain your plumbing system through the seasons.
1. Leaks in Your Home
If you notice that your water bill is increasing every month, you may have a leak somewhere in your home. If you leave a leak unchecked, there may be detrimental consequences later on such as floor or ceiling damages to name a few. The easiest way to check if you have leaks in your home is to check these four common spots:
- Fittings for your pipes
- Flappers in the toilet
- Shower heads
- Faucets
You can check these by turning on the running water and seeing if there is dripping water. You can also check the base of any of your fixtures for puddles or moisture. Be sure to see if there is any moisture on the walls or ceilings in your home. Although this seems like a tedious chore, it will help you to keep your pipes maintained.
2. Clog Prevention
If you have long hair, then you probably understand the struggle of always getting clogs in your shower. Clogs may be annoying to deal with but they can cause damage if left for too long. In your shower and sink drains the easiest way to remove hair and debris is to use a toothed, plastic drain-snake. You can find them at a home improvement store and some grocery stores.
Sometimes the clog may be too big to be removed. A plumber can quickly fix this issue using a long drain snake. Also be sure to never flush feminine products, diapers, wipes and other materials down your toilet as these can quickly create clogs. This is an easy, cost-free preventative maintenance tip to use throughout your life. Contact your local plumber for complete plumbing services.
3. Water Pressure
Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating issues and can even end up amplifying your water bill at the end of the month. If you are experiencing low pressure in your shower, you may have sediment build-up in your water heater, faucet or the shower head.
If your water heater has been drained properly and you still have low water pressure, it is probably time to try cleaning the shower head. Using a bag of vinegar, place the shower head inside and let it sit overnight. If this does not solve the problem then you will need to call for plumbing services to check any pressure valves.
4. Check for Pipe Corrosion
Pipe corrosion indicates that there is a leak. You may notice corrosion around your pipes because they will be green in color or rusted at the connection point. Many homeowners do not check their exposed pipes so corrosion often ends up leading to bigger leaks and damages within the home.
Another reason why corrosion may be occurring is sediment buildup. Sediment buildup in your water heater can spread through to your pipes which can increase the corrosion because of the minerals in the mixture. One simple way to avoid pipe corrosion is to have your water heater regularly maintained and your piping replaced when they get too old.
5. Water Heater
A water heater can be an unexciting unit to maintain, but it can help to prevent expensive, future damages in the long run. To have a properly functioning unit, make sure to get the unit flushed and drained annually. This will decrease the sediment that may be building up at the bottom of the tank.
If you notice that the water is a rusty brown color then you probably have sediment buildup. The easiest way to know if your heater needs to be maintenanced is if you have a lack of hot water. Contact an expert plumbing technician to perform an annual maintenance check for your water heater.
6. Prepare Your Pipes for the Cold
Cold weather makes most of us break out our winter jackets and pump up the heat in our homes. Your pipes also want to feel warm in these temperatures. To prepare your pipes for cold temperatures, consider insulating them with a form-fitting insulation foam that will ensure proper function. Both hot water pipes and regular water should be properly insulated to prevent any bursts or freezing.
A burst pipe can be very costly to fix and will damage your home and belongings. Frozen pipes can be thawed by turning on the faucet or by using a warm towel to thaw it slowly. To prepare your pipes for the cold weather, contact a complete residential plumbing service company to perform all necessary preventive maintenance.
7. Debris-Free Gutter
A debris-free gutter can guarantee a proper drainage for your outdoor plumbing system. This can help to prevent flooding near your home. If the water can not be thoroughly drained it may even enter your home. Sweep the gutters to remove any debris or bird nests that may lead to a potential clog. If a gutter clog worsens, you may need to contact a plumber to use a drain snake on the outside gutters. It is important to maintain all draining ports inside and outside your home.
The Best Local Plumber in Ardmore, OK
The best complete plumbing services in Ardmore, OK can be found with Service Plumbing Co. Inc. Our team has the right tools and expertise to handle any job, big or small. Our company is dedicated to customer service and transparency, which can be hard to find, so trust us for all of your plumbing needs.
To schedule maintenance on your plumbing pipes and system, contact Service Plumbing Co. Inc. at (580) 223-1780. Find a list of all the services offered online.
