Often, people only call the plumber when there’s a big problem with their pipes. If the issue has been building to a crisis point, the fix can be expensive. There is another way, though. Routine visits from a plumber for preventative maintenance, combined with a few simple things you can do between visits, will reduce the chances of having a plumbing emergency.
Routine Maintenance
Scheduling a plumber to visit your home once a year goes a long way to keeping your pipes in good shape. Here are some of the things a plumber will do as part of their maintenance routine.
Sewer jetting
If you find yourself putting anything down the kitchen drain that will fit, you should stop that, but also, you could likely benefit from a sewer jetting service before you create a big problem for yourself. This task involves pushing high-pressure water through the wastewater pipes to clear them of sludge, dirt, and clogs.
Sewer jetting flushes out the pipes, getting rid of buildup before it becomes a complete blockage. It’s also useful against complete blockages, should you find yourself in that position.
Hot water tank checkup
Hot water tanks should be inspected annually. They tend to wear out, and having them checked regularly will allow you to catch any potential problems before they become actual issues. Also, your plumber will be able to assess the health of your tank and let you know when you should replace the tank. Having a planned replacement is far better than suddenly finding yourself without hot water because the tank died.
Appliances
Fridges with built-in water dispensers, dishwashers, washing machines, and any other appliances with hardwired water lines – like wall-mounted built-in coffee machines – should be checked for signs of leaks, corrosion, or blockages.
Toilets and faucets
Faucets should turn off without leaking and provide full flow when turned on. Toilets should flush properly and fill fully. If there are problems with the way your faucets or toilets function, catching the problem early on will be far more cost-effective than doing an emergency fix down the road.
Pipes
Water supply lines, shut-off valves, and exposed pipes or accessible pipes should all be checked for corrosion and leaks. Any problems should be dealt with as soon as they are spotted.
How To Help Your drains
Between maintenance visits, there are things you can do to prolong the life of your plumbing and prevent problems from occurring.
Don’t pour grease down the sink
It may seem to pour freely down the sink, but grease will congeal in your pipes, slowly choking the flow until a blockage occurs.
Use screen or filters on your drains
Installing a drain filter in your sinks and tubs will catch hair, food, and debris before it reaches the pipes, where it is likely to create a clog.
Deal with slow drains
A slow drain is a sign of blockage. Use a drain snake to clear the blockage before it becomes a problem.
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