Top 5 Home Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Make Your Plumbing Last Longer

We always talk about extending the life of HVAC with preventative maintenance, but what about your plumbing system? It’s not too often that we think about the complex infrastructure of pipes and drains that keep things in our homes going with the flow. However, just like we perform maintenance on heating and cooling systems, you should be giving the same care and attention to your plumbing.

When it comes to your home in Richmond plumbing maintenance is critical. Why? One of the most expensive home repairs you may face during the course of homeownership is plumbing-related. Take the time and make an effort to keep your plumbing in tip top shape. It’s a win-win—you’ll see the water savings and prevent plumbing disasters.

The good news? Unless you have a Richmond plumbing repair that requires the expertise of a professional plumber, you can perform a good majority of plumbing maintenance yourself with a few basic tools! Easy and virtually free, keep your plumbing in great shape with these 5 tips…

1. Conquer drain clogs

Stubborn clogs are a hassle and damaging to pipes. Avoid chemical drain cleaning solutions in favor of a snake to clear a drain clog. Prevent future clogs by watching what goes down the drain. Follow these garbage disposal do’s and don’ts and be mindful in the bathroom as well. Using sink stoppers and drain strainers is an easy and inexpensive way to catch food debris, hair, soap scum and everything else that wreaks havoc on our drains.

2. Freeze out frozen pipes

Make sure you’re taking all precautions to prevent frozen pipes. This includes adding pipe insulation to the plumbing in your garage, basement, utility rooms, any cold areas of your house that get little to no heat from HVAC. During severe temperature lows open cabinets underneath sinks to expose them to heat. If you’re away on vacation, you can turn down your thermostat temperature, but don’t shut it off entirely.  

Contact us anytime for 24/7 emergency plumbing repair!

3. Fix leaks & drips

Inspect your plumbing fixtures and appliances for leaks and have them fixed immediately. Letting drips go on for too long results in a soar on your water bill, but also puts undue pressure on your plumbing system. Toilets and sinks are most susceptible to leaks and drips. If you aren’t comfortable repairing the leak yourself, count on us to provide you with a professional and prompt Richmond bathroom plumbing fix!

4. Clear exterior drainage

No one ever said plumbing maintenance was limited to your home’s interior. Plumbing actually extends beyond a home’s walls to the exterior drainage system. Gutters and downspouts are both responsible for clearing water away from the property. Regular outdoor maintenance, especially during the fall and winter, is critical to healthy plumbing systems. Read on for more Richmond plumbing maintenance tips.

5. Check water pressure

Using a water pressure gauge, check to make sure your water pressure is between 40-85 psi. Anything over puts unnecessary stress on your entire plumbing system. Regardless of your water pressure reading, consider installing faucet and shower aerators to decrease water flow without compromising pressure. These are inexpensive, easy to install and contribute to household water savings. If you’re unsure, contact us for bathroom plumbing repair and aerator installation.

Questions on performing plumbing maintenance at home? Contact Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. for all of your Richmond plumbing repair needs.