Basic Plumbing Guidelines for Homeowners

Homeownership requires constant maintenance and regular upkeep. Knowing your way around the main systems that make up your home’s framework is really important. HVAC and plumbing are two of the primary systems that run a home, and both involve regular maintenance. Plumbing, in particular, is not a one and done deal. Routine maintenance is required to keep the home’s plumbing system in good condition and working order.

From veterans to first-timers, every homeowner should learn some simple maintenance tips to save them time and money. It’s easy to get started by making a checklist of routine maintenance tasks to perform on your plumbing system. First, make a list of all the locations inside and outside the home that utilize plumbing—kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms, irrigation systems, outdoor faucets, etc. Next, identify where your shut off valve to the whole house is located. It’s important to know how to shut down the water source to the house, if necessary.

Conduct a visual exterior inspection of pipes to identify signs of leakage. Where pipes are behind walls, look for watermarks or damp floors. In the same locations, next check for corrosion of parts. Inspect around each toilet for leaks and inside for broken parts and rust. Broken tile flooring, mildew, and unsealed caulking can all mean a problem is brewing. These should not be ignored. Even though these problems may warrant a professional plumber’s expertise, it’s wise to locate them before the problem is twice as costly.

Hands-on performance testing is the next step in routine maintenance. Check each location’s drainage speed and water pressure. Flush toilets and run faucets. Bubbling or noise when a sink is draining could signify a plumbing issue. To prevent clogged pipes, be cautious about what you put down the drain. Oils, grease, and unnecessary bulk food should go in the trash can. Be cautious about what is put in the bathroom sink and toilet as well. Every drain in the bathroom should have a hair trap to prevent clogged drains.

It’s important for every homeowner to be proactive when it comes to plumbing. Waiting until you’re face-to-face with disaster is what calls for the most expensive plumbing emergencies. For more information on plumbing repair, contact Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. today.