The Ultimate Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Ensure that your plumbing is always in tip-top condition with this comprehensive home plumbing maintenance checklist.
Plumbing problems are often overlooked because the problems are usually hidden in the walls. However, the longer plumbing issues are ignored, the more expensive they become. Worse, it could cause water damage to your home, creating mold and mildew, and tends to cause even more structural damage.
However, while calling a 24 hr plumber is always a good move, there are some problems you can always fix for yourself and others that require professional help.
Importance of Regular Home Plumbing Maintenance
While plumbing problems might seem a simple problem that you could overlook, if left untreated, they could cause even more significant issues.
They say prevention is better than cure, which also applies to plumbing. One way to prevent plumbing problems? It's simple: Regular plumbing maintenance.
A simple call to plumbing companies can ensure your family's and neighbors' safety since professional plumbing companies can quickly diagnose potential problems, preventing problems before they can even start.
Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining your home's plumbing system prevents costly repairs and ensures a smooth-running household. However, every part of your house has its own plumbing needs. Here's a quick checklist you can use when you call plumbing companies for your home.
1. Weekly Checks
Small things like faucets, drains, or
leaks matter and should be the focus of your weekly checks. While these weekly inspections only take a few minutes, they can save you from any potential significant mishaps in the future.
Plumbing companies often check faucets and showerheads for leaks, drips, or unusual water flow during this stage. Remember that even the tiniest drip over time can impact your water bill without you even knowing. So, ensure they check for leaks, bulges, or cracks at the couplings on washing machine hoses.
Aside from drips, plumbing companies also check any clogs in your drains while looking for potential areas where mold and mildew are likely to grow. They'll also test your toilet flushing to ensure everything's in tip-top shape.
2. Monthly Checks
If weekly checks focus on the small details, monthly checks focus on the more prominent plumbing components, including the water heater, water pressure, and exposed pipes. Look out for rusts, leaks, or any unusual noises that your water tank or heater isn't supposed to have.
Testing it with a gauge ensures the water pressure is within the safe range of 40–60 PSI. While high pressure can harm pipes, low pressure may indicate that sediments are beginning to build up in your pipes.
It's essential to also check on exposed pipes for leaks or corrosion. Otherwise, call a 24 hr plumber in the middle of the night.
3. Seasonal Checks
You can never tell with the weather. As such, staying ahead of any possible plumbing-related issues for each season is essential.
If winter is coming, it is best to insulate pipes in unheated areas like garages or basements to prevent them from freezing. You should also shut off the outdoor water supply and draining hoses to avoid burst pipes.
Since you'll be using the extra water for the summer season, you should inspect the sprinkler systems for leaks before turning everything on to ensure everything works well. You should also look for signs of mold or moisture since humidity is mold's best friend, as it can condense because pipes lead to mold and mildew growth.
4. Annual Checks
Annual checks are for significant system inspections. From checking the sewer and
drain line for any blockages to the house’s water main and shut-off valve, everything should be accounted for and working. This is when professional inspections and major system assessments come in.
Every year, schedule an inspection with the plumbing companies to identify problems you might overlook and ensure everything is in excellent condition.
Common Plumbing Issues and What You Can Do
While you could always call 24 hour plumber Atlanta when faced with plumbing issues, before you call one, consider first whether you can resolve the problem on your own, such as the following plumbing issues that you can fix on your own.
1. Clogged Drain
When you think of plumbing issues, the first thing that often comes to mind is clogged drains. Clogged drains can happen anywhere from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, tub drain, and other drains in the house.
Clogs are often caused by grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps that people usually dump in the drain. However, while throwing away scraps down the drain might seem easy, doing that can lead to backups, slow drainage, foul odor, drain flies, and gurgling sounds whenever you use the drain.
While the easy way out is to call a 24 hr plumber, you can repair clogged drains by yourself through numerous methods. One method is combining vinegar and baking soda and then washing them off with boiling water. However, you can use a drain snake if your clogged drains persist.
2. Leaky Faucets
While ignoring a leaky faucet is easier, ignoring it will lead to more significant problems and a more extensive water bill. However, it could also mean a more serious problem with rust or poor installation, so it's better to take care of it immediately.
Fixing a leaking faucet isn’t that hard as the solution is as easy as changing an O ring or washer, which most homeowners can handle on their own, so generally, you don't have to call for a 24 hour plumber Atlanta immediately.
3. Low Water Pressure
There's nothing worse than having low water pressure when you shower to start your day. While it can still do the job, it can be more time-consuming and less satisfying. However, showers aren't just the only part of the house you should watch out for, as low water pressure can also happen when you use your faucet.
Suppose you've noticed that almost all your faucets or showers are experiencing low water pressure. In that case, it might be time to start looking for answers.
One way to resolve low water pressure is by replacing or adjusting your pressure-reducing valve. If that didn't stop the problem, then it's time to look at your pipes to see if there are any leaks. If there's a significant leak in the water service line, it might be time to call a 24 hr plumber to replace that pipe.
4. Loss of Hot Water
If you're experiencing a loss of hot water, the reason could be several things, from the faulty thermostat, sediment buildup in the water heater tank, a malfunctioning pilot light, and even leaks or rust on the bottom.
Suppose your problem is a simple malfunctioning pilot light or a faulty thermostat. In that case, you'll only need simple steps like relighting the pilot light and replacing your faulty thermostat. However, if your problem is leaks, you should replace the tank. To be sure, you should call your local 24 hour plumber Atlanta.
5. Running Toilet
A running toilet isn't just a waste of water but also unhygienic. Suppose you notice water running from your toilet when you haven't flushed yet. In that case, it might be time to do an inspection.
Fortunately, fixing a running toilet on your own is simple. You can use food dye to identify the issue, but the flapper seal is usually to blame. Luckily, you can easily purchase a repair kit to fix it.
When to Contact Plumbing Companies in Hiram or Atlanta, GA
While these common plumbing problems might be easy to fix on your own, you have to know when a problem stops being simple and starts needing a call from the 24 hour plumber Atlanta.
While being well-versed in plumbing and handling simple problems is commendable, even the most independent person needs help sometimes. This begs the question, when is the time to contact a 24 hour plumber?
The trick here is to know which situations require you to call a professional 24 hr plumber immediately.
For example, if you find yourself in a situation where water continues to flow even after the valves have been closed, or if a corroded pipe causes the water to stop flowing, or if you've noticed that there are a few water stains on the walls and ceilings, then it might be time to cast aside your pride and call the 24 hour plumber Atlanta.
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