As a homeowner, your plumbing might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to preventative maintenance. In fact, most people don’t even consider their plumbing until something goes wrong, and then it is too late.
Identifying a potential problem could prove to save you time and money in the long run.
What Should I Look For?
It isn’t hard to notice some of the obvious signs of potential problems. For example, if you have a wet spot on the floor or wall, water is leaking somewhere.
Regularly inspect your visible pipes, as well as your appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, water heater) for any leaks.
Keep an eye on how well your drains are performing.
Over time, debris can collect on the walls of the pipes causing them to drain slower. It’s important to use drain screens to catch any potentially harmful debris from clogging your plumbing.
Your kitchen sink and bathtub will be the main areas to monitor, as food and hair are common culprits.
What Can I Do?
One of the biggest strains on your plumbing system is the minerals in the water.
High levels of magnesium and calcium in your water (or hard water) can cause buildup and eventually clog up your system. If you have hard water, you might want to consider a water softener to help lessen the impact of the minerals.
You will also want to monitor your water pressure.
While you might think that the more pressure you have, the better, but it is actually quite the contrary. Too much pressure can potentially lead to leaks and pipe damage.
If you suspect that your pressure is high, or would simply just like to know how strong (or weak) it is, you can get a simple pressure gauge from your local hardware store.
Schedule Your Annual Full Home Inspection
In order to stay on top of any potential problems with your plumbing system, it is recommended to have your home inspected every year.
Our licensed plumbers are here to perform your annual system maintenance and cleanings and can help you to identify any potential issues that could cause you a serious headache down the road.
This service is actually included for all of our Diamond Club members! If you have any questions, or would like to schedule your annual home inspection, give us a call at 270-443-1067 and we will be happy to assist you!