The days, weeks, and months pass without incident, so you figure that your house is fine. You haven’t heard anything making any extraordinary noise, and no one has mentioned anything breaking, so it’s all good, right? Are you sure? Wouldn’t it be better if you knew? Regular plumbing maintenance can help you catch any issue before they become an expensive nightmare. Here are some areas to check.
Water Heater
It is a good idea to check the area around your water heater to look for any standing, dripping, or running water. Check around connections to see if there is rust or any signs of damage that would cause the heater to work improperly. Also check the connections to see if any are loose. Sometimes signs of dripping water can just mean that something needs to be tightened. The water heater should be flushed about every six months. The tank should be drained and checked for sediment at regular intervals as well.
Bathroom
In your bathroom, you are going to want to check around the toilet. You’ll want to look for water dripping from the pipes and check the integrity of the caulk to see if it is crumbling. If you have a tank, then check the float and flapper to make sure they are working correctly. When you flush the toilet, listen for flushing then stopping. Listen for water leaking around the flap.
Move to the sink and check all the visible pipes for sweating, dripping, or any other type of moisture. Is the faucet dripping? This could be a quick washer or O-ring replacement. Inspect the fixtures to make sure they are free from any cracks or damage. The sealant used around the fixtures should be inspected as well to make sure it is intact.
The shower follows the same rules as the sink. Check around all the visible pipes, inspect the sealant, and check the fixtures. Other areas to check in the bathroom are the walls around the room and the ceiling. Wherever there is hidden piping. Dripping in the walls might be heard or you might see damp spots or mold starting to form. This is why it is important to do an inspection of the room. Damage could be starting, but it is hidden.
Regular plumbing maintenance is important for several reasons. It can help prevent costly repairs by identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems. It can also help
improve the efficiency of your plumbing system, potentially reducing your water and energy bills. Additionally, regular maintenance can help ensure that your plumbing system is up to code and safe for use.
In the next post, we will discuss other areas around your home that need to be checked for your plumbing maintenance to be complete.
