Keeping your plumbing flowing smoothly can take a bit of work. It is worth it, though, and it can save you money in the long term. Try these plumbing maintenance tips to keep your pipes in good shape. If you have newly constructed plumbing, take extra caution to keep your new pipes functioning at peak performance.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips

When your plumbing has an issue, your wallet is going to take a hit. Protect your finances by regularly maintaining and checking on the status of your plumbing so you can nip problems in the bud or prevent them altogether. These plumbing maintenance tips aim to prolong the time between plumber visits.

Set Reminders for Routine Maintenance

Having a professional go over your system will always prove helpful. They can spot potential issues before they turn into leaks or lead to property damage. You can also use this time to learn more about your plumbing. Many plumbing technicians will happily explain their work to interested homeowners.

We recommend setting a reminder for routine maintenance according to how new your home is. For newer homes, a checkup every two years is adequate. For older homes, consider an annual inspection.

Protect Your Drains

Clogged drains remain one of the leading reasons people call over a technician. From hair to food waste, a range of things go down drains that really should not. Strains should go over every drain, and you should be intentional about keeping those strainers clean. You certainly do not want mold or mildew building up on them.

To go that extra step, try a weekly drain rinse with vinegar and baking soda. This mixture can help break down bits of material in the drains without damaging the pipes. Only resort to declogging liquids rarely, as they can damage your pipes with multiple uses.

Do Not Toss Anything (Except Toilet Paper) Into the Toilet

The only thing that should be going into your toilet is human waste and toilet paper. No paper towels, no flushable wipes, and no hygiene products.

Anything other than toilet paper down your drains has the potential to cause clogs and other plumbing issues. In older buildings, even flushing toilet paper may cause problems. Of course, a plumber can easily unclog your toilet for you, but you can avoid the expense by simply tossing non-flushable products in the trash can instead.

Check for Leaks

Even a small leak can lead to significant damage (and increased costs) over time. The good news is that checking for them should not take much time. Newer homes require less frequent checks. But check once a week for older homes, buildings, or apartments. 

All checking entails is a quick look at all your visible appliances. See any cracks, damage, moisture, or brittleness? That might indicate the risk of a leak. For the advanced homeowner, a water leak detector can automatically alert you to problems in your water supply.

Attend to Your Faucets

Shower and sink faucets will naturally have some buildup over time. Routinely cleaning them with a vinegar and baking soda mixture will prove essential to maintaining their function. The mixture effectively breaks down smaller deposits and restores water flow.

If you go too long without cleaning, you will likely notice the flow dwindle to a trickle. At this point, a vinegar solution might not do the trick. We recommend cleaning your faucets at least twice a year to avoid buildup.

Keep Your Water Heater Clean

Not many people think of their water heater day to day. But without it, every shower would be a cold, less comfortable experience. Homes tend to have one of two types of water heaters: storage type or tankless.

For a storage-type heater, you will want to flush the tank every 6 months. This gets rid of the built-up sediment within it. A yearly professional inspection can also check for rust or valve issues.

For a tankless heater, you will want a professional to check several elements regularly. Specifically, these should include the burner, venting system, water filter, and pressure relief.

Stay on Top of Issues

In general, always fix a problem when you see it. Waiting will not make it go away on its own, and it will grow until it becomes a more complicated and costly issue.

Find a Team You Can Trust

When looking for repiping specialists in Southern California, ensure you work with the best. The experienced team at Henrik Plumbing has been serving the area for years.