Maintaining your home plumbing is easily one of the most neglected (but important) aspects of homeownership. Your plumbing system lays the foundation for a happy home and your monthly budget.
If you neglect it, small issues turn into big expenses. And, here’s the best part…
Plumbing maintenance…
- costs nothing to get started
- is simple to keep up with
- can instantly improve the lifespan of your home’s systems
Today you’re going to learn:
- Why Plumbing Maintenance is important for First-Time Homeowners
- Common Plumbing Problems You Should Know
- Prevent A Clogged Drain Faster Than Your Plumber Can
- Don’t Try To DIY… These Jobs Require A Professional
Why Plumbing Maintenance is important for First Time Homeowners
Nobody thinks about their plumbing until it starts causing problems. Then it’s too late.
What most new homeowners don’t realise is that small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water every year. According to the EPA, household leaks can account for over 10,000 gallons of wasted water per year. To put that into perspective, that’s enough water to wash 270 loads of laundry every year.
And it doesn’t stop there. The EPA also estimates that 10% of homes have leaks somewhere that waste 90+ gallons each day. That adds up to thousands of gallons annually.
Thousands of gallons of water equals thousands of dollars down the drain. Especially here in Australia where the cost of water is on the rise.
Fortunately, preventative maintenance can help you avoid these headaches. You don’t need any special knowledge or skills. Just a little time each month to inspect your plumbing.
Think about a leaky faucet. You might not even notice the drip. But that one faucet could be wasting over 3,000 gallons of water per year. Now think about where that drip might be coming from if you can’t see it. Concealed leaks behind walls and under floors are even more costly.
Investing a little time now can save you a lot of time, money and hassle down the road. Preventative maintenance is key.
Common Plumbing Problems You Should Know
Every homeowner will experience different plumbing problems throughout the years. But as a new homeowner there are a few things that tend to come up more frequently than others. Knowing what to look for can help you identify issues before they happen.
Dripping taps and leaking pipes
Leaks come up first on the list because they are the most common and easiest to fix. A faulty washer or seal is typically the cause. Check all of your pipes and fixtures regularly for drips or leaks.
Running toilet
Toilets that run constantly are easily repaired. And can save up to 200 gallons of water per day. Replacing the toilet flapper usually solves the issue in minutes.
Clogged drains
Clogged drain repair is one of the most common jobs that plumbers in Monroe handle on a daily basis. Kitchen sinks, bathroom drains and showers are frequently affected. Hair, grease and residue build up over time causing stubborn clogs.
Water heater headaches
Your water heater accumulates sediment over time which can reduce efficiency and lead to costly repairs. Simply flushing out the tank can prevent future issues.
Low water pressure
If you experience low water pressure, there may be a buildup of minerals or a hidden leak. Don’t ignore the problem.
Those are the basics. Every homeowner will come across different issues based on the age of their home and style of plumbing. The trick is taking care of these problems before they get out of hand.
Let’s look at the clogged drain example. One of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners is avoidable with a little prevention.
Prevent A Clogged Drain Faster Than Your Plumber Can
Clogged drains are an inevitable hassle for most homeowners. But did you know that most clogged drains are preventable?
The number one reason for clogged drains is putting the wrong materials down your pipes. Oil, coffee grinds, food scraps and hair can build up in your pipes causing stubborn blockages.
Here’s how you can prevent clogged drains:
- Install drain screens Putting drain screens over every drain in your home is the easiest way to prevent clogs. Simple mesh screens that sit over the top of your drain catch hair and debris before they go down the pipe. This step alone can reduce the majority of clogged drains.
- Run hot water after use Always run your kitchen sink for 30 seconds after use. Hot water helps wash down grease and other leftovers.
- Never pour oil or grease down the drain Pour grease into your garbage bin instead. Washing grease down your drain solidifies the molecules and will eventually come back to clog your pipes.
- Clean drains with baking soda & vinegar A natural mixture of baking soda and vinegar eliminates built-up residue that causes clogs.
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper Toilets are not garbage cans. Do not flush wipes, cotton buds or feminine products.
When it comes to clogged drains, a small amount of prevention saves you a call to your local plumber. In fact, according to this recent industry report homeowners spend between $200 and $500 per year on plumbing maintenance and repairs. Following the steps above can keep your repair costs on the lower end of that spectrum.
Don’t Try To DIY… These Jobs Require A Professional
There are certain things that any homeowner can handle on their own. Replacing faucet washers and plunging toilets shouldn’t take up your time.
But there are certain jobs where it’s always best to call a professional.
Here are a few things that should be handled by a certified plumber:
- Leaks that you can see If you come across a burst pipe or visible leak. Shut off your main water supply immediately and call a professional.
- Sewage backups Coming back up through your drain? This is not a DIY project.
- No hot water Water heaters require licensed professionals to diagnose and repair any issues. Gas heaters are particularly dangerous to work on without training.
- Repeated clogs If your drain won’t budge with a plunger and liquid snake, there might be a problem deeper in your pipes. Most plumbers have a video snake that can locate clogs deep within your plumbing system.
- Installations or remodels Moving a toilet or changing your kitchen faucet is not difficult. But your local plumber will have all the tools required to ensure things are done correctly and up to code.
Plumbing maintenance is best left up to the professionals. If you’re ever unsure of a situation, call your local plumbing company and ask. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Wrapping It Up
Plumbing maintenance shouldn’t scare you or cost you an arm and a leg. There are simple steps you can take every month to ensure your home runs smoothly.
Here’s your quick checklist to remember:
- Check for leaks regularly
- Install drain screens and prevent clogged drains
- Flush your water heater annually
- Know when to call your local plumber
- Stay consistent
Most plumbing problems can be prevented with monthly maintenance. You’ve definitely got time to protect your largest investment.