Plumbing maintenance is helpful if you want to avoid reoccurring pipe leaks, higher costs on utility bills, and no hot water. It may be the most important thing to consider this fall, and that is not hyperbole. Come on, what would you rather experience—a season full of clogs and leaks, or a season of peace and relaxation? We’ll take a bold guess here and say it’s probably not the latter. However, this doesn’t stop homeowners year after year from neglecting their plumbing needs. Not considering plumbing maintenance may result in you experiencing incredible discomfort all season long and you need to stay on top of your plumbing system to ensure you avoid that entirely.
Call for Excellent Maintenance Service
Best Plumbing & Electric is here to provide you with plumbing maintenance that will cover a wide range of needs. If you just moved into a new home, you need to make sure your plumbing fixtures are in working order, especially if you are unfamiliar with the true extent of their abilities. Or, in the opposite situation, you may live in an older home where it is more likely that you will experience leaks and clogs. Either way, we can provide you with 24-hour plumbing that will be there for you at any time. We have a team of highly motivated plumbers who can provide incomparable customer service that guarantee your 100% satisfaction.
The 8 Points of Inspection for Plumbing Maintenance
In addition to our work, you can also do a little maintenance of your own. Even if you don’t have all the tools and experience like one of our plumbers, it is still possible to play an important role in bettering your plumbing system. Just a few maintenance activities can extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures by years and even improve efficiency so you are saving money on bills. The next time you conduct a home plumbing inspection, follow these 8 points of inspection:
- Check Water Heater Temperature: You need to make sure your water heater is set at a comfortable and safe temperature. It should not exceed more than 120 degrees fahrenheit or else you run a high risk of water verging on scalding. Plus, a higher water heater temperature will force the tank to work even harder in producing hot water, resulting in increased energy consumption. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, you can save up to 10% percent on energy annually by turning down your water heating temperature. It’s important to note if you are looking to be more cost-efficient with your hot water.
- Be Aware of Slowly Draining Fixtures: Are you noticing toilets and sinks draining slower than ever before? Then it may be a sign that a massive clog is forming and you need to take measures in preventing it. Using a plunger in this situation may do the trick but if not, it may require you to call for professional service that will offer stronger solutions for your drain cleaning needs.
- Check for Water Heater Leaks: Even the smallest leak in your water heater should be means for concern, especially when that leak can wind up costing you gallons of water. Worse, it may also cost you some significant money and expend more energy than necessary in trying to heat up water. If you notice any puddling or dampness forming around the area of the water heater call a professional for leak repair.
- Testing Toilet Flushing: Are you hearing your toilet run even when nobody is using it? Then it’s time to test its flushing abilities. If it makes noises long after it flushes, it means that some repairs may need to be made to the toilet, or that the seal will need to be fixed. Either way, make it an important part of your inspection.
- Check the Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure relief valve is a core part of the water heater that will help manage water pressure so it does not get too high to the point where it damages the system. Any loud, hissing noises coming from the valve itself may indicate a problem that will require professional inspection.
- Check for Leaky Faucets: According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a faucet with one drip per second may result in more than 3,000 gallons wasted in the span of a year. Issues like old washers or broken seals will allow for water to seep out of the faucet, even if it is currently not running. The next time you hear dripping, don’t just assume it’s a minor problem. Call for plumbing service immediately for further inspection.
- Check Pipe Insulation: A lack of pipe insulation can lead to frozen or burst pipes during the fall and winter. Foam pipe insulation added along the route of the pipes, however, can prevent this from happening. If you already have pipe insulation, it certainly does not hurt to add another layer. It is also important to check pipes for any holes or corrosion that would later increase your chances of experiencing leaks.
- Check Water Treatment Systems: You need to make sure your water treatment systems are working well to keep your family healthy and plumbing fixtures working well. Systems like water softening and water filtration will do an effective job of eliminating hard water and harmful chemicals respectively. However, you need to check them before the season begins so your family experiences clean water all season.
Have Your Plumbing Maintenance Done Today So You Can Enjoy Tomorrow
Contact Best Plumbing & Electric today to extend fixture lifespan and improve efficiency with high-quality plumbing maintenance!