It’s a new year so what better time to get on a yearly maintenance schedule? Whether or not you will be going to the gym, keeping your home in good shape is a goal everyone should have. And you can still eat all of the carbs you want!

Regular preventative plumbing maintenance can save thousands of dollars on repairs. With a minimal amount of effort, you can keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape.

2018 PLUMBING MAINTENANCE RESOLUTIONS

Sure, plumbing probably is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about New Year’s resolutions. But if you are a homeowner, maintaining your home should be near the top of your list. Since plumbing systems play a huge part in all areas of the home, a maintenance plan is critical. To get your 2018 off on the right foot and avoid costly repairs, follow these ten plumbing maintenance tips:

  1. Avoid getting things like hair, cooking oils or coffee grounds down the drains in your home. Buy mesh covers for drains in both the kitchen and the bathroom. This simple step will go a long way toward avoiding clogs (the number one reason people end up having to call a plumber.)

  1. Have the right tools on hand. One of the biggest pieces of advice we have for homeowners wanting to be proactive about their plumbing is to tackle any issues as soon as possible. The most practical way to do that is to be prepared to handle small plumbing repairs yourself by having a plunger, pliers and a wrench at the ready.

  1. That being said, the tools are only useful if you know how to use them. If you are not already overly familiar with how to do simple repairs like clearing a clog near a drain or tightening up a leaky pipe, take some time to read through our blogs, as well as some additional sources such as Popular Mechanics and HGTV for tutorials.

  1. While it is great to be empowered to handle small plumbing repairs yourself, you also need to know when to call a professional plumber. If there is a plumbing repair that you do not have time for or that is beyond your capabilities, getting a pro out to your house is imperative. Even small issues become large issues as time goes on when it comes to plumbing!

  1. Consider installing a water softener. Phoenix and the surrounding area is notorious for hard water. Over time, that hard water can lead to mineral buildup inside pipes. A water softener will not only improve the taste and quality of your water, but could save you tons of money over time by helping avoid costly plumbing repairs. Water softeners are also easier on your clothing, which can save you money in that regard, as well.

  1. Make efficiency a priority. Whether you are motivated by your wallet or the environmental impact, installing more efficient fixtures like faucets and toilets is never a bad idea.

  1. Take some time to glance at your home’s interior and exterior to see if you notice any signs that there may be a plumbing leak. Inside the house, this may mean the sound of running water when the water is not on, warped tiles or other signs of water damage. Outside of the house, you may notice standing water that attracts bugs or, in less severe instances, simply new vegetation growing somewhere it does not normally grow. Similarly, if you notice drastic changes in your utility bills, it warrants some more looking into. Unexplained changes could be explained by leaks somewhere in your plumbing lines.

  1. Pour boiling water down the drains to help clear out any hair or other debris that may have accidentally made it down the drain. This may sound overly simple, and it is. Making this part of your normal routine can help avoid bigger issues and bigger costs down the road.

  1. While hot water is great for keeping clogs in the pipes at bay, some chemicals can do more harm than good. Do not put anything down your drains – even if it is marketed specifically for that purpose – without talking to a professional. Many of the “drain cleaners” on the market will corrode pipes. Depending on what exactly is in the concoction and the types of pipes you have, you could do a lot of damage.

  1. Hopefully you have been following most of these tips already. But if you have not been as vigilant as you should, learn more about services like hydro jetting that can give your pipes a clean slate, so to speak. A thorough cleaning is great for your pipes and your peace of mind. Using water applied with indirect pressure, this process eliminates all forms of debris and buildup. It is particularly popular for people who deal with frequent clogs, but more people are realizing the benefit to having hydro jetting done as a preventative measure as well. Regularly scheduled hydro jetting services will ensure the longevity of your pipes, keeping them in pristine condition. Further, if you are regularly having this service done, it also means that you have the benefit of an extra set of eyes trained to look for potential plumbing problems.

To help avoid major plumbing issues this year, it’s important to follow these maintenance steps. Getting a regular schedule going can help save thousands in costly repairs down the line. It’s also worth having a professional come out and evaluate your plumbing system if you haven’t had one out in awhile. The little cost of an evaluation could be worth the peace of mind knowing that your plumbing is in good, working condition.

Concerned that you may already have a plumbing issue? Have a question regarding your plumbing or want to make an upgrade to a part of the system ASAP? Whatever the situation, please do not hesitate to reach out. We have decades of plumbing experience and no job is too big or too small! From a leaky sink to trenchless sewer repair, we have seen and done it all. And did you know that all of our work is guaranteed? Check out our reviews to see for yourself.