There are no two ways around it: you can’t skimp on maintaining your home’s plumbing system. One overlooked leak or failure to inspect your plumbing annually might be the difference between a small issue and something that warrants a call to your homeowner’s insurance.
It’s entirely possible to have a small leak that is initially undetectable. Over time, this can lead to much larger issues, especially when leaks are inside your walls. Fortunately, you can take a proactive approach to plumbing maintenance and keep on top of your plumbing with an annual checklist.
Plumbing maintenance services work to prevent a variety of issues from occurring, catching minor issues before they turn into large-scale events inside your home. Unsure of what to look for? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Complete Plumbing Inspection?
This means enlisting the help of trained professionals who are adept at studying your home’s plumbing. By working with a trained, licensed plumber, you’ll have peace of mind as they inspect for:
- Wear and tear
- Possible blockages
- Leaking pipes and damaged appliances
They’ll also look for any signs of corrosion. This is especially important for pipes inside walls, as you don’t want to risk a possible leak leading to dangerous mold growth.
Plumbers will inspect areas beneath your sink(s), along with other areas of your home. This includes:
- Toilets
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
And any other potentially damp parts of your home.
They’ll also inspect:
- HVAC units
- Water heaters
- Water softeners
If you notice anything suspicious, such as dampness, discolored ceilings, or even an increase in your water bill, alert your plumber immediately.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Drains!
Every day, a variety of hair, food, and other particles go down your home’s drains. You never know what might cause a clog, and since drain cleaning products (like Drano) contain harmful chemicals that are dangerous for your family, the environment, and your pipes, it’s important to have plumbers inspect these parts of your home, safely and effectively removing clogs.
When working with a professional plumber, they’ll use chemical-free tools to remove any clogs.
Always Inspect Your Water Heater
Water heaters can cost thousands to replace, which is why you should inspect them for potential problems before they arise.
When a professional plumber visits your home, they’ll check your water heater to see if there are signs of corrosion, along with checking the temperature settings. This is especially important if you have children in the home.
Should you notice an increase in your home’s energy bill, the water heater might be to blame. A thorough inspection should tell you if you need a new water heater.
You can also ask your plumber to routinely flush your water heater tank, as this works to remove any mineral deposit that can affect how well your unit works and lead to costly plumbing repairs.
Check Appliances and Fixtures
Your plumber should inspect all the fixtures and appliances in your home. This includes:
- Showerheads, as they can have mineral buildup
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Any other faucets in your home
Another part of cost-effective plumbing solutions includes an outdoor plumbing system checkup.
Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
Another part of routine plumbing inspections includes pipe maintenance. This means checking your drinking water for signs of lead from old pipes and replacing them if necessary. After they analyze your drinking water, plumbers can come up with a plan to correct any issues.
Other residential plumbing services include installing water filters and water softeners as needed to help reduce the amount of calcium and magnesium commonly found in hard water. This can affect faucets, so always have your plumber check your drinking water.
Routine Sump Pump Maintenance
To avoid emergency plumbing services, have your trusted plumber inspect your sump pump or French drain annually or at the first sign of issues. If you live in an area with heavy precipitation then you need this routine maintenance to check for clogs. A plumber will also check that your sump pumps work correctly, as this can prevent damage to the basement and crawlspaces if there is a flood.
Always Invest in Annual Plumbing Maintenance Services
If you’re due for annual plumbing maintenance services, don’t hesitate to contact your trusted plumber. By delaying these necessary inspections of your home’s appliances, faucets, pipes, and more, you can prevent plumbing issues before they arise and even save money on your utility bills.
Out the Door Plumbing is devoted to its residential and commercial customers alike, providing excellent customer service. We offer leak detection, drain and sewer line assistance, a wide variety of plumbing services, and more. Contact us today for the best plumbers around in Raleigh, NC!
