Does my plumbing system really require maintenance?

This is a common question that many homeowners have, and the answer is most definitely YES!  Maintaining your home’s plumbing system is a must to keep everything in working condition and prevent larger issues down the road.  We have the luxury of clean, drinkable water at our fingertips, along with proper waste disposal.  (Almost half of the world’s population does not have these luxuries that have become so second nature to us, we can sometimes take them for granted.)  But, when there is a problem we are very quickly reminded of how important indoor plumbing is!

Water heaters – Arguably one of the most important appliances in your home (especially on these cold winter days!)  Without regular flushes and maintenance, the internal components of your water heater can start to malfunction, or the bottom of the tank can begin to rust out.  This can shorten the life of your water heater, leave you without hot water, or even flood your home.  Regular maintenance can keep your unit operating properly, prolong its life and also ensure that your manufacturer’s warranty stays valid (they can void it if you haven’t kept up with their recommended maintenance). 

Leaks – Unattended leaks can damage your home and in extreme cases cause mold issues.  They can also waste water, leading to higher water bills (in addition to depleting a precious resource!).  As a homeowner, there is a lot you can do to prevent leaks:

• Make sure any drafty or exposed areas are insulated to prevent freezing pipes
• Do a periodic visual inspection of your piping in the crawlspace and your fixtures
• If you call a plumber for any other reason – ask if they can also do a quick once over, or complete a maintenance checklist to alert you to any issues. They look at pipes ALL day so they can certainly identify any areas of concern. (Just be sure to let the plumber know ahead of time, when you call to schedule service.  Most plumbers are on a tight schedule so if you wait until they show up, they may not have time to complete additional items without being late for their next call – this is one of your plumber's top pet peeves!)

Keeping an eye out for these smaller issues, can prevent them from turning into emergencies.  In an emergency situation, not only will most plumbers will charge you higher rates, but availability could be limited (particularly during cold snaps), and damage could occur to your home. 

And lastly, the #1 item you should take from this blog post, know where your shut off valves are located!  Click here for help in identifying them, or call your favorite plumber.