Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

Drip, drip, drip. Hearing that sound isn’t pleasant, and it usually means costly fixes for your plumbing. But fear not! Taking care of your pipes isn’t as hard as you might think. With a bit of preventive plumbing maintenance, you can steer clear of common issues like leaks and clogs. Here are some easy tips to help you out:

Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Watch What Goes Down the Toilet

Only flush toilet paper and waste. Items like hair, food scraps, and wipes—even the ones labeled “flushable”—can clog your drains and cause big problems. Consider installing a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris before it reaches your pipes.

Check for Toilet Leaks

Look for water pooling around the base of your toilet or dripping from under the tank. These could be signs of a leak that needs fixing. You can also test for leaks using food coloring in the tank. Don’t ignore even small leaks, as they can lead to bigger issues over time.

Fix Leaky Faucets and Showerheads

Leaks waste water and money. Check your faucets and showerheads regularly for leaks and get them fixed promptly. Sometimes, a simple replacement of washers or O-rings can stop the leak.

Inspect Appliances for Leaks

Keep an eye out for water stains or puddles around appliances like the washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater. Follow maintenance guidelines to catch and fix leaks early. Consider installing water leak detectors near appliances for added protection.

Be Careful with Your Garbage Disposal

Avoid putting fibrous foods, grease, coffee grounds, and other items that can damage your disposal or clog your drains. Run cold water for a few seconds right before and right after using the disposal in order to flush the waste down the drain.

Keep Drains Clear

Use a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to clear slow drains. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can harm your pipes. Regularly remove hair and debris from sink and shower drains to prevent clogs.

Inspect Your Sewer Drains

Have a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach inspect your sewer drains annually to catch any blockages before they cause damage. Consider scheduling a sewer line camera inspection to identify potential issues early.

Check Your Water Pressure

High water pressure can damage your pipes, while low pressure can be inconvenient. Test your water pressure and consider installing a pressure regulator if needed. High-pressure can lead to burst pipes, while low-pressure can affect the efficiency of your appliances.

Flush Your Water Heater

Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment build-up and prolong its lifespan. This will improve heating efficiency and prevent corrosion inside the tank. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe flushing.

Shut off Outdoor Fixtures

Before freezing temperatures start, shut off and drain outdoor fixtures like hoses and sprinkler systems. Disconnect hoses and store them indoors to prevent freezing and damage. Consider insulating outdoor faucets for added protection.

Create A Plumbing Maintenance Schedule

Make a list of plumbing tasks and schedule them on your calendar to ensure nothing gets overlooked. Include tasks like checking for leaks, testing water pressure, and flushing the water heater. Regular plumbing maintenance will help prevent costly plumbing repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.

Don’t Hesitate to Call a Professional

If you encounter a plumbing issue you can’t handle, don’t hesitate to call a professional Myrtle Beach plumber for help. Attempting DIY repairs on complex plumbing systems can lead to further damage and higher repair costs. A licensed plumber has the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix problems correctly. Keep these plumbing maintenance tips in mind to keep your home in top shape and avoid costly repairs down the line!