Your Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Ultimate Checklist for Plumbing Maintenance

Keeping the plumbing in your household working efficiently can definitely be a challenge. Be sure to stay on top of the different problems which can arise at any time. In addition to avoiding the hassle, preventing these problems before they occur will save your wallet a lot of money by not needing repairs! Follow along with Joe the Plumber

1. Fix dripping faucet

Compression faucets are often prone to leaking, especially older ones. No matter what room in the house, it’s best to repair the leak as soon as it starts, regardless of how tiny the drip is. When it goes unfixed, even the smallest water leak is able to cause the build-up of mold.

Additionally, the leaks can increase in size and frequency. If there is a visible leak, this could also mean there’s leaking somewhere you can’t see. Have it checked out immediately so repairs can be made. If you are in the Northwest Houston, Katy, The Woodlands area or Cypress, Texas, contact Joe the Plumber for your repairs! 281-306-5846

2. Slow draining sinks

Over time, material accumulates in bathroom and kitchen sinks that can cause the drainage to slow down. The most common culprits are food or hair, although there are plenty of other particles which can cause blockage. Fix the problem of your sinks draining slowly by picking up a zip-it drain cleaning tool that can be found on Amazon or your nearest hardware store. Another easy DIY fix is to mix vinegar and baking soda, then it pour it down to clear out random debris and get the drain flowing again.

3. Increase water pressure

Low water pressure is always annoying. This problem typically occurs because of a faucet aerator containing mineral build-ups that are doing the clogging. As simple as it sounds, some Lime-A-Way or a similar product will likely do the trick. Follow Lime-A-Way instructions by letting the faucet aerator sit in the liquid, removing the minerals. Reapply and voila! Joe the plumber offers a variety of plumbing services, reach out to our professionals today to get a free quote.

4. High water pressure

Some people are delicate and don’t prefer their water pressure being too high. Plus, high water pressure can be a safety hazard. If this is the case, use a water pressure gauge to accurately determine the levels. Once you’re sure the pressure is in fact higher than normal, switch out the regulator. Avoid a huge mess and prolong the stability of your plumbing by resolving this issue sooner rather than later.

5. Toilet water keeps running

Toilets running at the wrong times can be costly for your water bill. If wiggling the handle temporarily solves the problem, then the time has come to install a replacement. Luckily, the issue is probably the chain or seal, which is cheap and easy to fix. If you suspect this is a problem but aren’t sure, apply a couple drops of food coloring to the water inside the tank. Check later on, and if the water inside the bowl is now colored, you know the toilet is running when it shouldn’t. Have the problem fixed! Learn how to save money on water bills.

6. Sink is leaking

Leaky sinks are never fun. Open up the cabinets underneath the sink and check for moisture. After you pinpoint where the leaking is coming from, you will know which pipe to either replace or patch up. Once again, fixing the tiny leaks before they turn into big leaks will spare you further damage.

7. Garbage disposal leaks

One of the most frequent plumbing problems in homes comes from garbage disposals. If you don’t have the manual handy, check the make and model, then find it online via a quick internet search. Another clever idea is to inspect for leaks periodically even when everything is working as its supposed to.

8. Prevent drain clogs

Sewage clogs can cause horrible smells and put a huge damper on everyone’s appetite. Always be careful what gets put into the sewage system—this means watching what goes down the drain or gets flushed down the toilet. Sewage problems are usually on the costlier side to repair. If any signs crop up, have them checked out immediately. Dealing with drain clogs is never fun. Read our post about combating these types of issues.
Putting off residential plumbing repairs

If there’s a theme here, it’s to always prevent problems before they get out of hand. Procrastinating on repairs that need to be made is understandable, but in the long run will result in substantially bigger expenses for homeowners. Your house is the ultimate investment…protect it.

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