Plumbing maintenance can help maintain a healthy home. It promotes the smooth operation of the plumbing system and prevents mold growth and water damage. The following plumbing maintenance tips from Travis Crawford Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can improve the plumbing system’s functionality in your Concord, Gastonia, or Huntersville home.
1. Check for Leaks
Checking your water meter allows you to identify leaks. Turn off water in your faucets, the washing machine, and the dishwasher. Watch the meter and note if the readings change. If readings are new after some time, it indicates leakages and necessitates a leak detection service. Failure to attend to water leaks can cause paint damage on walls, the warping of wooden cabinets and flooring, and unpleasant odors.
2. Inspect Your Water Heater
While professional water heater repair is crucial in Fort Mills, SC, you can perform basic water heater maintenance tasks between each professional visit to minimize future plumbing issues. Adjust your temperature settings, conduct water pressure testing, and check for leaks. To extend the lifespan of your water heater and save gallons of water, schedule routine professional inspections. Our team of experts will identify potential issues and address them promptly.
3. Clear Slow Drains
Slow drains involve water moving sluggishly down the drainage system. They are caused by the accumulation of grease, hair, and food waste in the drains, which results in partial clogs. A few slow drain solutions can benefit your Rock Hill or Charlotte Metro home plumbing system. You can use a rubber plunger to unclog a drain and pour dish detergent and hot water. Seek Travis Crawford Heating, Cooling and Plumbing’s professional drain cleaning services regularly to clear clogged drains.
4. Test Your Water Pressure
Maintaining water pressure shields your plumbing system from wearing out prematurely from excessive force. A pressure gauge tests water pressure. During the testing process, turn off all water sources, attach the pressure gauge to a faucet, and turn on the water supply. The optimal PSI reading falls between 40 and 60. Adjusting water pressure helps maintain water pressure safety. For the adjustment, find the pressure regulator valve near the main water line supply and turn the screw located at the top of the valve.
5. Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Turn off your unit during garbage disposal cleaning and run it at least once daily to keep it in good working order. Avoid harsh chemicals and other items that can damage the pipes and the garbage disposal system. If the garbage disposal malfunctions, it impacts regular kitchen activities. Common issues include humming and leaking. Humming indicates that the inner flywheel is jammed, and you must remove the obstruction.
6. Prevent Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop in Charlotte, keeping your pipes warm is important for frozen pipe prevention. Insulate your exposed pipes in the attic and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures. If the pipes freeze, wrap an electric heating pad around them or use a portable space heater to thaw them. Apply heat until you restore the full water pressure.
7. Maintain Your Sump Pump
A sump pump prevents basement flooding by removing accumulated water and draining it into a detention pond. When testing, pour water into the sump pit and wait for it to be discharged. Professional sump pump maintenance keeps the system functional for a long time.
8. Know The Location of Your Main Water Valve
An essential aspect of our home plumbing guide is knowing the location of the main water shutoff valve. This is essential to prevent water waste and flooding in case of leaks. If your home has a ball valve, turn the lever to a perpendicular position with the rest of the pipe. For a gate valve, turn the handle clockwise until it stops moving.
9. Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
Plumbing maintenance is more effective with professional plumbing inspection. An annual plumbing inspection helps identify issues with your plumbing system, combat bad smells, and improve the efficiency of water usage. During inspections, our plumbers look for signs of corrosion, damage, and wear and apply the necessary fixes.
FAQs
How Often Should I Check My Home for Plumbing Leaks?
To prevent plumbing leaks from worsening, it is best to check for plumbing leaks immediately after you notice signs like low water pressure and dripping sounds.
Why Is My Water Pressure Low, and How Can I Fix It?
Low water pressure is caused by clogged or leaking pipes. Some effective solutions include flushing the pipes, cleaning showerheads and aerators, and pipe descaling.
When Should I Call a Professional Plumber for Maintenance?
Many plumbing systems require a minimum maintenance frequency of at least once per year. Contact our professional plumbers at Travis Crawford Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for maintenance during annual inspections, frequent clogs, low water pressure, visible leaks, water heater issues, sewer odors, slow drains, high water bills, frozen pipes, and when planning renovations.
