Plumbing disasters usually come out of nowhere and make a huge mess. Not to mention, they cost a fortune to fix up. Worst of all, most of these plumbing problems are totally avoidable! All you’ve got to do is regular plumbing maintenance. 

This helps you identify any problems before they turn into something serious. It also lets you clean out your plumbing system, making your plumbing work better for longer. 

Keep reading to learn about some things you should do as part of your yearly plumbing maintenance!

Check for Leaks

Leaks are usually the result of something loosening or wearing down over time. Most often it’s pipes that don’t connect as well as they’re supposed to or washers and flappers that are loose. 

Do a full check for leaks and plug or fix any that you find. Read here for more information about how to find leaks in your home. 

Clear All Drains

You don’t have to wait for your drains to clog up before you clear them. Routine drain cleaning helps clear out your drains before they start slowing down. 

If water is flowing out of your drains more slowly than normal, then you’ve definitely got the start of a clog forming. After drain cleaning, make sure to check that any clogs are cleared. 

To clean your drains, first snake them to remove any hair and other debris. From there you can use a store-bought drain cleaner. These cleaners are usually made with strong chemicals, so follow the instructions carefully. 

For preventative drain maintenance, you can add drain covers to catch any hair and dirt from going down your drains in the first place. 

Clean Taps and Shower Heads

There are minerals in the water flowing out our taps. This can lead to mineral build up in the aerators of your taps and shower heads. If the build up gets thick enough it can even alter the water pressure. 

Take your taps and shower heads apart to remove the aerators, and soak them in vinegar for a few hours. If possible, leave them overnight. Scrub away any residue and place them back into the taps and shower heads, and they should work like new. 

Geyser Maintenance

Geysers also experience mineral buildup. Depending on the make and design of your geyser, there will be different maintenance tasks to perform. 

For some geysers, you’ll flush the water tank. This clears out all the sediment that’s collected at the bottom of the tank. For geysers where this isn’t possible, you should change or clean the filters. 

While annual maintenance is important, it’s also good to service your geyser every three to four years. 

Professional Inspection

If you’re not in the habit of an annual plumbing maintenance check, then you might run into bigger problems on your first attempt. This is why it’s best to hire a professional plumber to do a full plumbing inspection for the first year. 

This way they can deal with any big problems and set you on the right path, and you can handle the maintenance from there. You can also ask for guidance from the professional to take you through performing your own checks and maintenance. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Maintenance

What should I do annually to look after my plumbing system?

It’s best to do the following at least once a year:

• Check for leaks
• Clear all drains
• Clean taps and shower heads
• Service geysers and drain water tanks
• Get a professional inspection

It’s recommended that you do all of these things around the same time, so you don’t miss anything. This also makes it easier to track when you did your maintenance. 

Do I have to do this maintenance every year?

Maintenance is most effective when you’re doing it regularly. Performing maintenance once a year is the simplest option, but you can do it more regularly if you want. It’s never wasted to be vigilant.

But it isn’t wise to leave a gap of much longer than once every year. This means your plumbing is going too long without maintenance which increases the chance of problems forming. 

What if I find problems in my plumbing system?

This depends on the scope of the problem. Small plumbing issues are usually fixable, as long as you do some research to make sure you do it properly. 

But if you want to avoid any missteps and make sure it’s done correctly, it’s best to hire a professional. They’re also your best bet for any bigger problems you find. 

Performing Yearly Plumbing Maintenance

If you go through this checklist once a year, your plumbing system is going to be much better for it. You’ll be able to see and fix problems when they’re still small, instead of being caught off guard in emergencies. 

Make sure you’re checking for leaks, clearing drains, cleaning taps and shower heads, and flushing and servicing your geyser. If you’re ever in doubt, get a professional inspection. 

Contact us for all your home maintenance needs!