Plumbing Maintenance

1. Create a Maintenance Schedule

So, how do you create a preventive maintenance schedule? The first step in creating an effective maintenance plan is ensuring that you are clear on what exactly you need to do, how often you do it, and the tools that will be required.

2. Check Appliances for Water Leaks

Look around your water heater, refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, and HVAC unit for signs of a water leak. While at it, check your appliance hoses for cracks that could lead to leakages. Don’t wait until your laundry room or kitchen floods to take action.

3. Fix Leaking Taps and Showerheads

Did you know that a drip of water every two seconds from a leaking faucet wastes over 3,000 gallons of water in a year? Check the faucets and showerheads and fix any leaks before they turn into a significant problem.

4. Clean the Showerhead

We often get calls from homeowners who complain about low water pressure in the shower, and most cases turn out to be mineral deposits on the showerhead. These sediments block the holes of your showerhead, which puts a strain on your water heater. Cleaning your water heater with vinegar and baking soda is pretty simple and very effective.

5. Fix Clogged Drains

Vinegar and baking soda are also very effective when it comes to unclogging drains in your house. Make it a habit to pour vinegar and baking soda down your kitchen drain once a month or when the water is backing up and bubbling. Don’t hesitate to call a plumber for a routine maintenance check if a clog gets out of hand.

6. Only Flush What Can Be Flushed

Flushing hair, grease, and plastics down the drain is a bad idea. While this might seem obvious, it isn’t. Flushing down products that aren’t flushable is the leading cause of toilet clogs. To be on the safe side, only flush your bodily business and toilet paper and nothing else (even if labeled flushable). If you have younger children, several measures you can put in place to discourage your kids from clogging your toilet include: Also, you should avoid pouring acidic or reactive solutions down your sink drains, as they could accelerate the wear and tear of your pipes.

7. Fix Running Toilets

Still, on toilets, what are you supposed to do when you have a leaking toilet? First of all, check if the handle or tank stopper is the cause of the problem. If it’s not, and your toilet is gurgling, the seal around your toilet’s valve seat is probably faulty. The seal decays over time because of mineral deposits, and installing a new rubber flapper may fix the problem.

8. Check Your Water Pressure

Water pressure is essentially how much force is coming out of your showerheads and faucets. While low water pressure isn’t ideal, high water pressure isn’t either, as it puts a strain on your faucets and pipes, which could result in a burst. By adding a pressure regulator, you will maintain your water pressure at a safe level.

9. Pipe Insulation

Do you live in a colder area and experience fluctuating water pressure in the winter? The culprit is probably frozen pipes. Insulation prevents water from freezing in your pipes, which might lead to a pipe burst.

10. Inspect Your Sewer Drains

Yes, it would help if you had a maintenance schedule for your sewer pipes too. Ensure that your sewer pipes are checked every six months for blockages and tree roots. Our plumbers at Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter should snake the drain and remove any blockages before they can cause any damage.

11. Clean Your Water Heater

You should completely drain your water heater to remove sediment semi-annually to keep it running for a long time. Over time sediment accumulates in your water heater, making it less effective.

12. Repair Plumbing Issues Immediately

When it comes to plumbing, always fix the problem while it’s still tiny. Sometimes, you may need a repair after checking your plumbing fixtures to keep them maintained. While some of these repairs are do-it-yourself, others may call for more expertise. If you are looking for Conejo Valley plumbers you can trust, Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter is here for you.