Maintaining your plumbing system year-round is essential for the smooth functioning of your home. A well-maintained plumbing system ensures that water flows correctly through pipes, faucets don’t leak, and toilets flush properly. Here are some tips to help you keep your plumbing system in top shape all year round.
Firstly, it’s crucial to know the location of your main water shut-off valve. In case of a major leak or pipe burst, you need to be able to turn off the water supply quickly to prevent further damage. The shut-off valve is usually located near the water meter or where the main service line enters your house.
Secondly, regular inspection of exposed pipes and appliances for leaks is important. Small leaks can lead to significant problems if not addressed promptly. Look out for wet spots on walls or ceilings as they could indicate hidden leaks inside them. If you find any signs of leakage, call a professional plumber san jose immediately.
Another tip is keeping drains clear from blockages caused by food particles, hair strands or other debris. Avoid pouring oils and fats down kitchen sinks as they solidify when cooled and can cause clogs over time. For bathroom drains, use drain covers to catch hair and soap scum.
Insulating pipes during winter months is another key aspect of maintaining your plumbing system year-round. When temperatures drop below freezing point, unprotected pipes can freeze causing them to crack or burst due to pressure buildup from frozen water inside them. Pipe insulation sleeves are readily available at hardware stores and are easy-to-install solutions for this problem.
Regular maintenance checks by professional plumbers should also be part of your yearly routine especially if you live in an older property with aging plumbing systems susceptible to corrosion and wear-and-tear issues like rusted pipes or worn-out seals in fixtures.
Water heaters require special attention too as sediment build-up at their bottom reduces heating efficiency leading higher energy costs while shortening its lifespan considerably needing premature replacement which could be expensive. It’s recommended to drain and flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment build-up.
Lastly, be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. Avoid flushing non-degradable items like baby wipes, cotton swabs or feminine hygiene products as they can cause severe blockages in sewer lines leading to costly repairs.
Following these tips can help maintain your plumbing system year-round ensuring it performs optimally while reducing potential problems and saving on repair costs. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to plumbing issues so make sure you stay proactive with regular checks and maintenance routines for your home’s plumbing system.
The Plumbing Company and Rooter Inc.
14874 Acton Dr, San Jose, California 95124
408-539-5831
