A Homeowner’s Guide to Proactive Plumbing Maintenance

California homeowners face severe weather conditions that cause various plumbing issues. From damaged pipes to overflowing sewers, these climate-related problems can lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly and correctly. Through preventative plumbing maintenance, however, you can keep your home safe and sound – no matter the weather.

A-1 Total Service Plumbing is here to shed light on preventative home checks and to keep homeowners in the know about what they should look out for in their plumbing systems. By being more informed, costly appliance damage and other frustrating complications can be avoided.

How Should You Go About Proactive Maintenance?

A foolproof plumbing maintenance plan consists of three specific inspection periods: annual, quarterly, and monthly. Following this routine ensures that all essential plumbing components remain in top condition and even the most minor issues are addressed before they wreak havoc in your home.

Proactive Plumbing Maintenance Tasks by Period

  • Annual: Water heater inspection and flushing; kitchen line inspection and cleanout; sewer line inspection and cleanout
  • Quarterly: Water pressure inspection and any necessary adjustments
  • Monthly: Thorough inspection of showers, sinks, and bathtubs for leaks, signs of water damage, and mold & mildew growth

Prevent Plumbing Emergencies by Detecting Early Signs

Your senses of smell, sight, sound, and touch can aid you in detecting early signs of plumbing issues in your home. Conducting casual inspections in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room can help you identify any peculiar odors or changes in temperature that could be attributed to a larger problem occurring behind the scenes. Additionally, if you notice that your sink is draining slowly or that your floors are becoming increasingly cold, then it’s likely time to bring in a professional plumber.

Plumbing Tasks That Should Be Entrusted to a Professional

DIY projects are all the hype these days, but some plumbing-related tasks are best left to professionals. It’s essential to understand which jobs require more technical know-how than what you possess as an amateur handyman or woman.

A few examples include:

  • Thorough water pressure testing.
  • Flushing your water heater (whether you own a traditional tank model or a tankless unit).
  • Performing repairs or replacements.

A lot can go wrong during these complex procedures, and opting to hire a licensed plumber can help to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

At A-1 Total Service Plumbing, we encourage homeowners to become more informed about their plumbing systems. By engaging in proactive maintenance and always being on the lookout for early signs of plumbing emergencies, costly repairs can be avoided with ease. Contact us today to learn more.