Your plumbing system is in charge of supplying fresh and heated water within your home. It can be easy for homeowners to take this facility for granted and realize its importance when malfunctions occur. Thankfully, it is easy to avoid plumbing issues with some basic maintenance.

Regular plumbing maintenance will allow you to avoid malfunctions and enhance your plumbing system's lifespan. We have compiled a list of expert plumbing maintenance tips to help you maintain the health of your plumbing system and avoid unexpected problems.

6 Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Below are six plumbing maintenance tips from experts that can help you enhance the lifespan of your plumbing system and ensure proper functionality.

1. Keep an Eye Out for Water leaks

According to experts, one of the key aspects of plumbing maintenance is to look for leaks regularly and, if found, address them immediately. Undetected water leaks are the most common culprits behind major plumbing issues like structural damage, mold growth, and pest infestations. These issues may cause you to spend thousands of dollars on repairs, and lead to health complications like allergies and asthma triggers.

To look for water leaks, begin by inspecting the visible components of your plumbing system, e.g., faucets, fixtures, and pipes. Next, turn off all water faucets within your home and study your meter. If you detect activity on your meter, that signals a water leak. You can also listen closely for sounds of dripping or running water from pipes located underground or within walls. By regularly conducting these tasks, you can proactively detect and address any plumbing problems before they progress to complex issues.

2. Inspect Water Heaters

Water heater inspections and maintenance are critical to ensure proper functioning and a lengthy lifespan. Water heater issues can cause significant discomfort to homeowners, especially during winter when hot running water is necessary for a comfortable living experience. One major step in maintenance is to drain your water heater annually. This will allow you to terminate sediment buildup.

Furthermore, inspecting your water heater's pressure relief valve is important since this component releases excess pressure from your water heater and prevents tank explosions. While at it, also take some time to inspect your tank's connections for signs of leaks or corrosion. Call a reliable emergency plumbing service provider to conduct timely repairs if you detect any issues.

3. Invest in Pipe Insulators

Frozen pipes are a common issue that homeowners face in the winter months. When the water within pipes freezes due to low temperatures, it can exert excessive pressure on the pipes, causing them to burst eventually. Burst pipes can cause catastrophic damage to a home's structure, flooring, and furniture, resulting in you having to spend an unimaginable amount of money on repairs.

Investing in pipe insulators ensures your water pipes are protected from freezing temperatures during winter. Pipe insulators usually come in the form of foam coverings that act as protective barriers. These insulators cost a fraction of what you would spend on repairs in case of burst frozen pipes. Therefore, investing in them can allow you to ensure your water pipes longevity, and protect them from damage during winter months.

Important note! Pipe insulators can help homeowners reduce their heating bills. Proper insulation keeps the water within pipes from reaching freezing temperatures, which can help lower the stress on your water heaters. When water heaters don't have to work hard to heat water, they use less energy – decreasing utility bills. 

4. Test the Toilet

Toilet maintenance is an often overlooked aspect of plumbing maintenance. However, homeowners must regularly inspect their toilets to ensure proper functionality. A malfunctioning toilet can lead to issues like blockages, overflowing toilet bowls, and the inability of toilets to empty the bowl. Most of these issues are connected to faulty valves. If left unaddressed, they can damage the structure of your home and cause destructive leaks, and increase your water bills.

When conducting toilet inspections, determine if blockages are common in your home and look for signs of clogs, dysfunctional flushing mechanisms, and sounds of running water when the toilet is not in use. If you detect any issues, try to investigate the cause or call a professional plumber to conduct investigations and repairs.

5. Maintain Drains

Drain maintenance plays a critical role in helping ensure the smooth flow of water through your plumbing system. Regular drain maintenance can prevent major inconveniences like clogged drains and water leaks. Firstly you want to be mindful of what you put into your drain. Certain liquids like grease, food waste, and other items can significantly damage your drain by developing into blockages. Hence, always dispose of these materials properly.

Moreover, add drain covers over your drains to catch food waste, hair, and other debris from entering the drains. These incredibly inexpensive tools can help you save thousands of dollars that would have otherwise been spent on costly repairs. To maintain your drains, pour boiling water over your drains at least once every month to help dissolve any buildup. You can also use vinegar or baking soda solutions for this purpose. Moreover, if you notice any clogs, take prompt action by using drain plungers to unclog them or call a professional plumber to address the issue.

6. Turn to the Professionals

Professional plumbers have years of knowledge and experience in getting plumbing issues that others might overlook. This is why having your plumbing system inspected by professionals at least once a year is important. Professional plumbers will bring specialized equipment to test your plumbing system's integrity and health and help you detect and address any issues before they aggravate. Having your plumbing system inspected by professionals will give you peace of mind that your home's plumbing is well-maintained and functioning properly.

We recommend choosing Mesa Plumbing Company for regular plumbing inspections and repairs if you live in Arizona cities like Mesa, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Sun Lakes. At Mesa Plumbing Company, we believe in offering high-quality services to our clients. We have years of experience helping homeowners maintain their plumbing systems and can help do the same for you. So what are you waiting for? Dial (480) 832-1660 now to learn more about our affordable plumbing services.