Are you experiencing frequent leaks on your pipes? Have to get up at night to check if your toilet’s clogged? These problems are directly linked to your home’s plumbing system. It’s one of the essential parts of your home that supplies your needs, from food preparation to sewer maintenance.
Despite the importance of household plumbing, many homeowners remain uneducated about the condition and intervention required for their own plumbing system. Typically, they only call a plumber during a plumbing emergency. However, you should inspect your plumbing system from time to time, which is discussed in detail in this article.
Ideally, How Often Should You Get Your Plumbing Checked?
A plumbing inspection is a preventative measure that checks the condition of your plumbing system. For the most part, most homes will benefit from a general plumbing inspection every two years. The inspection involves the following procedures:
- Checking the pipes for cracks and leaks
- Inspecting water flow and pressure in sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs
- Examining drains, supply lines, valves, and vents for blockage, corrosion, and other issues
- Investigating appliances and fixtures for proper connections, damage, or leaks
- Inspecting the water heating system
- Checking the sump pump and discharge
Depending on your plumber’s services, the list could be longer. To ensure you’re getting the most from the plumbing inspection, you may check out some helpful tips online so you’ll hire the right plumbing service provider.
However, a plumbing inspection every two years isn’t ideal for every home, mainly if there are issues out of your control. For example, if your neighborhood frequently experiences problems with the sewer line, you might need to call your plumber more often. Also, if trees are in your yard or on the sidewalk, you’ll need a professional to check if the roots are damaging your pipes.
Moreover, homes over 40 years old are encouraged to be checked routinely at least once or twice a year, as multiple components could be degrading. Also, it’s important to check if there are any unhealthy elements in your water.
Most importantly, you’ll need an inspection when unusual plumbing problems arise in your home, such as an unexplained increase in water bills, sudden increase or decrease of water pressure, discolored or smelly water, and unusual sounds coming from the pipes. It’s discouraged to perform DIY repairs as you’re more likely to worsen the issue.
Getting a professional plumbing inspection doesn’t mean you shouldn’t observe your plumbing on your own. As a homeowner, you should be responsible for taking care of your plumbing system and doing some daily, weekly, and seasonal maintenance and regular inspections yourself, which are elaborated below:
1. For Daily Inspection
Daily maintenance and inspection are beneficial to clog control. Clogs are one of the most common household plumbing issues and, when left unchecked, can become a plumbing disaster. Checking your drains for anything that can cause clogs is a simple preventative measure you can follow daily in your kitchen and bathroom drains.
For your kitchen sink, avoid throwing any fibrous or stringy food down your disposal as they’re notorious for causing clogs. Also, don’t put cooking oil, fat, and grease down the sink as they congeal in the pipes and block water flow.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, you should be more wary of what bath products you use, as bath oils and creams that moisturize your skin are harmful to drains as they can attract other debris and cling to pipes. Also, only flush toilet paper and human waste in toilets to avoid clogs.
2. For Weekly Inspection
Your plumbing system is composed of more than a sink or drain. Weekly homeowner inspections add an extra layer of prevention and allow for early detection of any issues in your plumbing.
Here are some steps you can take to check and maintain your kitchen and bathroom:
- Test the shower and sink for drainage or speed. The water should have a full swirl when being drained.
- Clean the lint traps of your washing machine.
- Check pipes for signs of leaks. Usually, you’ll notice mold growth, a musty smell, and water puddles or marks near damaged pipes. Leaks are generally found in faucets, pipe valves, drippy shower heads, worn toilet flappers, and loose pipe fittings.
- Turn on hot and water cold lines for every water-dispensing fixture to check for any low pressure, discoloration, stuttering, or loud noises.
3. For Seasonal Inspection
Last but not the least, seasonal changes may also call for a plumbing inspection. Plumbing experts highly suggest having your plumbing system inspected before summer and winter, as these two seasons are so different that your system should be prepared for both their effects.
During summer, you’re more likely to wash more clothes, so plumbers inspect washing machines and replace hoses if necessary. Overworking the water heater is also a frequent issue in the summertime.
Meanwhile, inspecting your plumbing during winter is equally important to ensure that every component is well-insulated. The main focus of winter plumbing inspection and maintenance is preventing your pipes from freezing and bursting.
Bottom Line
Plumbing care and maintenance are critical parts of homeownership. When your pipes, drains, and plumbing fixtures are well taken care of, you and your family can enjoy a comfortable life, free of emergency repairs and replacements. Since every homeowner’s plumbing condition is a different story from another, teaming up with your plumbing professional is the best advice when having your plumbing examined and fixed.