The New Year is not too far away! It may feel like you still have plenty of time to prepare, but it’s best to start now. For most homeowners, the plumbing system is usually a neglected part of the home until it becomes a significant problem. Your drainage can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you take care of it. Here are a few things you should do to get your plumbing ready as one of your New Year’s resolutions!
Organize for water heater maintenance
Get your water heater an inspection to ensure it’s ready for the new year. Routine maintenance can help extend its life and keep you from having any major problems! Once every six months, drain one quart of water out of it to remove sediment build-up. You should also flush your tank at least once a year with vinegar or an enzyme cleaner. This will go a long way in ensuring you have an efficient water heater.
Check the Pipes for Leaks and Damage
If your house is more than ten years old, it’s best to check for any leaks or damage to the pipes in case you need a replacement. You can do this by inspecting under sinks where water may have built up due to leaky taps or exposed pipes. Contact a plumber to help with your repairs before the new year if you find any leaks or damage! Note that worn-out and broken pipes should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid future issues.
Clean slow drains and the garbage disposal
Try to clean out your garbage disposal regularly for optimal performance. A clogged drain can lead to major plumbing problems in the future if not cleaned out now. This is something you might want to pay attention to before crossing over to a new year. Be sure to put ice cubes and lemon peels into the disposal every week or so.
Replace Faucet Aerators
Faucets with worn-out aerators can waste a lot of water. They can also cause a lot of mess in your home and end up damaging electronics and upholstery. You should replace them to help lower your monthly water bill and conserve more water! If you do not know how to change the faucet, contact a plumber for assistance.
Get your sewer inspected
Did you know that sewer lines should be inspected every year? If your line is more than 55 years old, it’s best to get a professional plumbing inspection. This can help prevent future problems and costly repairs! In case of issues waiting to happen in the future, your plumber can point them out in advance and help you to minimize the potential damages. You can start the year rest assured that your plumbing system is ready for the New Year!
Ensures all plumbing fixtures are working properly
Check to ensure that your toilets, sinks, and faucets are fully functional. Note that all of these fixtures are prone to wear and tear, so you should expect to replace them over time. If you notice any leaks or issues with any of the items listed above, contact a plumber immediately! This will enable you to prevent water wastage, damage to your home and save yourself a lot of money in future repair needs.
Replace plumbing fixtures and appliances that are worn out or outdated
If you have any fixtures in your house more than 30 years old, it’s time for a replacement! These include appliances such as a water heater and toilet. If the fixture is still functional but looks like it needs an upgrade, you can replace it with a modern version.
Warm up the pipes
To prevent bursts or frozen pipes during the cold weather, you can use heat tape to warm up your piping. You should also insulate exposed plumbing lines that are outdoors. This will ensure they do not freeze when temperatures drop! If this is too much work for you, contact a plumber right away to take care of these tasks.
Can I service the plumbing system on my own?
Yes, you can manage some tasks on your own and save a lot of money in the process. However, you run the risk of making oversights that may end up being costly in the long run. Unless you have extensive plumbing knowledge, you should only handle routine plumbing maintenance. Otherwise, it’s best to call a plumber for assistance. A plumbing professional will thoroughly inspect the whole drainage system to identify any issues and ensure that everything is in tip-top shape.
How much does plumbing system maintenance cost?
All plumbing repairs and maintenance tasks vary in cost depending on the severity of damage or issue, location, the material used to fix it, time is taken for repair work, etc. You can expect that a small job will not take more than an hour, while larger jobs may take up multiple days. Your plumber should be able to give you better estimates based on their initial assessment of your home’s plumbing system.
Let Us Resolve Your Plumbing Issues!
Whether you need drain cleaning Vancouver, WA, fixtures repairs, replacements, or piping installation, M5 Plumbing is here to help. We can handle all kinds of plumbing system problems you may have. Call us today for more information about our plumbing services and rates.