10 Yearly Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Do you want to save money on plumbing each year? Wondering what you should do to maintain your plumbing?

If you want to get your plumbing costs as low as possible, it’s important that you take a proactive approach. It’s important to do some plumbing preventive maintenance annually to ensure that everything is in working order and doesn’t require a major repair.

Here are 10 yearly plumbing maintenance tips that will help save you money.

1. Clean Showerheads and Faucets

One of the first things you should do as part of regular plumbing maintenance is to clean showerheads and faucets thoroughly.

Showerheads can get clogged up and the minerals in water can build up and contribute to low water pressure. Because of this, it’s a good idea to clean the showerhead and faucet aerators from time to time.

Soaking aerators in vinegar can help remove this mineral buildup and can help your faucets and showerheads get back to normal again.

2. Fix Leaks

One of the main things you should do every year when handling plumbing maintenance is to repair leaks.

You should check showerheads, faucets, toilets, and other fixtures and pipes in your home regularly to see if they’re leaking or not. If they are, getting them fixed can be well worth it.

Your water bill can cost you a lot of money if you have leaks in your home, so be sure to fix leaks and replace any washers that are worn out. By getting these leaks fixed regularly, you’ll end up saving a lot of money over time.

3. Check Your Sewer Line

Another thing you should do when handling yearly plumbing maintenance is to have your sewer line inspected. A backed-up sewer main can cause some major issues, so you should get it checked out regularly.

If your sewer line has problems, such as a break or a misaligned pipe, it can be costly to repair. It’s much better to have it inspected before something goes wrong and to fix any problems before they get worse.

4. Fix Slow Drains

Any drains in your home that drains slowly should also be paid attention to when maintaining your plumbing on an annual basis.

If any sinks, showers, or tubs have been slow to drain, then you should get them cleared up as soon as you can. These slow drains can escalate in severity and can lead to much bigger clogs later on if left unchecked.

5. Flush the Water Heater Tank

It’s also a good idea to flush your home’s water heater tank on an annual basis.

Over time, sediment can begin building up at the bottom of the tank and this can make a big impact on your water heater’s efficiency. By flushing the tank now and then, you’ll prevent build-up and rust and will extend the longevity of your water heater.

As an alternative to a traditional water heater, you may also want to consider investing in a Tankless Water Heater instead.

6. Check the Water Pressure

Another thing you should do when maintaining the plumbing in your home is to take notice of any water pressure changes. You should always remain aware of the water pressure and ensure that it’s working as it should be and isn’t dropping suddenly.

If you notice a significant pressure change either in a specific faucet or throughout your home, then you may want to get it checked out by a professional.

7. Fix a Running Toilet

If your toilet is always running, you may be wasting a lot of water in your home. You should check your toilet carefully for any leaks and ensure that you replace any parts as needed.

The flush seal is one part that you’ll likely need to replace if you’re noticing a leak. It’s a good idea to replace the flush seal if necessary to ensure that your toilet isn’t running when it doesn’t need to be.

8. Test Shut-Off Valves

You should also check the shut-off valves in your home annually as well as part of plumbing system maintenance.

Shut-off valves allow you to quickly turn off your home’s water supply in an emergency situation, so you should be sure that they’re working properly.

You should ensure that you and your family all know where the shut-off valves are located and test each of them to ensure that they are working properly. If they have problems, you may want to call a plumber and get them inspected.

9. Insulate Your Plumbing

Particularly if you live in a region where there are extreme temperature changes during the year, it’s important to check that your plumbing components are all insulated well.

Pipes that are exposed are susceptible to freezing and should be protected as much as possible. If your plumbing components aren’t currently insulated, you should remedy this as soon as possible.

It’s also a good idea to check annually to ensure that your insulation is intact. Ensuring adequate insulation will help reduce your utility bills and will help your pipes to retain heat and avoid freezing problems.

10. Check Dishwasher and Laundry Connections

Another thing that you should do annually to take care of your plumbing is to check your laundry and dishwasher connections and ensure that they are all in good condition.

You should make sure that the connections are all secure and that there aren’t any leaks or corrosion. You should also check the area near the connection for mold and mildew as well.

Making the Most of Yearly Plumbing Maintenance

If you want to keep your plumbing in great condition and spend less on a professional plumber, then you need to maintain your plumbing properly. Be sure to use the above yearly plumbing maintenance tips if you want to keep your home’s plumbing in great shape.

Need more home care tips? Start reading through our blog now to find more useful tricks and insights.