The plumbing system in your Salem, OR home is part of daily life. However, many homeowners neglect this system until something breaks. A small leak can waste water and raise your monthly utility bills. A burst pipe can cause extensive water damage and mold growth. Drain clogs stop the use of your plumbing system temporarily. Understanding home plumbing maintenance can help you avoid many plumbing disasters.
Routine Professional Inspections
Scheduling a professional inspection of your plumbing system once a year is important. This process involves checking fixtures, pipes, and appliances for leaks, corrosion, and damage. We can check water pressure to ensure it is between 40 and 60 psi. Repairs can occur before something bad happens.
In the meantime, look under sinks for condensation or mold growth. Water pooling on floors or stains on ceilings can suggest a leak. Keep an eye on your utility bills. If you see an increase that you can’t explain, your plumbing system may be the problem. When all the fixtures and appliances in your home are not in use, look at your water meter. If it is still moving despite nothing being on, a leak may be present inside or outside your home.
Preventing Clogs and Backups
Install drain screens on your drains to stop hair, food scraps, and other debris. Don’t allow grease or oil to go down your drain. Instead, dispose of them in your garbage. Use products that are eco-friendly and contain enzymatic ingredients. This helps break down clogs before they become extensive.
Approximately once per month, pour baking soda and vinegar down your drain. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse your drain clear with hot water. You should also schedule routine pipe and drain cleaning once per year.
Water Heater Maintenance
No matter if you have a tankless or tank-based water heater, yearly maintenance is key. A tank-based system should have its tank drained and flushed. This removes sediment and mineral deposits before they cause corrosion and damage. Also, we can inspect your anode rod. This rod pulls in sediment and minerals. It helps stop corrosion in the rest of your tank. Plan on replacing this rod once every three to five years.
A tankless water heater should undergo descaling every year. Even without a tank, minerals can build up on the inside parts. This can lead to efficiency problems or even damage.
Consider insulating your water heater. It helps the tank hold heat longer, which reduces energy loss and lowers how often the heating system has to run. This can protect your equipment and lower your monthly water heating expenses. Set your water heater to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps keep it efficient and safe.
Cleaning Your Fixtures and Faucets
Mineral deposits build up on fixtures, faucets, and aerators. This can affect both how they look and how well they work. Soak these items in vinegar to remove the deposits. Have a professional inspect and replace seals and O-rings to prevent leaks.
Winterization of Your Plumbing System
In the fall, before winter arrives, winterize your outdoor plumbing system. Disconnect any hoses or equipment and allow them to drain and dry before storing them. Turn off the water to your outdoor fixtures and drain the water out of them. This stops water from freezing. It protects your spigots and plumbing system from damage. Upgrade your outdoor fixtures to frost-proof ones if they tend to freeze. You can also place an insulated cover on them for the winter.
If you have a sprinkler system, hire a professional to drain and winterize it. A professional inspection before the start of winter will address problems early. It’s important to spot problems early. Waiting until spring can lead to costly and invasive repairs.
Checking Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump is an essential device that protects your home from extensive water damage. Periodically test your pump to ensure it is working. You can do this by pouring water into the pit until it reaches the fill line. Your pump should turn on and remove the water. Make sure the pump turns back off when the pit is empty. Most sump pumps also have a test button that will engage the pump.
In the winter months, your sump pump discharge line can be at risk of freezing. Check this area for signs of ice formation. Allowing this line to freeze can result in your pit backing up and flooding your basement.
Inspecting Your Water-Using Appliances
Check hoses and connections on appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher. These components can wear down over time, leading to minor leaks. If you don’t notice a leak right away, this can cause water damage and mold growth. You should avoid mold exposure at all costs because it can be devastating to your health.
Don’t Forget Gutters and Downspouts
It’s important that your gutters and downspouts can direct water away from your home. Ensure they are in their correct place and free of damage. You should also clear your gutters and downspouts of any debris that has accumulated. This can help protect your sump pump from excessive use and keep water out of your basement.
Water Filtration Equipment and Water Softeners
Maintain your plumbing equipment, such as water filters or softeners. Regular maintenance is important. Filters may need replacement. A water softener requires periodic refilling of the sodium or potassium pellets. A plumber can inspect connections and components to ensure efficient and effective performance.
Consider Improving Plumbing Efficiency
If your utility bills are going up, consider upgrading your plumbing. It can boost efficiency and lower utility bills. For example, low-flow fixtures save water without compromising function. Upgrading old pipes can improve water quality and protect against leaks. Think about installing water alarms. If there is a leak in your home, you will receive an alert that allows you to take prompt action. You will waste less water and prevent damage to your home.
If you have an old water heater, consider upgrading before your equipment fails. Newer versions use much less energy and improve convenience and comfort. A tankless water heater gives you hot water whenever you need it. This can save a lot of energy. This reduces your carbon impact and lowers your monthly expenses.
Watch for Signs of Trouble
Contact our team right away if you notice something seems off with your plumbing system. Plumbing maintenance can prevent many plumbing issues, but problems can still happen. Tell us if you notice slow drainage or discolored water. Also, reach out if you hear strange noises from drains or appliances, or if your bills are suddenly higher. We can quickly diagnose what’s going on and come up with a plan of action.
Don’t let a lack of plumbing maintenance lead to damage and expensive repairs. Let our team at Woodward Plumbing help you with inspections, maintenance, and repairs. We can also assist with upgrading your plumbing system, water heater, and appliances. Contact us at Woodward Plumbing for help with the plumbing system in your Salem home today.
