Don’t Forget Your Plumbing Preventative Maintenance Checklist!
BY MET Plumbing LLC | May 7, 2018
As you begin your spring cleaning, it’s important not to overlook your plumbing system. Creating a preventative maintenance checklist can help you catch any potential problems before they become major issues. While some tasks can be done by yourself, others may require the help of a professional plumber who can inspect your plumbing system thoroughly.
Water Pressure
A majority of households have a water pressure regulator installed on the main water pipeline that delivers water to the house. If the regulator is worn out, it can cause pressure fluctuations. You can hire a plumber to inspect the pressure regulator and ensure that it is properly adjusted and doesn’t need replacement.
- Water Leaks
Inspect your home thoroughly for any water leaks in different areas. Open up cabinets and search for signs of moisture or water stains under sinks. Examine the area around the base of toilet bowls and under toilet tanks for any dripping water, moisture, or water stains. Don’t forget to check exposed plumbing pipes in your basement or crawl space. If you find any dripping faucets, it’s best to have them repaired or replaced.
- Hot Water Heater
You should conduct an inspection of your hot water heater for any signs of corrosion. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, such as popping or cracking, while the tank heats up the water. These sounds may indicate that the heater is reaching the end of its lifespan and may need to be replaced.
Check for any leaks around the base of the tank or water stains in the overflow drain pan. If you notice any signs of leaks, it could pose a safety hazard and may require immediate replacement. To ensure your safety, you may want to have a plumber perform a safety release test on the heater to verify that the regulator is functioning correctly.
- Drains
Does water drain slowly? Try using a plunger to see if this helps increase the drain flow rate. If not, you will want to get help from your plumber and have drain lines cleaned. You should never use chemical-based drain cleaners, as these are not environmentally friendly and can damage certain types of plumbing lines.
- Septic System
If your home has a septic system, the spring is a great time to have your septic tank inspected and drained if it is getting full. You do not want to wait until it is overflowing raw sewage into your yard and backing up the sewer and drain lines into the home.
- Sewer Lines
You should get your sewer lines professionally inspected. Many plumbers have a camera they can put into the lines through the overflow cap. The camera lets them see if there are cracked sewer lines, tree roots, or other problems that need to be repaired.
- Safety Valves
It is a good idea to check the safety shut off valves and verify they are working correctly. You should turn the valves to the off position, then turn on the water. If water still continues to flow at a steady rate, the valve needs to be replaced.
For professional assistance in completing your spring cleaning plumbing preventative maintenance checklist and a detailed plumbing inspection for your home, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-603-9949 today! We can also take care of your spring air conditioning maintenance to keep you cool all summer long!