Sometimes you just need a plumber – there’s no question about that. From blowouts to blockages, our friendly Buellton plumbers are always here for you.
But what about those little niggling leaks and loose ends? Well, with some guidance, there’s plenty of preventative plumbing maintenance steps you can take yourself to save a little money and time.
Check for Leaks
You’d be surprised how often leaks can go unnoticed. Sure, the drip, drip, drip, from a prominent leak in the bathroom or kitchen sink is hard to ignore – and as such, more likely to get fixed.
But what about those leaks that might not be so conspicuous? We don’t need to remind you that leaks can not only cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars on your water bill but also aren’t very environmentally conscious either considering California’s current drought conditions.
Check for water damage under sinks, walls, and ceilings in addition to making sure not to forget faucets and fixtures that are out of the way to make sure your whole house is leak-free. Double-check the handles of the sinks and showers to perform a plumbing leak test.
Sometimes tightening a bolt here and screw there can fix the problem, but oftentimes you’ll need to purchase new fixtures.
Check Drains
There’s nothing more annoying than a clogged drain. To ensure you never get to the point of having to pull out the plunger or drain snake, take preventative measures once a month and flush a homemade mixture of hot water and vinegar down your drains.
This will keep things flowing and prevent the wasted time of having to unclog a drain – or having to call us to take care of it.
Tackle Problem Toilets
Toilet running? Better go catch it! Kidding aside, this plumbing problem is another water-bill killer.
A running toilet can be traced back to a number of things. Over time, gunk may form around the valve seat and flapper, preventing the flapper from sealing properly. The issue could also be with the tank stopper, handle, or shutoff valve.
The Water Pressure Test
Who doesn’t hate low water pressure? Use a pressure gauge to test the water pressure on your system to make sure it’s functioning at a safe level. You can install a pressure regulator to prevent unsafe levels.
Low water pressure can be the signs of a number of problems, and persistently low pressure likely requires the work of a plumbing pro.
Inspect the Water Heater
Your hot water heater is the workhorse appliance of your house, and there are a number of steps to take to ensure your hot water heater keeps working as it should, including checking the heating element, draining the tank, and testing the temperature-pressure relief valve.
Check out our water heater maintenance blog for more tips.
Preventative plumbing maintenance is crucial for a properly functioning system, not to mention to prevent big problems. For more tips or questions, our Buellton plumbing pros are always a call or click away.
