Essential Plumbing Checks Every Homeowner Needs to Know

If there’s a block in your circulatory system, the whole house of cards can come crashing down. This is true for people, and it’s also true for your home. That’s why it’s so important to go through and perform a few essential plumbing checks at least once per year. These should be done during or after winter when freezing conditions can cause pipes to burst or leak. For the most peace of mind, of course, you’ll want to go through this top checklist bi-yearly:

Check For Leaks

Leaks are one of those minor but dangerous issues that only get worse over time. Catching a leak the moment it happens means no harm, no foul. However, leaking that lasts for months or years can result in irreversible wood rot, meaning your entire home gets condemned. That’s why it’s essential to check every so often for leaks. To do this, first, see if your water meter has a leak detection dial. If not, turn off all the faucets in your home and take a photo of your water meter. If it increases steadily even when you aren’t using it, chances are you have a leak. You can also test your water pressure similarly.

Leaks don’t have to be directly from pipes, either. A mildew or mold build-up can also cause water damage. That’s why you need to check your seals, caulk, and grout for deterioration and fix any issues as they come.

Unclog Any Slow-Draining Drains

If your drains are slow, then they’re likely clogged. Regularly unclogging them with a drain snake or a chemical unclogger (or both) can help prevent pipe bursts and keep everything in good working order. If you’ve tried all the usual tips, the clog may be further in your plumbing system, so you’d need to bring in a professional to deal with it.

Water Heater Maintenance

One of the essentials to ensure you’re paying the right amount and getting the best effort out of your water heater is to flush your water heater. You’ll also want to regularly swap out the anode rod every three to five years. For more tips on keeping your water heater in good shape, click here!

Keep Track of Your Water Quality

Faulty pipes, water heaters, and so on can all result in a change in water quality. You may think that the water pressure isn’t as good as it used to be or that the water smells off. It can even be that your tap fluctuates between hot and cold when you shower or run a bath. These are signs of more severe issues; at this point, bringing in a professional to diagnose and repair or handle the replacement is essential.

Check Your Other Water Stations

If you have a sub pump, a septic tank, and so on, these must be regularly inspected. Depending on your area, the inspection may need to be signed off by a professional to ensure that things like environmental leaks do not happen. Having the Yoder Plumbing team come in to inspect, maintain, and, if necessary, fix these essential drainage or water systems can help prolong the life and health of your home. Contact us today and learn more about our services here!