A dripping faucet or slow drain might seem minor, but these issues often signal deeper problems within your plumbing system. Regular maintenance and quick action on small issues can prevent costly repairs and protect your home from water damage.
We see many homeowners make the same mistakes with their plumbing. Simple habits like checking for leaks, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, and being mindful of what goes down your drains can make a huge difference. These basic steps help keep your pipes flowing smoothly and reduce the risk of clogs or damage.
A well-functioning plumbing system requires regular attention and care - getting familiar with the basic parts and warning signs helps prevent costly repairs and water damage.
The main water line brings fresh water into your home and connects to various pipes throughout the building.
Supply pipes carry clean water to your fixtures. These include:
The drain-waste-vent system removes used water and waste. Key parts include:
The water heater works with these systems to provide hot water when needed, and we recommend checking the temperature setting and flushing it yearly to remove sediment.
Common warning signs that need quick attention:
Changes in water pressure also signal issues:
Strange smells and discolored water typically mean drain or pipe problems. Brown water points to pipe corrosion, while sulfur smells suggest drain issues. Regular checks of visible pipes can catch minor leaks before they cause major damage. Look for moisture, rust, or white mineral deposits around fittings.
A few simple checks and maintenance actions can keep pipes flowing smoothly for years to come.
Check all visible pipes and fixtures monthly for leaks or drips, looking under sinks, behind toilets, and around water heaters. Look for water stains, dampness, or puddles that signal problems. Also, flush drains with hot water weekly to prevent buildup. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drains to keep them clear.
Monitor your water pressure with a simple gauge - readings should stay between 40-80 PSI. High pressure can damage pipes and appliances.
Essential Monthly Tasks:
Arrange a service if your water heater is over 10 years old or making strange noises, as professional maintenance extends its lifespan. Schedule professional inspections once per year, as this helps catch problems before they become emergencies.
Call a plumber immediately if you notice:
Some tasks require professional expertise and you should never attempt to repair main water lines, gas pipes, or sewer connections without proper training.
Regular inspection and prompt repairs will save money and protect your home from water damage.
A dripping faucet wastes gallons of water and increases utility bills, replacing worn-out washers and O-rings will stop most faucet leaks.
Common leak fixes:
Use drain strainers in sinks and showers to catch hair and debris before they cause clogs, and never pour grease down kitchen drains. A plunger is your first defense against clogs and they are very easy to use- just create a tight seal and use firm, steady plunges to clear blockages.
Other safe drain-clearing methods:
Test pressure at multiple faucets to determine if the issue affects your whole house or single fixtures. Next, clean aerators on faucets to remove sediment buildup. To do this, unscrew the aerator, rinse out debris, and reinstall. If problems persist, check your main water valve to ensure it's fully open, and look for visible leaks that could reduce pressure.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas with foam sleeves or heat tape to prevent freezing. You should also keep cabinet doors open during cold weather to let warm air reach pipes and let faucets drip when temperatures drop below freezing.
If pipes freeze, turn off the main water supply immediately, then open faucets to relieve pressure.
Effective thawing methods:
Never use open flames to thaw pipes.
Some plumbing issues can cause major damage if not handled quickly. Water heater failures and sewer line problems often lead to costly repairs and potential health risks.
Water heaters typically show warning signs before complete failure, such as strange noises, rusty water, or inconsistent temperatures. Flush the tank yearly to remove the sediment buildup, and if you notice leaks around the base, turn off the power and water supply immediately. A leaking tank often means replacement is needed.
Modern water heaters have safety features like pressure relief valves, so test these valves every 6 months to prevent dangerous pressure buildup.
Sewer line issues can damage foundations and create health hazards, so watch for multiple slow drains or gurgling toilets - these signal potential blockages. Never use chemical drain cleaners on sewer lines as these harsh chemicals can damage pipes and make problems worse.
Install a sump pump in basements to prevent flooding from sewer backups, check the pump regularly, and keep backup batteries ready.
Regular sewer line cleaning prevents major backups, and we suggest annual maintenance for homes with mature trees nearby. A professional drain snake or camera inspection helps identify the exact problem location, and issues such as tree roots, broken pipes, and collapsed lines need different solutions.
Get in touch to arrange a professional inspection of your plumbing system.
