As exciting as it is to be a first-time homeowner, it can be overwhelming and a little scary to be responsible for all the systems in your home. Establishing a plumbing preventative care and maintenance plan before moving in is crucial and could give you peace of mind. It helps maintain your system in the short and long term and allows you to act promptly if an emergency occurs. There are numerous tips to keep in mind that can make a significant difference.
Use Drain Strainers
Drain strainers are great for preventing various items from going down the drain, including human hair, shaving cream, pet fur, and food pieces. Install them in every sink, tub, and shower in your home. Our plumbers can recommend excellent options if you’re unsure which would be best. Make sure to clean the drain strainers frequently.
Know What Shouldn’t Go Down Drains
Many homeowners think that almost anything can go down kitchen and bathroom drains and that water will simply push everything through. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Anything with substance, including small pieces of vegetables, leftover pet kibble, pasta, and meat remnants, should go in the trash. Homeowners may be surprised to learn that other items, such as grease, oil, honey, and boiling water, also shouldn’t go down the drain. Keeping these items out of your drains can prevent clogs, damage, and other types of problems.
Don’t Flush Anything But Toilet Paper
There shouldn’t be anything going down your toilet but waste and water. Some homeowners flush other items, including cat litter, paper towels, flushable wipes, and feminine hygiene products. Putting these and other items down your toilet could result in a clog or other pipe damage and may lead to an overflowing toilet.
Invest in Hydro Jetting
Your plumbing pipes might seem like they’re in great condition, especially if water isn’t backing up as it drains, but that’s not necessarily the case. Scheduling an appointment for hydro jetting as soon as you move in starts homeownership off the right way, with clear plumbing pipes that let water flow through easily and without disruption.
In addition to removing built-up gunk, foul odors, and debris, a drain cleaning can have numerous other benefits for your system. It could help prevent costly repairs and emergencies, extend your system’s lifespan, and decrease the risks of pest infestations.
Install Smart Water-Leak Detectors
Smart water-leak detectors are fantastic for allowing you to notice leaks sooner rather than later and take fast action to prevent extensive damage. We can strategically place them for you in important areas, like under the bathroom and laundry room sinks. They notify you via your smartphone when they sense water that shouldn’t be present.
The gadgets help prevent damage to your home and belongings in the area of the leak, give you peace of mind, and keep your water bills from skyrocketing. Depending on your home insurance company, they might even give you discounts for installing the detectors.
Do Frequent Self-Inspections
Self-inspections go hand-in-hand with smart water-leak detectors, as both are excellent for catching plumbing issues early. Checking throughout your home, including in areas that aren’t used often, is beneficial to do at least once a week.
There are multiple spots to assess, including indoor and outdoor faucets, lines to water-using appliances, under sinks, the exterior of appliances, and your toilets. All you have to do is check to make sure there are no loose components, foul odors, strange sounds, physical damage, or leaks. If you notice an issue, call us immediately, let us know about the problem, and schedule an appointment so we can do a professional assessment.
Have a Complete Inspection
We recommend scheduling a complete plumbing inspection shortly after moving into your new home. Our team will check for existing problems, such as cracks, and keep an eye out for potential issues that could lead to serious damage.
You can also request that we do various tasks that aren’t typically part of a standard inspection. We can flush your water heater, check the line to your refrigerator’s ice maker, assess the lines to other water-using appliances, and look over your pipe’s insulation. Additionally, we’ll check if any components are due for an upgrade and recommend options.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to schedule annual plumbing inspections while you’re living in the home. They allow us to check the current state of your plumbing system and notify you if any repairs or replacements are needed.
Know Where the Water Valves Are
Knowing where the water valves are is crucial if there’s an emergency, such as if a pipe bursts. You don’t want to run around trying to find them as water flows throughout your home wreaking havoc. Start by learning where your main water valve is, which will shut off all the water in the house.
It’s also important to know where individual water valves are. You’ll shut these off if there’s an issue in that particular area. For instance, you’ll typically find shut-off valves under each sink and a shut-off valve behind every toilet.
When you find each valve, give it a quick turn back and forth. This lets you make sure they operate properly and can turn freely if needed.
Let the Faucets Drip in Winter
Pipes are at risk of freezing once temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If they burst, water can flood your entire home, putting your floors, ceilings, walls, and belongings at risk for damage. It could also lead to mold, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
You don’t have to leave the faucets dripping at full force. A simple, slow drip will suffice. Make sure to leave them open in every room, even guest bathrooms that are rarely used.
Create a Plumbing Emergency Kit
You never know when a plumbing emergency will occur. It’s necessary to be prepared just in case. Consider putting a kit on every floor, but make sure you also put a plunger in every bathroom.
A bucket, tool kit, pipe wrench, plumber tape, rubber gloves, and duct tape are some items to include in your plumbing emergency kit. It can also be a good idea to gather together old rags. If a leak happens, you can use them to sop up the water and stop it from spreading.
Don’t Put Off Repairs
Plumbing issues only get worse over time, especially if they occur in a frequently used area of the home, like the kitchen. Once you know you need repairs, we strongly advise scheduling an appointment. Delaying could increase the cost of fixing them.
Consider a Maintenance Plan
A maintenance plan may be worth it for your home. It typically offers numerous perks, such as priority scheduling and discounts. Ask us about our MVP Maintenance Club Membership.
Taking steps to protect your plumbing steps today can have significant benefits in the future. Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric in Mentor and Warrensville Heights, OH provides numerous plumbing services, including hydro jetting, inspections, camera inspections, and clog removal. Schedule an appointment today for services.
