Having a plumbing emergency can be stressful, inconvenient, and costly. Burst pipes, clogged drains, and leaky faucets often seem to happen at the worst possible times. However many plumbing emergencies can be avoided with regular maintenance and preventative care. In this blog post, we’ll explore why regular plumbing maintenance is so important and how it can help you avoid calling emergency plumbers.
The Benefits of Routine Plumbing Maintenance
There are several key benefits to performing routine maintenance on your plumbing system:
Identify and fix minor issues before they become big problems. Catching and repairing small leaks, clogs, cracks etc. early prevents escalation into emergency situations.
Extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. Regular maintenance helps ensure pipes, seals, and connections remain in good working order. This prevents premature failure.
Save money. Repairing minor issues is much less expensive than emergency calls. Routine maintenance can also prevent costly water damage from leaks or floods.
Avoid service disruptions. Identifying and correcting problems ahead of time means fewer unexpected outages of water or sewer services. This avoids major inconveniences.
Improve water quality. Flushing pipes regularly removes sediment buildup and improves water flow and pressure. This results in cleaner, clearer water.
Increase home value. Well-maintained plumbing is an attractive selling point for any property. Regular upkeep shows buyers the system is in good shape.
Plumbing Components that Require Routine Maintenance
Certain plumbing components are more prone to wear and tear over time. These should be regularly inspected and maintained to minimize emergency plumber calls:
Faucets and showerheads – These should be inspected for drips or leaks. Aerators and showerheads should be cleaned to remove mineral buildup that can restrict water flow. Washers, o-rings and seals may need occasional replacement.
Pipes – Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, or water damage. Pipe joints can lose their watertight seal over time and need resealing. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursts in winter.
Toilets – Flushing problems, running toilets, and leaks indicate worn-out parts need replacement. Routinely check flappers, fill valves, and supply lines.
Drain lines – Clear drain blockages before they worsen and clog entirely. Use drain cleaners and enzymes to break down buildup. For stubborn clogs, reach out to plumbers to hydrojet or snake the line.
Water heater – Drain and flush the water heater annually to remove sediment from the tank. Check the pressure relief valve for proper operation. Replace worn-out heating elements, thermostats, and leaks.
Sump pump – Make sure the sump pump is free of debris and operating properly before wet seasons. Test the float switch and check the discharge pipe for blockages.
When to Call Emergency Plumbers
While diligent maintenance can prevent many emergencies, some plumbing catastrophes still strike without warning. Severe damages or service disruptions require immediate attention from emergency plumbers. Situations to call in the pros include:
Burst water pipes or severe leaks causing flooding
Complete loss of water service or extremely low water pressure
Sewage backup in tubs, showers, sinks, or toilets
Gas leaks from water heaters or gas supply lines
Major damages like a collapsed sewer line
Frozen or clogged main sewer lateral line
Overflows that threaten health and safety
In these cases, time is of the essence. Shutting off water and stopping wastewater overflow should be done immediately. Professional emergency plumbers have the skills, equipment, and experience to handle dire plumbing emergencies. They can assess damages, make repairs, and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
Take Preventative Plumbing Measures
Don’t wait until there’s a plumbing catastrophe to call in emergency plumbers. Take proactive maintenance measures now to minimize the chances of an emergency:
Inspect visible pipes and fittings regularly for leaks. Listen for running water in the walls.
Don’t pour fats, oils, or harsh chemicals down drains or toilets.
Install catch pans, leak detectors, and automatic shutoff valves to limit water damage from leaks.
Update old piping, especially galvanized steel or lead pipes prone to bursting.
Extend downspouts away from the foundation to prevent flooding.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements or garages.
Learn where your main shut-off valves are so you can quickly stop water flow in an emergency.
Maintain routine plumbing maintenance schedules for servicing your plumbing system.
Staying on top of plumbing care goes a long way towards emergency preparedness. Keeping your plumbing system well-maintained can prevent or minimize sudden catastrophes. But if disaster does strike, emergency plumbers have the expertise to rapidly respond and get your home functioning again. With some diligence and preventative maintenance, you can avoid expensive and stressful plumbing emergencies.
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