Plumbing systems are vital for bringing clean, filtered water into homes and businesses. They also play an important role in removing wastewater from living spaces. However, these systems can become dangerous if they are not properly maintained. According to EPA statistics, over one trillion gallons of water is lost due to leaky faucets annually, which can cause costly damage and spike utility bills. Regular plumbing maintenance helps identify and repair small problems before they become major catastrophes.
Water Leaks
Homeowners need regular plumbing maintenance, including preventing costly repairs, increasing the lifespan of pipes and appliances, improving water quality, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting health and safety and identifying potential problems early.
When a homeowner doesn’t maintain their plumbing regularly, it can result in disasters like flooded basements, backed-up sewage, water heater malfunctions and broken toilets. These issues create a huge mess that’s expensive to repair and can cause significant water damage that affects the home’s overall value.
Another common plumbing issue is leaks. Leaks can be hard to detect as they often happen behind walls and in ceilings. Reading your water meter is one easy way to check for a leak. You may leak somewhere in your house if the numbers go up without explanation. The good news is that a plumber can easily fix this for you.
Broken Pipes
When you think about the various things in your home that can fall into disrepair, plumbing problems are definitely among them. Unlike a cabinet that can be easily fixed with a bandage, an ignored plumbing problem could worsen to the point of causing serious and expensive damage.
A major plumbing disaster can result in costly repairs, water damage, and health issues for homeowners. However, a professional Bellevue plumbing service can spot small things, such as a slow drain, that may indicate a growing plumbing clog and stop it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Additionally, a routine plumbing maintenance check can help reduce the amount of water waste your home produces, significantly lowering your energy costs and saving on water bills. It can also improve water quality by removing contaminants such as dirt and debris accumulating in pipes over time. Lastly, it can enhance energy efficiency by ensuring your water system works as efficiently.
Clogged Drains
You frequently replace your car’s oil to prevent costly repairs and maintain its functionality; the same logic applies to your plumbing system.
Putting off routine maintenance can lead to major problems, such as leaky pipes and clogged drains.
Your home’s drain pipes, including those from sinks, bathtubs, and toilets, should flow to the main sewage line, leading to your septic tank or city waste disposal system. All of your drains may stop functioning correctly if this line clogs. You could occasionally hear odd noises as the water and waste build up in your drains and pipes.
You can prevent clogs by regularly cleaning your drains with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. You can install a drain screen to catch hair and other debris from entering your pipes. Lastly, never dump grease or oil down your drains, as this will cause it to solidify and stick to the inside of your pipes, causing a clog.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can grow in moist places in your house, such as behind walls, under sinks, and in the shower, toilet, or tub.
Mold spores in damp areas can cause respiratory issues and irritation, especially in people with asthma or compromised immune systems. They also can cause itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus problems and headaches.
Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent mold and mildew in your home. Plumbers can check for and fix any leaks, ensure pipes are properly connected, test water pressure and ensure water heater temperatures are safe. They can also clean drains and sewer lines to eliminate clogs.
Regular plumbing maintenance can save you money on costly repairs, extend the lifespan of your appliances, improve water quality, identify potential problems early and promote health and safety for you and your family. It’s a worthy investment that will pay off in the long run. Contact a professional today to schedule your maintenance appointment.