In many ways, your house is a living thing: it breathes through ventilation, internal systems help it regulate temperature, and water flows through vein-like pipes.
And like most living things, only regular check-ups help it stay healthy. That’s why it’s so important to perform regular inspections and maintenance. Take care of your home’s systems, and they’ll take care of you. When it comes to your plumbing, adding a few simple steps to your checklist can keep your home’s pipes and water up to speed. Here’s your guide, straight from the plumbing contractors Victoria residents trust. PERFORM BASIC PLUMBING MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
The best maintenance starts with the inspection as a preventative measure. If you can catch plumbing issues before they spiral out of control, you’ll be less likely to need extensive (and expensive) repairs in the future. Here’s a quick checklist:
Check your kitchen and bathroom fixtures and faucets for any sign of leaking, dripping, or pooling water, including the pipes beneath your sink
Check outdoor faucets for leaks, especially in the cooler and harsher weather during the fall and winter
Inspect pipes for unsightly colored stains that signal potential corrosion
Look for yellow or brown stains on your ceilings, as these may indicate water damage coming from pipes above
Pay attention to any scent of mildew or mold, especially in unventilated areas like your attic or basement
Check the tank of your toilet for any sign of discolored corrosion or leaks
Check the connections of your washing machine and dishwasher for cracks or leaking
All of these items should be addressed at least once a year, but you can do them more often if you live in an older home, or if you have a larger family that gets a lot of use out of your pipes. TEST YOUR RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING
Some plumbing issues aren’t visible at a glance, so you’ll need to do routine tests to ensure that your water flows efficiently. These don’t require special skill, just knowledge of what behavior is “normal” for your plumbing. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s time to call a residential plumber in Victoria to check it out.
Run water through your showers and sinks to see if the water pools or is slow to drain away
Flush your toilets, watching to make sure their speed is consistent with what you normally expect
Inspect the caulking around your bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets, replacing as needed
Run food down your garbage disposal to ensure it’s performing up to speed
You’ll likely spot issues in any of these areas as you go about your daily life, but it’s a good idea to set aside a few minutes once every two months to check them. MAINTAINING YOUR PLUMBING
The next steps may be a little more complex, but they’re well within the abilities of most homeowners.
Once a year, flush your water heater to remove any sediment buildup and ensure the temperature is at 120 degrees Fahrenheit
As needed, clean out the p-traps beneath your sinks
As needed, clean or replace rusted shower heads
At least twice a year, clean debris from your gutters and downspouts
In winter, protect your indoor pipes by installing adequate insulation in unheated areas
During cold snaps, allow water to trickle through your pipes, and disconnect your garden hose from its faucet
Performing these tasks as needed can keep you from unnecessary expenses, later on, so add them to your regular checklist. CONTACT THE PLUMBING CONTRACTORS VICTORIA’S HOMEOWNERS TRUST
Following this guide should take care of the worst plumbing issues, especially if you make sure to check these areas regularly. But if problems do arise, there’s no need to worry. The team of experts at West Bay Mechanical is here to help! Contact the plumbing contractors Victoria homeowners trust with their maintenance and repair needs. Reach out here for more information.