We all know how important our plumbing is to our daily lives. Throughout history, from the early Greeks and Romans and continuing until today, man has become ever reliant on our plumbing pipes and fixtures. So why is it that we ignore the care of our plumbing systems until it is too late? Don't get me wrong, as a licensed plumbing contractor, I do enjoy the calls, but if homeowners would take the time to do a little preventive maintenance, they could save time, money, and frustration.
Here are a few of the residential plumbing fixtures that anyone can check. It is understandable that Plumbing can appear to be daunting to someone not familiar with the trade. If you feel more comfortable, you can also get a professional plumber to do the inspection and maintenance. The thing you shouldn't do is ignore the maintenance.
1. Check all of your toilets for leaks and smooth operation.
2. Check your faucets are for leaks.
3. Take a look at all of the piping under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, checking for any sign of potential water damage.
4. Inspect your exposed water lines for signs of damage.
5. Examine your drains checking for leaks and clogs.
6. Thoroughly check and test your washing machine hoses and valves.
7. Inspect your water heater for leaks and signs of corrosion.
8. Finally, check the anode rod and flush the tank to ensure a longer life for your water heater.
In order to minimize the chances of a major plumbing emergency, a homeowner should adhere to a comprehensive annual maintenance plan. That small sign of water damage near your sink may turn into a major repair to remove mold when left untreated. So, what are you waiting for? Go start inspecting those pipes and fixtures.
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