Plumbing is essential for every home and business, Yet, it often goes unnoticed until a problem arises. Plumbing issues can be disruptive, expensive, and even unsanitary. This is why it’s important to consider preventative maintenance for your plumbing.
In this blog post, plumbing experts from Shafer Services Plus are delving into why preventative maintenance is crucial along with essential steps to keep your pipes in tip-top shape. Get ready because maintenance can save you money, protect your property, and ensure your plumbing system’s longevity
Why Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Is Important
Cost Savings
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in preventative plumbing maintenance is the potential for significant cost savings. When plumbing problems are caught early, they can often be fixed with minor repairs or adjustments. However, if left unattended, small issues can escalate into major problems, leading to costly repairs or even the need for a complete plumbing system replacement. Home repairs to drywall and flooring could also add up in cases of leaks. By addressing issues before they become emergencies, you’ll save money in the long run.
Protecting Your Property
Water damage can wreak havoc on your property, causing structural damage, mold growth, and a host of other issues. Preventative plumbing maintenance helps identify and address potential sources of leaks or water damage, protecting your home or business from costly and disruptive repairs. Regular inspections can also prevent water damage from pipes bursting due to freezing temperatures or wear and tear.
Learn more about preventing a water leak.
Ensuring Health and Safety
A well-maintained plumbing system is essential for maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Plumbing problems can lead to contamination of your drinking water, sewage backups, or gas leaks, all of which pose serious health and safety risks. Preventative maintenance helps ensure that your plumbing system is in proper working order, reducing the chances of these hazardous situations.
Extended Lifespan of Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and water heaters are not cheap investments. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of these fixtures by addressing issues that may cause premature wear and tear. This means fewer replacements and a more sustainable approach to managing your plumbing infrastructure.
Steps Taken During Preventative Plumbing Maintenance
Visual Inspection
The first step in preventative plumbing maintenance is a thorough visual inspection of your plumbing system. A trained technician will assess all visible components, including pipes, fixtures, and connections, looking for signs of wear, corrosion, leaks, or damage. This visual inspection can often reveal early warning signs of potential issues.
Leak Detection
Detecting and fixing leaks is a crucial part of preventative plumbing maintenance. Leaks can lead to water wastage, water damage, and mold growth. Technicians will use specialized equipment, such as leak detectors and thermal imaging cameras, to identify hidden leaks that may not be visible during the visual inspection.
Drain and Sewer Cleaning
Over time, debris, grease, and mineral buildup can clog drains and sewer lines. Preventative maintenance includes drain cleaning to ensure that water flows freely and wastewater is properly disposed of. This helps prevent blockages that can lead to backups and plumbing emergencies.
Water Heater Inspection
Your water heater is a critical component of your plumbing system. During preventative maintenance, technicians will inspect your water heater, checking for signs of corrosion, sediment buildup, and efficiency issues. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your water heater and ensure it continues to provide hot water efficiently.
Fixture Maintenance
Faucets, toilets, and other fixtures are prone to wear and tear over time. During preventative maintenance, technicians will inspect and repair or replace worn-out components, such as seals, gaskets, or cartridges, to prevent leaks and improve fixture performance.
Pressure Testing
Maintaining proper water pressure is essential for the longevity of your plumbing system and the performance of fixtures and appliances. Technicians will conduct pressure tests to ensure that your system operates within the recommended pressure range. High or low water pressure can lead to various plumbing problems, including leaks and damage to appliances.
The recommended range for water pressure is 30-80 psis (pounds per square inch), but you should aim for anywhere between 60-70 psis. This allows you to run multiple water sources at the same time without losing power. Plus, it’s still low enough to prevent strain on your pipes. Psis above 80 are a code violation. This is of particular importance in areas like Stone Oak, Sonterra, and Helotes where homes average around 100 psi.
Learn more about water pressure.
Pipe Insulation
In colder climates, pipe insulation is a crucial part of preventative plumbing maintenance. Insulating pipes in unheated areas can prevent freezing, which can lead to burst pipes and water damage. Technicians will check for proper insulation and recommend improvements if necessary.
Shafer Services Plus Advantage Plan
The most affordable and comprehensive plumbing maintenance plan from San Antonio to Kyle:
As one of the highest-rated plumbing companies in San Antonio and surrounding areas, Shafer Services Plus offers a comprehensive and affordable plumbing and HVAC maintenance plan. For $25/month you receive $1,000 in preventive services. We provide a whole house plumbing check, drain line video inspection, and tanked water heater flush and services. Our Advantage Plan also includes HVAC services to make your life easier: we check your entire system twice per year, waive dispatch charges for emergency services, give you priority scheduling, provide a 15% discount on all equipment, extend labor warranty, and conduct a gas furnace analysis.
Preventative plumbing maintenance is not a luxury; it’s a wise investment in the health, safety, and longevity of your plumbing system. By addressing issues early, you can save money on repairs, protect your property from water damage, and ensure the continued functionality of your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Don’t wait until a plumbing emergency strikes – schedule regular preventative maintenance to keep your pipes in excellent condition and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your plumbing system is working at its best.