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The Complete Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

It is never a pleasant scenario when you have a broken pipe or clogged drain in your South Carolina home. But just as you maintain your garden or car, your plumbing system needs regular maintenance too. By scheduling preventative plumbing services, minor issues won’t grow into expensive problems. It is always good to act sooner rather than later when it comes to plumbing. Regular inspection of your plumbing system is the key to spotting and correcting minor issues before they turn into a full-blown emergency. Where do you start? It might seem evident that bathrooms and kitchens are the primary focus areas due to the fixtures in those rooms. However, remember to check the plumbing outside the house and other appliances, such as the water heater, sprinkler system, sewer line and more.

How Do I Check the Plumbing in My House?

If you’re considering a home plumbing inspection, use the comprehensive checklist below to identify areas that may need attention. If you are experiencing a leak, lower water pressure, or a spike in water bills, a thorough inspection can help you get to the bottom of the issue.

Kitchens

The kitchen is often one of the most used areas in a home. It is also full of plumbing fixtures and appliances that depend on a steady water supply. It is recommended to check all fixtures at least twice a year to detect any problems that need to be addressed. 

Faucets

One of the most common issues homeowners encounter is a leaky faucet in the kitchen. If you notice a leak, schedule a kitchen plumbing repair service with a reputable company in Greenville County. Even though it might seem like a minor issue, a leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year, and increase your water bill substantially.

Garbage Disposal

If you are experiencing an issue with your garbage disposal, it could be due to the drain connections or the sink drain. Problems typically arise when there is a stubborn clog in pipes or the disposal system. The gasket can wear out over time and might need a replacement. If you notice a foul smell or a leak, it is an indication that the unit needs to be inspected promptly.

Dishwasher

Listen to the sounds that your dishwasher is making. Sometimes, the water might fill up the dishwasher too slowly. This can be due to a malfunctioning shutoff valve or water supply hose. If water is taking too long to drain, or if a pool of water remains at the bottom of the unit after the cleaning cycle has completed, there might be a clog or damage in the water discharge hose.

Sink Drain

Your kitchen sink is used quite a bit and needs to be maintained to stay in good working condition. Oftentimes, there might be a leak in the strainer area, and the p-trap fittings might be loose or the strainer basket damaged. If your sink is draining slower than usual, there might be a clog in the branch drain or p-trap. If you notice that your kitchen sink is draining water too slowly, it is crucial to fix the issue as soon as possible with the help of an experienced plumber in Greenville County, SC.

Refrigerator

Check the ice maker and water dispenser in the refrigerator. A clogged filter can affect water flow to the ice maker or dispenser. Over the years, the water supply hose can also show signs of wear and tear. Replacing the filter and hose as necessary will ensure that the ice and water are clean and safe to consume.

Bathrooms

Your bathrooms probably warrant a regular home plumbing inspection more than any other area in the house. Given that they are used heavily, it is natural to expect plumbing issues to crop up, sometimes unexpectedly.By checking all of the fixtures, toilets, sinks, and tubs periodically, you can avoid sudden catastrophes.

Faucets

Check the tub, shower, and sink faucets for leaks. Any dripping can be due to old cartridges or washers. A critical area that can be tricky to inspect is the water supply line inside the walls for the shower and tub drains. A hidden leak can be challenging to detect, especially in its earlier stages. Do not put off an inspection if you see any water damage in the ceilings or the walls. Schedule an appointment with a professional bathroom plumbing expert to fix the problem as soon as possible. 

Toilets

Toilets are prone to many common problems. If water continues to run down the toilet at the end of the flush cycle, the wax seal might be broken and need repair or replacement. If the toilet is not flushing properly and gets clogged frequently, there might be a problem with the drain. Resist the temptation to use commercial drain cleaners as they can damage the pipes resulting in more significant issues. 

Caulk Seals

Sometimes, the caulking around showers, toilets, and tubs can come off. This can cause water to leak under floors and behind walls. If ignored, this can cause extensive and costly water damage to your property.A trained plumber will detect the exact location and nature of the leak and bring about a prompt resolution to the problem.

Sewer and Septic System

It is crucial to maintain your sewage system. A blockage in the septic or sewer line indicates a severe problem. Not only can it be a messy and expensive situation, but a backed-up sewer can also have harmful health consequences.Regular preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your sewer system properly working.

Septic System

Avoid potential problems with your septic system and drain field with regular servicing. If you have a tank system, it is important to pump out the septic tank when it gets full. It is also essential to be careful with the types of materials disposed into the drain to prevent stoppage.

Vent Pipes

Vent pipes let out toxic sewer gasses and balance air pressure. They are an essential component of your home’s drainage system and exit through the roof. Sometimes, these pipes can get blocked with snow, ice, or debris, affecting the drain system. Checking the vent pipes for blockage can be an important part of your plumbing inspectionRegular maintenance and inspection of your sewer line are necessary to prevent blockages. If you experience problems, there might be tree roots in the pipe causing a disruption. A professional plumber specializing in sewer services can clear up the clog and ensure that the line functions effectively.

Inspection Around the House

Your home plumbing checklist is not yet complete. Here are a few appliances and fixtures that will need to be checked regularly.

Sump Pump

If you are experiencing a sudden leak or flooding in the basement, your sump pump needs to function effectively to remove water. As part of maintenance, it is vital to ensure that the sump pump system is working correctly and can activate to empty the water in time.

Irrigation System

Your sprinkler systems should be inspected to ensure that the spray heads are not damaged and are working correctly. Often ignored, winterizing your lawn sprinklers to drain the water is necessary to prevent damage to pipes during cold weather. 

Water Heater

Your water heater needs to be inspected for any signs of leakage around the base. It’s also important to check both the hot water exit pipe and cold water inlet pipe. Sediment deposition in an unclean water tank can also lead to problems with the appliance and affect the quality of hot water. A trained professional can inspect every part of your water heater and promptly address minor issues. 

Regular Plumbing Maintenance Can Save You Money and Stress

Scheduling periodic home plumbing services is one of the best things you can do for your home. Most often, homeowners react only when there is an emergency. By maintaining your plumbing system throughout the house, you can save a lot of money on unexpected repairs and damage. 

Need Trusted and Reliable Maintenance Services in Greenville County?

Look no further. Ethical Plumbing is a premier provider of professional plumbing services in Greenville County and surrounding areas. We are a family-owned and operated business that has been proudly serving loyal customers in the area for over 40 years.Our affordable home plumbing inspection services are designed to bring you peace of mind and value. With our highly-skilled and trained plumbers, you are in good hands.Our team will thoroughly inspect every fixture, appliance, and component of your plumbing system to give you peace of mind all year round. If you need plumbing maintenance and inspection, you have come to the right place. Our plumbing experts will ensure that your system is up to code and operating at peak performance. Whether you are buying or selling a home, remodeling, or need a routine inspection, call us or contact us online.From exceptional maintenance visits to reliable installations and timely repair services, trust our team to provide you with a superior level of service. Contact us at Ethical Plumbing today to book an appointment.