While plumbing technology hasn’t changed all that much over the years, it’s still beyond the skill-set of the average homeowner. Most plumbing systems operate based on gravity and pressure, and if one part of the system isn’t working, the entire system can be impacted. The key to maintaining your home’s plumbing system is preventative maintenance. There are two types of maintenance to perform: those you can do yourself, and those you should call a professional for.
Do It Yourself
This type of plumbing maintenance is quite simple. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure everyone in your home knows what is and isn’t acceptable to flush down the toilet. Even though a paper towel might seem okay to flush, the reality is that it will lead to a clogged drain. The best approach is to not flush anything that isn’t clearly labeled as “flushable”. This includes paper products, wet wipes, and other hygiene products. Another thing you can do is to clear your drains with boiling water and a vinegar/baking soda mix. This helps to flush out your drains. Also, take a look at your water heater regularly to ensure debris and dust isn’t built up around the tank. Observe the meter as well- an unusual spike could mean there is a leak in your home.
Leave it to The Pros
We recommend that you have a professional in your home once a year to check your plumbing system- including drain pipes, the water heater, major fixtures, and water and sewer lines. This inspection should be tailored to meet the needs of your home based on its condition and age, and should include the following:
- Flush water line to remove excess air
- Toilet adjustment and tune-up; toilet flapper replacement (if needed)
- Pipe inspection to check for corrosion or leaks
- Clearing drain traps to prevent future clogs
- Examination of sewer pipes and drain lines
- Underground inspection for leaks
Not only is preventative plumbing maintenance in Southwest Florida cost-effective, but it can thwart the need for expensive repairs and the potential for property damage in the future. Consider purchasing a whole-home maintenance program from BHS–before you need it!
BHS is proud to service the Southwest Florida area for over 38 years. We have a full team of licensed, uniformed, and certified plumbing and drains specialists and offer full maintenance, repair, and replacement options for your plumbing and drains. No matter how large or how small the task, BHS has your back. Give us a call at (239) 291-0860 to schedule your plumbing maintenance.
