We Asked The Pros: These Are Their 10 Best Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing

Dealing with plumbing issues at home can be frustrating, especially if you’re not sure how to fix them. Having worked in a city water department for six years, I’ve seen just about every plumbing problem there is, from annoying leaks to major pipe bursts.

I’ve also picked up plenty of expert advice along the way from pros at The Family Handyman and Aztec Plumbing and Drains.

I’m sharing top tips that will help you keep your plumbing in great shape, avoid surprises, and save on repairs. Whether you’re new to home maintenance or looking to brush up on your skills, these tips are sure to help.

Maintain Your Water Heater Regularly

Keeping your water heater in top shape isn’t just about ensuring you have hot water -it’s about efficiency and longevity. If you’re using a storage-type water heater, make it a routine to flush out the tank every six months. This process clears out any sediment build-up, which can affect how well your heater operates and even shorten its life span.

It’s also a good idea to have a plumber inspect the heater annually to check for signs of rust, malfunctioning valves, or leaky connections.

For those with tankless water heaters, yearly inspections should include checking the burner, pressure relief, venting systems, and water filters, with a deep clean of heating coils every two years.

Seal Gaps Around Water Fixtures

It might seem minor, but even small gaps around your water fixtures, like where the toilet meets the floor or the edge of your bathtub, can become gateways for moisture that leads to leaks and mold growth. Tackle these vulnerabilities by applying caulk to any cracks or gaps you spot.

Doing so not only preserves the integrity of your surfaces but also prevents potential water damage. If caulking doesn’t resolve the issue, it might indicate a deeper problem, necessitating a call to a skilled plumbing contractor to ensure it’s addressed thoroughly and professionally.

Prioritize Plumbing Inspections When Buying a Home

When eyeing a new home, it might be tempting to waive the plumbing inspection to speed up your offer in a hot market. Resist the urge. Skipping this step can leave you unaware of potential problems like corroded or thinning pipes, setting you up for unpleasant surprises.

Instead, bring in a professional plumber to take a thorough look at the plumbing system before you buy. This insight can guide your decision, help you plan for future maintenance, and save you from costly headaches down the line.

Use Smart Technology for Plumbing

Just because your home is old doesn’t mean your approach to managing it should be. Using smart technology, like the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor, can revolutionize how you handle your home’s plumbing.

This device not only tracks water usage but also monitors flow, pressure, and temperature, identifying everything from major leaks to subtle discrepancies that could lead to mold. Alerts sent straight to your smartphone and the ability to shut off water automatically provide peace of mind, making it easier to prevent disasters rather than dealing with their aftermath.

Monitor for Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines

In areas with mature trees, the beauty of the landscape comes with a hidden risk to your plumbing. Tree roots, in search of moisture, can infiltrate the joints of older clay sewer lines. Over time, these roots can break through the pipe joints, causing shifts and cracks that may lead to severe blockages or even a collapse of the sewer line.

To prevent these disasters, it’s smart to schedule regular inspections of your sewer system. Depending on your area’s vegetation, this might mean annual checks or once every decade.

Meanwhile, help your pipes out by not flushing materials that contribute to clogs, like those so-called “flushable” wipes.

Equip Your Home with Backup Sump Pumps

Living in an area prone to heavy rain and groundwater issues means always being prepared for the worst, especially during power outages. When the electricity goes out, so does your primary sump pump, unless you have a backup plan.

Installing a battery-powered sump pump ensures that even in a blackout, your basement remains dry. For added security, consider setting up a secondary, water-powered backup pump. This setup keeps your home safe from water damage, even when Mother Nature does her worst.

Inspect Pipes for Wear and Tear

When checking for leaks, don’t just glance at the usual spots. Look up—right at the basement ceiling where water lines often run. A tiny pinhole leak might escape your notice until it’s caused significant damage. These leaks can be sneaky, with water evaporating before you see a drip.

Keep an eye out for mineral deposits on pipes -these white or reddish residues are telltale signs that a pipe is failing and needs quick action. If you spot these, it’s wise to call a plumber who can decide whether a simple repair will do or if more extensive work is needed.

Be Cautious of Lead Pipes in Your Area

In older neighborhoods, assume the presence of lead pipes until proven otherwise. Even if your home has been updated, nearby municipal work could dislodge lead particles that end up in your water supply—a real risk if you have young kids or pregnant folks at home.

Don’t take chances with your family’s health. Investing in a reverse osmosis system or even simpler lead filtering solutions for your kitchen faucet and fridge can block up to 99% of lead, keeping your drinking water safe and giving you peace of mind.

Listen for Plumbing Noises

When your house starts making those gurgling sounds, it’s probably trying to tell you something. This isn’t just random noise—it’s a cry for help because your drainage system is gasping for air.

Sometimes, this noise points to something blocking air flow, maybe even a beehive in your vent pipe! However, if the water isn’t draining properly, this could be a sewer issue.

Don’t just sit back hoping it’ll sort itself out, especially if it’s related to your property. Check with neighbors to see if they’re experiencing similar problems, or get a professional to confirm whether this is a city sewer issue or something you need to handle.

Think Twice Before Using Chemical Cleaners

That quick grab for chemical cleaners when a drain clogs? It might be doing more harm than good, especially in older homes where pipes can be more fragile. These chemicals can corrode metal pipes, making them weaker over time. Plus, they often just push the problem further down the line rather than solving it.

Instead, prevent clogs by being mindful of what goes down your drains—no stringy veggies, coffee grounds, or grease. For a safer cleaning method, use a drain enzyme monthly to keep things moving smoothly.

Stuck with a stubborn block? It might be time to call a plumber rather than risk damaging your pipes with a DIY fix.