Service man adjusting a home heating and plumbing system.

Preventative plumbing maintenance should be a top priority as regular maintenance keeps your plumbing system in top shape. It addresses problems before they snowball into major issues and can save you money on costly repairs. Preventative maintenance increases the lifespan of the components of your plumbing system and improves their efficiency.

Here are some simple plumbing preventative maintenance tasks as recommended by Just-in Time Plumbing & Heating, a plumbing company serving Rohnert Park and Sonoma County.

Clean Your Water Heater

Over time, minerals, sand, clay, and other debris settle at the bottom of a water heater, negatively impacting the efficiency of the unit. Some signs of sediment build up in your water heater include weird noises, cloudy or rust-colored hot water and high utility bills. To prevent sediment from building up, drain and flush your water heater annually.

Fix Leaky Faucets and Showerheads

Household leaks can waste up to 180 gallons of water each week. The sooner you fix a leaky faucet or showerhead the better. Periodically clean faucets and showerheads with a cleaning solution.

Watch What You Throw Down Your Toilet

Never flush solid waste such as coffee ground, cat litter, feminine hygiene products, baby care products, cigarette butts, condoms, dental floss, paper towels, or tissues down your toilet. These items do not break down easily and can stay in your pipes for several days, even a few months, clogging them and leading to future plumbing issues.

Periodically Inspect Exposed Pipes

Many homeowners hang clothes or other objects from their pipes. Pipes are not designed to support the weight of these items. Extra weight can put stress on the joints of your pipes, weakening them over time.

Regularly inspect your exposed pipes for damage. If you notice warping, rust, or drops of water on the outside of your pipes, you will want to consult with a plumber sooner than later.

Schedule Professional Maintenance at Regular Intervals

Have your plumbing contractor inspect and maintain your plumbing once every two years. Regular plumbing maintenance addresses current problems and prevents potential plumbing issues and extends the life of your plumbing system. You may miss subtle signs of a plumbing problem, your contractor won’t.
What’s Included in Professional Plumbing Maintenance
During a maintenance appointment, your plumbing contractor

➢ Looks for any signs of water damage on your walls
➢ Inspects the pipes for leaks
➢ Checks the toilets to make sure they flush all the way
➢ Tests your home’s water pressure and adjusts it if necessary

Watch out for Slow moving Drains

Sluggish drains could indicate a clog or blockage. Try flushing a mixture of vinegar and hot water down your drains. If the problem persists, call a plumber. Install drain screens or drain baskets to keep debris from getting in your drains.

Just-In Time Plumbing & Heating is a trusted plumbing contractor serving Rohnert Park. Our technicians address the root causes of plumbing problems, rather than just their symptoms. To have your water heater serviced in Rohnert Park, call (707) 571-1336.