Your home's pipes, toilets and other plumbing fixtures can develop leaks or other problems over time. Even minor plumbing problems can end up leading to serious water damage if they're not found early enough. Taking steps to keep your plumbing in good shape can help lower the risk of dealing with major plumbing issues. Performing the following preventive maintenance tasks on your home's plumbing can help you avoid unexpected repairs.
Check Appliances and Pipes for Leaks
Your fridge, washing machine, garbage disposal and other appliances can leak and cause water damage. Your pipes can also end up with leaks due to corrosion, wear and tear or other kinds of damage. You should check exposed pipes and your appliances for signs of leaks from time to time. Signs of leaks you should watch for include water puddles on the floor near appliances or under pipes and water stains on your ceilings or walls.
Check for Faucet and Shower Head Drips and Leaks
Shower heads and faucets dripping frequently can result in extensive water damage over time. Check these fixtures to make sure they're not dripping, and, keep in mind, even a slow drip can damage your home and waste water.
You should also search for leaks from these fixtures, such as under your bathroom or kitchen sink. Finding and fixing drips and leaks helps prevent them from causing major damage to your home.
Check for Toilet Leaks
Toilets can develop leaks due to faulty seals or other problems. A leaky toilet can damage your home and cause significant waste of water over time. Check your toilets for leaks, such as water around these fixtures. Toilets with leaks might also run constantly. If you discover a toilet leak, make repairs right away to reduce the risk of water damage.
Drain Your Water Heater
Sediment can build up in your water heater, which can cause it to run less effectively. Depending on how much sediment is inside your water heater, you should drain it once or twice a year. This helps ensure your water heater keeps working properly.
Unclog Drains
Slow drains can lead to severe leaks and other major problems if they're not fixed. Unclog drains with hot water and vinegar every few months or as often as needed. You might need professional plumbing repairs done for stubborn or persistent clogs.
About the Author
Hannah Sosinski
I started my career in the real estate industry at the age of sixteen and instantly fell in love.
I worked alongside one of the top producing agents in the country as their administrative assistant for nearly nine years before I took the leap to begin my own journey in the real estate industry.
Working alongside an agent who sells over three hundred houses a year educated me strongly on the Pittsburgh and greater Pittsburgh housing market. While working alongside this agent, I was lucky enough to be involved in several different types of real estate transactions and learned to properly determine home values, many aspects of negotiations and have learned how to close challenging deals while also handling a large amount of deals at the same time.
I have also spent the past seven years working as a property manager throughout Allegheny, Washington and Fayette County. I have managed everything from Section 8 to Luxury units.
Exploring the options of the real estate industry can be overwhelming. While working with me you’re able to sit back and relax as I have worked with many investors, home sellers and buyers and can help guide through the sale or purchase of your home and make it as easy on you as possible.
Whether you’re a first time home owner, downsizing, sizing up, looking to make your first/second or third investment, selling your home, etc. I can use my years of education to help guide you through the purchase or sale of the largest investment of your life.
I look forward to chatting about real estate with you!