Your Local Plumber

Plumbing systems offer both modern convenience and sanitation in the home. But, for the most part, we take plumbing for granted. It’s always been there and worked as intended, but what happens when a water line springs a leak or your drinking water suddenly has bits of sediment and debris in it? You’re stuck calling a plumber for repairs that are often more expensive because of the urgent nature of the problem.

Fortunately, most emergency plumbing repair issues can now be avoided by simply keeping up with a regular plumbing maintenance schedule. Like any other system in your home, your plumbing will benefit from having a trained professional take a look every year or two, checking for wear and tear to the pipes and fixtures. To learn more about preventative plumbing maintenance and to schedule service in the Washington, DC area, call Service Doctors today.

Maintaining Plumbing System Components

When performing plumbing maintenance, what needs to be checked? It’s easy to spot issues with fixtures because you see and use them every day, so any problems will be immediately apparent. It’s the hidden parts of your plumbing system that should be checked annually by a professional. Some of the things a professional plumber should look for include :

• Leaks – Puddles, watermarks, wet patches or other signs of a leak should be investigated thoroughly to pinpoint the problem and fix it before it causes severe damage.
• Corrosion – Pipes are checked for signs of corrosion. A plumber will look for green and blue stains around copper or brass valves and fittings.
• Water Pressure – Low water pressure means that there is likely excess buildup of sediment in the pipes; high water pressure can cause damage to your pipes and fittings if not regulated.
• Drainage Speed – Slow drains can be a sign of a blocked pipe or vent pipe. Bubbling, stalling or hiccupping in the drain are all signs of a possible clog.
• Cracked Tiles – Cracks, nicks and breaks in tiles in bathrooms or the kitchen mean that water might have gotten underneath the floor. It should be checked carefully for signs of damage.
• Sealants – Caulk and sealant shouldn’t be peeling or missing from any of the joints in your bathrooms or kitchen. It can lead to water leakage and possible rotting.
• Mildew and Mold – Any signs of mildew or mold should be checked as it means excess moisture is present, possibly from a leak.
• Sediment Build up – Sediment build up in shower heads and faucets should be removed.
• Water Heater – The water heater should be drained and cleaned of any excess sediment and debris.

While a professional should check all of these items out annually, you can perform some of these tasks monthly basis. You should always check for leaks, especially in your bathroom or kitchen. Also, keep an eye on your water meter. Any sudden increases usually mean that excess water is being lost somewhere in the system.

If properly cared for, plumbing system components lasts for decades without the need for many, if any, major repairs. To make sure your system operates as it should for the long haul, contact Service Doctors today. Find out why more Washington D.C. area residents now call us for routine plumbing service.