The most recent plumbing statistics show that 27.94% of people reported a plumbing issue. These stats came from 2019, making up the majority of household problems.
Plumbing maintenance mistakes are very common among new homeowners. This is because you may not be familiar with how plumbing works or what you need to do.
When you move into your own home, this becomes your responsibility. This is something that many new homeowners don’t realize until a problem comes up.
Keep reading to find out what plumbing maintenance mistakes are the most common for new homeowners.
1. Not Having Inspections
Every homeowner should have a plumbing maintenance routine. This will ensure they catch issues before they spiral into significant problems.
But you also need to start choosing a plumbing service. You need to have a dedicated plumbing service that you can call if there are issues.
You will also be using this company to do plumbing inspections. This is something that you should not avoid since it can have a huge impact.
A plumber will inspect your plumbing system for any damage or wear and tear. They will locate any issues or drainage problems and have a solution for them.
This will help you catch plumbing issues before you even start to notice the symptoms. This can preserve your plumbing system and save you time and money.
You should also have plumbing maintenance done on a yearly basis. Plumbing maintenance costs aren’t much when you consider how much you will save in the future.
2. Keeping Water on When Away
One of these plumbing maintenance mistakes includes not turning off your water when you leave. If you aren’t going to be home for a while, you don’t want to leave your water on.
Some people choose to turn off their water completely when they will be gone for a while. This can be a good option if you are going on vacation or a business trip.
If it is winter, homeowners may think that they should leave a faucet running. In theory, this may seem like a good idea, but you shouldn’t do it.
Not only does this waste water, but it creates water pressure in the system. This will slowly wear down your pipes and lead to significant repairs in the future.
It is best to avoid leaving your water running unless you are actively using it.
3. Not Cleaning Debris
One idea that applies to plumbing is out of sight, out of mind. Because you cannot see the inside of your drains, you may assume that they are fine.
The reality is that drains can start to collect debris and become clogged up. This can happen from skincare and hair care products as well as hair.
You need to inspect your drains once a month to make sure they are as clean as possible.
4. Ignoring Plumbing Issues
A huge mistake that new homeowners make is ignoring plumbing problems. You may have noticed a small leak or noises when you turn on the water.
You may not have thought much of this and simply shrugged it off. But the reality is that even the smallest plumbing problem can become much more significant.
This is why repairing plumbing damage is important for homeowners. This should be a priority, and you should do it as soon as you notice a problem occurring.
It is impossible to know if it is a small plumbing problem or something bigger. And if you continue to use your plumbing system, you could be making it much worse.
5. Forgetting Filters
Something you may not have thought about is your water filters. These are filters that help to collect debris before it enters your water heater or dishwasher.
Both your water heater and dishwasher could become damaged without these filters. Most people never end up changing these filters, leaving them to deteriorate.
This can result in your water heater or dishwasher needing to be replaced sooner than it should. This is a significant expense that could be avoided with a simple filter change.
Ideally, you should be changing this filter every few months. If you aren’t sure if it needs to be changed, take a look at it to see if it appears dirty.
6. Not Flushing Water Heater
Another one of these plumbing maintenance mistakes includes not flushing your water heater. Water heaters collect sediment as they are used daily.
This sediment builds up and can slowly start to clog the pipes. This can result in your water heater working and efficiently or even breaking down.
If not fixed, the water heater may need to be replaced entirely. Flushing out a water heater is simple and should be done once every two years.
This helps to drain the water heater, so any sediment and debris are washed away.
7. Relying on Drain Cleaners
As useful as drain cleaners are, they are not always the solution. Some drain cleaners can actually start to damage your plumbing pipes if they are very caustic.
They also pose a risk to your health if mishandled or used too much. It is best to hire a Salt Lake City plumbing company instead.
They will be able to inspect your plumbing system and clean drains as necessary.
New Homeowners: Plumbing Maintenance Mistakes
If you are a new homeowner, you may be worried about plumbing maintenance mistakes. There are certain things you should avoid doing with your plumbing system.
There are also a few plumbing maintenance tasks you need to remember.
Do you need a local plumber in Salt Lake City? Contact us today at Stallion Plumbing and Drains to schedule an appointment.