Blog

Photo By Krasimira Nevenova at Shutterstock

Some homeowners don’t think about their plumbing systems unless something happens, like not having hot water or the pipes have burst. Taking your plumbing for granted is never a good idea as that will cost you a lot of money down the road. If you have a home, you’ll understand how important it is to care for it, and that includes your plumbing. Don’t worry; we’ll talk about the many ways to maintain your plumbing systems and other tips to prevent costly plumbing emergencies. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber in Granbury, TX.

Maintaining Your Plumbing Systems

Proactive plumbing maintenance prevents costly repairs, replacements and restorations. Below are some tips that you can do every day, every week, and every season to ensure your plumbing is in excellent condition. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your plumbing is fully functional and won’t give you problems. If you need more help, contact a plumbing company in Granbury, TX. Our licensed plumbers are knowledgeable about anything plumbing-related. Talk to us about anything, and we’ll do our best to help you.

What you can do daily

Do you have slow drains? Please never ignore this, as this is usually a sign that a major clog is coming. While some clogs are fixed using a plunger or a drain snake or simply pouring hot water down the drain, some clogs need the services of a licensed plumber. If your drains are slow, immediately get in touch with a professional for a drain cleaning service. Don’t wait until the issue progresses into a major clog that will cost more.

To prevent clogs, you’ll need to ensure not to throw large food particles, grease, dirt, and other debris down the drain. And you need to do this every day — always be mindful of what you throw down the drain as that can affect the lifespan of your pipes and may even affect the quality of your life, especially when the problem progresses into something serious such as water damage.

If you have family members and children at home, remind them to take care of your drains every day. For example, remind them not to flush their toys or dirt in the toilet. Also, don’t forget to install drain covers in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sink to catch debris, dirt, and hair that may clog your system.

Never resort to chemical-based drain cleaners when cleaning the drains because they can severely damage the pipes. They also pose some health risks. Instead, you may pour boiling water down the drain or use the vinegar or baking soda solution for effectively cleaning and sanitizing your drains. And of course, you can always benefit by calling a plumber for professional drain cleaning. Regular drain cleaning ensures a healthy plumbing system and extends the lifespan of your pipes.

Do you have questions about drain cleaning service for your home in Granbury, TX? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our plumbers.

What you can do weekly

We recommend that you consider checking your plumbing for leaks at least once a week. Do this, especially when your water bills have suddenly skyrocketed, as that’s one of the signs that there might be leaks somewhere in your plumbing.

When checking for leaks, remember not to look for the obvious signs; you need to also watch out for signs of hidden leaks. Musty smell or mold growth is a sign that there might be a leak in your plumbing. Take time to inspect your plumbing to avoid bigger problems down the road. Check the walls and if the wallpapers are still in good condition. Check the water pressure too — low water pressure could be a sign of a leak; high water pressure is also not a good idea as that can strain the pipes and lead to even bigger problems. Contact a professional in Granbury, TX, if you need further assistance. You may consider getting professional leak detection if you suspect that there might be a leak in your plumbing. Plumbers are equipped with state-of-the-art tools that allow them to find the exact location of the leak. They can also provide you with cost-effective and permanent plumbing solutions.

Besides checking for leaks, inspect the condition of your plumbing fixtures, too, such as the toilet, showerheads, pipe fittings, etc. Doing this may take a few minutes of your time each week, but it can benefit you in the long run. It lets you address problems right away before they turn into a plumbing emergency that will cost you a fortune in repairs and replacements.

What you can do in the winter

Winter is just around the corner — it’s time to prepare your plumbing to avoid costly winter repairs. If you’re going away for a winter vacation, we highly suggest that you hire a professional in Granbury, TX, for a routine inspection. The plumber can check if problems need to be addressed immediately. A professional can also advise you on winterizing your home to avoid flooding in the basement or your laundry room.

If you’re staying home for the winter, please ensure that you insulate exposed pipes and plumbing fixtures outside your home. When the temperatures start dropping, and you have unprotected pipes, the water inside them can freeze. If not addressed, the pipes can expand and burst. The last thing you want on a freezing winter is dealing with a plumbing problem. But, don’t worry; you can avoid this so long as you follow our tips.

Besides insulating the pipes, you can also slightly open the faucets so that warm water can flow through your drain pipes. Also, don’t forget to open the cabinet doors underneath the sink when heating on, as these areas are usually cold. The warm air can also prevent burst pipes. And of course, don’t forget to work on your home’s insulation, especially the attic and crawl spaces. Finally, if possible, replace windows and roofs with energy-efficient ones to conserve energy and save money.

Other tips to help you maintain your plumbing systems:

Check Your Water Heater

When was the last time you flushed out the sediment buildup in the storage tank? You’ll need to do this at least once a year or frequently when there’s a high concentration of hard water in your plumbing. If you don’t know how to do this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed professional for assistance.

Remember, failure to remove the mineral buildup at the bottom of the tank can affect the efficiency of your water heater and lead to energy loss. Energy loss means you’ll have to pay more on your utility bills. Also, please make sure to address the issue right away as it might be too late. The sediment buildup can also lead to water leaking from the tank, and you’ll have no choice but to completely replace your water heater. To avoid most expenses, flush out the sediment build-up right away.

What if I have an old water heater?

Water heaters don’t last forever. Conventional water heaters can last between 10 to 15 years. How long exactly depends on the maintenance performed. Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or longer. If you have a conventional water heater that’s more than seven years old and no longer efficient, we suggest contacting a plumber for an inspection. Our plumbers can check whether it’s more cost-effective to get your water heater repaired or purchase a new one.

Repair Leaks Right Away

If there’s a toilet leak, please contact a professional plumber right away so they can help you resolve it. Leaks from the toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water and even lead to bigger problems. Don’t forget to also fix faucet leaks to conserve more water. If you need help, contact a professional for assistance.

Check the Washing Machine Hoses

Periodically check your laundry room and if your washers and dryers are still in good condition. Check them for any signs of wear and tear, and call a plumber in Granbury, TX, if you suspect there might be a problem. If you still have rubber washing machine hoses, consider switching to stainless steel braided hoses as they are less susceptible to damage and last longer than rubber.

Most importantly, only hire a licensed plumber if you plan to install new hoses.

Get Regular Plumbing Inspections

It’s a must for homeowners to hire a professional for a routine inspection to ensure that their plumbing is fully functioning and is very efficient. In addition, regular inspection prevents costly repairs and replacements down the road. However, you’ll need to make sure it’s through a licensed professional only to avoid other problems.

Install a Sump Pump

If you have a basement, please make sure to install a sump pump to avoid flooding. However, you need to test your device if there’s a coming storm to ensure it works. To test, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and check if the pump works. Call a professional if it doesn’t. It’s also best to get back up batteries if there are power outages during the storm. For installation, please make sure it’s only through a qualified professional.

Use the Right Plumbing Tools

Should you decide to perform minor plumbing repairs, get high-quality plumbing tools so that you don’t damage your appliances and fixtures. You also need to be confident that you know how to use the tool. Otherwise, get a professional’s help.

Install Leak Detection Devices

Water damage will cost you a lot in restorations, but you can avoid this by installing leak detection devices in your home. The device can detect a leak and can even find its exact location. It can also automatically turn off the main water supply to avoid further damage.

Avoid DIY Plumbing

Some YouTube plumbing videos may be helpful, but they may not provide you with enough information. Call a professional instead to avoid mistakes that will even cost you more money, especially when you don’t have any plumbing experience. It’s okay to have essential plumbing tools such as a plunger, as you may need them from time to time. For major repairs, however, only work with licensed professionals.

Hire Qualified Plumbers for Repairs and Installations

Don’t be tempted to hire unlicensed and insured plumbers to take care of your repairs and installations. Why? When an insured plumber gets injured while doing repairs, you’ll have to pay for the medical costs. You won’t have this problem when the plumber has insurance as the insurance company would pay for the medical expenses. Also, licensed professionals adhere to code and practice safety precautions to avoid accidents or injuries.

Another risk for hiring an unqualified professional is that they won’t be able to provide you with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If they make a mistake, you’ll have to hire another person to correct the problem, and that’s money down the drain for you.

For installation, manufacturers also require that homeowners get professional installation. Otherwise, they may lose their warranty. To avoid problems down the road, please make sure to only hire a licensed plumber for any repairs or installations.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Do you need a plumber in Granbury, TX? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is a trusted and top plumbing company dedicated to providing exceptional and top-notch plumbing services in the area. We have licensed and highly experienced plumbers that will go the extra mile to ensure the problem is resolved and the customer is delighted. We can take care of any repairs, installations and maintenance. Our team can also work with all makes and models. Most importantly, we provide 24/7 emergency services. Contact us today for an appointment!