Most of the plumbing emergencies we see are caused by a simple lack of maintenance. By paying attention to the symptoms of potential problems and fixing the small problems immediately, you can keep your plumbing system working reliably. Here are some maintenance procedures to follow at least once a year.



1. Repair drips and leaks. That leaking faucet is more than just an annoyance, it's costing you money over time on your water bill. Replacing worn out washers is easy and inexpensive. If a leak is under a sink or in a wall it can cause mold and damage to your home and should be fixed as soon as possible.

2. Unclog slow drains. Eventually that slow floor drain or kitchen sink is going to stop completely, leading to a major clog that will require professional help to clear. 

3. Clean faucet aerators and shower heads. If water pressure has reduced over time the culprit may be mineral deposits that have built up in faucets and shower heads, reducing water flow. Remove faucet aerators and soak them in vinegar to dissolve mineral build up.

4. Schedule a sewer line inspection. One of the most expensive plumbing problems a homeowner can experience is a backed up sewer main. A video sewer line inspection will find potential problems, including breaks, misaligned pipes, and tree root intrusion that can lead to sewer line failure. 

5. Flush your water heater tank. Flushing your water heater tank will remove rust and sediment from the bottom of the tank that can reduce heating efficiency and shorten the life of the water heater.Have a tankless water heater? Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the line filter. 

6. Fix that flapper. A running toilet can waste a lot of water. Replacing the flapper is inexpensive and simple to do.

Have plumbing problems? Give MR. Plumbing a call, we can help.