6 Plumbing Items that Need Maintenance in Residential Homes

Maintaining the plumbing in your home is crucial to prevent costly repairs and ensure everything is running smoothly. Knowing which items need regular maintenance is essential to keep your residential plumbing in top shape as a homeowner. Always opt for residential plumbing services in San Francisco. Otherwise, here are six plumbing items that should be on your maintenance checklist:

Water Heater

Your water heater is responsible for providing hot water to your home. So it’s essential to keep it in good working condition. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your water heater.  It also prevents leaks or other issues.

Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank. This causes inefficiency and damage to the heating elements. By flushing the tank, you can remove this sediment and improve the performance of your water heater.

Don’t forget to check the temperature and pressure relief valve. This valve is designed to release pressure and heat if the temperature or pressure gets too high. It’s important to check this valve annually to ensure it’s working correctly. It can effectively release pressure in the event of an emergency.

Sump Pump

A sump pump removes water accumulated in a sump basin, typically located in the basement of your home. Having your sump pump checked annually is essential to ensure it works correctly and can effectively remove water in floods.

Here are a few maintenance tasks you should consider performing on your water heater:

1. Flush the tank: Over time, sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank, which can cause inefficiency and damage to the heating elements. By flushing the tank, you can remove this sediment and improve the performance of your water heater.
2. Check the temperature and pressure relief valve: This valve releases pressure and heat if the temperature or pressure gets too high. It’s important to check this valve annually to ensure it’s working correctly and can effectively release pressure in an emergency.
3. Check for leaks: Periodically checking for leaks around the water heater’s base helps prevent water damage and costly repairs.
4. Insulation: You should consider insulating your water heater tank and pipes. This helps to keep the hot water hot and reduce standby heat loss.

Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a convenient appliance, but it can quickly become clogged or malfunction if not maintained properly. Here are a few maintenance tasks you should consider performing on your garbage disposal:

1. Run cold water: Always run cold water while using the disposal and for a few seconds after turning it off. This helps to flush out any food scraps and keep the disposal running smoothly.
2. Run ice cubes: Running ice cubes through the disposal can help sharpen the blades. This removes any buildup of grease or grime.
3. Use a disposal cleaner: You can use a disposal cleaner to freshen up the disposal and remove any unpleasant odors.
4. Avoid certain items: It’s essential to avoid putting certain items down the disposal. These items clog the disposal or damage the blades.

Toilets

Toilets are one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home, so keeping them in good working condition is essential. Regular maintenance, such as checking for leaks and ensuring the flapper valve works properly, can prevent costly repairs and water waste.

Here are a few maintenance tasks you should consider performing on your toilets:

1. Check for leaks: A leaking toilet wastes a lot of water and drives up your utility bills. Check the toilet’s base for water and the tank for any leaks.
2. Check the flapper valve: The flapper valve is responsible for controlling the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. If the valve is worn or damaged, it can cause leaks or prevent the toilet from flushing correctly.
3. Check the fill valve: The fill valve is responsible for refilling the toilet tank after each flush. If the valve is worn or damaged, it prevents the toilet from filling correctly and causes leaks.
4. Clean the toilet: Regular cleaning helps keep your toilet in good condition and prevents any unpleasant odors.
5. Check the wax ring: The wax ring is the seal between the toilet and the drain. Over time, it can dry out, crack or become misaligned, which can cause leaks. It’s essential to check the wax ring periodically and replace it if needed.

Showerheads and Faucets

Leaky showerheads and faucets can not only waste water but also drive up your utility bills. Regularly checking for leaks and replacing worn-out washers helps keep these fixtures in good working condition.

Drainage system

Regular maintenance of the drainage system prevents clogs and blockages. This also prevents potential damage to your home. You should consider hiring residential plumbing services in San Francisco to perform an annual maintenance check of your drainage system.

Keep These Items in Check

By regularly maintaining these six items, you ensure your residential plumbing is in top working condition and prevent costly repairs. If you’re in San Francisco, consider hiring a reputable residential plumbing services provider to perform regular maintenance and ensure everything runs smoothly.