The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is especially true when it comes to your home’s plumbing system.  The cost today of hiring a professional plumber to address the issues that you might be experiencing is a costly venture that can easily be prevented with some easy steps.  By following the tips below, you can keep your plumbing system operating at its maximum level and not have to pay costly repair bills that impact your budget in a negative way.

Tip #1-Keep a regular check on your water heating system.  By inspecting your water heater about once a month, you can easily get great service for about ten years with your current model.  If you lower the water heater temperature to about 115 degrees F. you’ll prevent overheating and still have ample hot water for your family’s requirements.

Tip #2-Replace and upgrade your hoses and fixtures.  Modern residential structures have more complex plumbing systems that require upgraded waterline raisers, valves, and pipes for efficient use.  You’ll find that metallic materials can last up to 15 years and outperform their rubber counterparts in extreme weather conditions.  Just walk through your home and inspect the floors, walls, and ceilings to locate problem areas that might need tender loving care and new fixtures.

Tip #3-Keep your sink drains unclogged so that the draining process is not slowed.  If you’ll work diligently to keep food particles, hair, and other debris out of your drain, your serious problems will be eliminated.  Never pour oils or fatty fluids into the sink and clean the drain traps on a regular basis.

Tip #4-Know where your main shutoff valve is located and check it periodically so that you can shut off water in your home should an emergency arise.  You’ll want to see if it has any leaks, is in proper condition, and works smoothly so that you can quickly stop the flow of water into your home.  During the winter months make sure that the handle is not frozen and that it will turn it clockwise with no problems.  Local codes require that your main shutoff valve be easily accessible so if you can’t find it, check with your local department to ascertain where it is. 

Tip #5-Get a regular tune-up for your plumbing system.  About once a year, you should hire a professional plumber to inspect your system for potential problems.  He should test your system and make any applicable repairs and fixes based on his knowledge and expertise.  This can effectively catch a plumbing disaster before it happens and save you plenty of time and money in the process.

By following these practical tips, your home’s plumbing system will continue to work effectively and efficiently for all of your family’s water needs.