Plumbing Maintenance and Repair Tips for Your Home

Having plumbing problems can be a major headache for homeowners. Issues like clogged drains, leaky pipes, and malfunctioning water heaters cause damage and disrupt your household routine. Performing regular plumbing maintenance and knowing how to do minor repairs can save you the hassle and expense of a service call for every little plumbing hiccup. However, some jobs call for a professional plumber's skills and experience.

This article provides tips on common plumbing maintenance tasks, repairs you can likely DIY, and when you need to bring in an expert. Follow this plumbing advice for smooth-running plumbing systems and fixtures in your home.

Boiler Replacement

Generally, you can expect to pay $5,300–$9,500 to replace your home's boiler. Price will vary for electric, gas, and wood models.

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Emergency Plumbing

You can typically expect to pay $68–$450 for emergency plumbing, depending on the severity of the problem at hand.

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Ejector Pump

Generally, you can expect to pay between $850–$5,500 for a new ejector pump, depending on the type of pump you need.

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How To Perform Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing major plumbing headaches. Set aside monthly time to inspect your home's plumbing and keep things running smoothly.

Inspect

Inspect exposed water supply lines for leaks, corrosion, and weak points that may need repair. Check under sinks and behind water heaters.

Clean

Clean faucet aerators every few months to remove mineral deposits and improve water flow. Soak aerators in white vinegar to dissolve any buildup.

DIY Drain Cleaning

Pour hot water and baking soda down drains monthly to keep pipes clear of buildup. For problematic drains, regularly use a drain snake or commercial enzymatic drain cleaner.

Professional Drain Cleaning

Have a professional drain cleaning service in Douglasville use a hydro jetting machine annually to clean your main sewer line. Root growth is a common cause of main line clogs. Hydrojetting can clear growth and debris.

Check Water Pressure

Check water pressure at various faucets to identify drops that indicate an issue. Low pressure could be caused by calcified galvanized pipes or crimps in your supply lines.

Listen for Silent Leaks

Listen for running water in pipes to catch silent leaks. Dripping usually creates an audible hissing noise that's easiest to hear at night.

Following a schedule of routine plumbing maintenance lets you spot potential problems early and avoid major plumbing repairs down the road. Don't wait for issues to arise before inspecting your plumbing.

What Are Common Plumbing Repairs?

Even well-maintained plumbing systems encounter some problems. Many typical household plumbing repairs can be DIY jobs if you have a little experience.

Clogged drains

Use a plunger and baking soda/vinegar treatment for simple sink or tub clogs. Hair and soap buildup are common causes in bathrooms. For deep clogs, use a drain snake or commercial enzymatic cleaner. Hire a plumber for main drain line clogs or sewer blockages.

Leaky faucets

Replace worn washers and O-rings yourself using a basic toolkit. Call a plumber for complex faucet repairs like stem and cartridge issues or if leaks originate in pipes.

Running water heaters

Try adjusting the float arm and flapper chain first. If ineffective, replace the flapper valve and fill valve using a kit. Call a plumber for other internal repairs or tank replacement.

Low water pressure

Inspect aerators first, then check for kinks or crimps in supply lines that restrict flow. Hire a pro to diagnose whole-house water pressure issues.

No hot water

Check your main water heater's pilot light on a gas heater or reset a tripped circuit breaker on an electric heater before calling for service. Replace blown thermostats yourself.

Strange noises

If you hear banging or hammering noises in pipes, there could be a serious issue like a failing pump or water hammer. Call a professional plumber immediately.

Many plumbing repairs look easy but require nuanced experience to diagnose issues and get repairs right. Unless you're very handy, complex jobs like repiping are best left to the professionals.

How To Know When to Call a Professional Plumber?

While DIY is great for minor issues, knowing when to call a pro plumber can save you from making costly mistakes. Calling in a pro for major issues also protects your home and provides peace of mind.

Here are some signs it's time to bring in expert help:

• Leaks behind walls, under sinks/appliances, or in crawl spaces
• Lack of hot water throughout your home, signaling a major system issue
• Ongoing drain clogs or backups pointing to a damaged main line
• A main sewer line clog or backup caused by roots, frays, or collapses
• Any signs of slab leaks like damp spots on floors
• Strange noises from the plumbing system indicate interior issues
• Major loss of water pressure, signaling calcified galvanized pipes
• Major flooding issues originating behind walls or under floors
• Full plumbing system replacements, repiping, or drain line repairs

A licensed professional plumber has the skills, tools, and experience to correctly diagnose and permanently fix any plumbing problem, no matter how complex. They can ensure the root issue is resolved, avoiding repeat repairs. Many plumbers also offer warranties on new plumbing installations and major repair jobs. Don't take chances with plumbing issues.

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So, Is Plumbing Maintenance and Repair Difficult?

While plumbing can seem intimidating, routine maintenance and minor repairs are very doable for an educated homeowner. Understanding common problems, following basic maintenance schedules, and knowing when to call a pro prevents small issues from becoming major headaches. Investing in professional repairs and replacements for complex problems also protects your home and provides peace of mind. Ultimately, smooth-running plumbing involves education, prevention, and calling in reinforcements when needed.

Staying on top of plumbing maintenance and making minor DIY repairs can save homeowners money and hassle. However, knowing when to call in a professional for major issues is just as important. If you ever feel unsure about a plumbing problem, contact a licensed local plumber to diagnose the issue safely and correctly. Investing in professional plumbing services helps safeguard your home from damage and improves your household comfort.