It’s almost fall, which means it is the perfect time to tackle your plumbing maintenance tasks! For starters, the weather is still nice, which can make repairs a lot easier, and you get ahead of the crowds by preventing plumbing problems before they arise! This can save you so much time, money, and stress! Not to mention, it is a good idea to get your plumbing maintenance done before the chaos of the holiday season starts!
There is no time like the present to have your drains cleaned by a professional! Having your drains cleaned at least once a year can help prevent clogs and alleviate poor drainage. Regular drain cleaning can also help keep your drains smelling good all winter long! The holidays are always a busy time for plumbers; for some reason, plumbing problems always have impeccable timing. Which is why now is the best time to schedule your drain cleaning, before the holiday entertaining begins!
Fall marks the perfect time to clean your gutters. Over time leaves, dirt, and other debris can collect in your gutters. Gutters should be cleaned once a year at least before the rainy season sets in. The purpose of gutters is to divert rainwater away from your home. Clogs can cause poor drainage which can cause all kinds of problems from structural damage, flooding, and clogged storm drains.
Ongoing leak detection keeps your plumbing in good shape! Timing is everything when it comes to leak detection. The longer a water leak goes undetected, the more damage it will cause, and the more water it will waste. Check around faucets, around toilets, showers, and tubs. Look under the sink, and be on the lookout for any visible signs of water damage or the unexplained puddling of water. Also, know what to listen for, an ongoing drip or the sound of rushing water are signs that there could be a water leak. Another sign of a water leak is an unexplained hike in your water bill. Contact your plumber right away if you suspect a leak. The sooner repairs can be made the better!
Water heaters, both tank storage and tankless require annual maintenance. Tank storage water heaters should be drained and flushed once a year. A tankless water heater should be flushed as well. This help removes sediment that can build up. Sediment buildup can cause damage to your water heater, and make your water heater work harder. In addition, as part of your plumbing maintenance for your water heater, the thermostat should be checked as well at the heat source, be it gas or electric. Tank storage water heaters can also benefit from insulation if you live in an area that is prone to freezing temperatures. This will not only protect your tank from freezing and bursting but also make your water heater more efficient during the colder months.
Pipe insulation is important in areas that are prone to freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes can cause quite a mess, and be expensive to repair. Pipes that are exposed to the elements, or pipes that are located in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are susceptible to freezing. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause leaks and burst pipes. To combat this, ensure that your pipes are properly insulated as part of your plumbing maintenance.
Another important part of your annual plumbing maintenance is having your vent stack cleared of any debris. Vent stacks are located on your roof and just like your gutters they can collect all kinds of debris. A clogged vent stack can prevent sewer gasses from venting, which can cause the sewer gas to vent through your drains. This causes an unpleasant sulfuric smell. To prevent this have your vent stacks cleaned and install a vent stack screen to prevent leaves, bird nests, critters, and ice and snow from clogging your vent stack. Regular plumbing maintenance can help keep serious plumbing problems at bay. To schedule your plumbing maintenance contact John Owens today!
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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