Professional plumbers know that plumbing problems only get worse with time and if they are not taken care of right away – they can get extremely costly too.

So the best advice that any pro plumber can give to their clients is to properly maintain the plumbing systems in their home to not only prevent possible problems but also to keep the cost of home maintenance down as well.

How Do I Maintain My Plumbing System?

There are some simple steps that you can take to properly maintain your plumbing system.

  • Fix It As Soon As You Know It – Once you see that there’s a leak, get it fixed right away. If your toilet keeps clogging – get it fixed right away. If you notice your water bill is much higher than usual – get it check out right away.
  • Schedule Drain Cleanings Regularly – Use a commercial or homemade solution to flush out debris that gets caught in your drains on a regular basis. We would recommend once a month. This includes the drain in your bathtub and showers too.
  • Be Kind To Your Garbage Disposal – There are many food items that should not be poured down the garbage disposal (you can see a list of them here). So being diligent and avoiding these from getting in that garbage disposal can help to keep it running smoothly for many years to come.
  • Test Your Water Pressure – Use a pressure gauge to test your water pressure on a regular basis. Identifying a problem early can save you money in the long run.
  • Drain Your Water Heater – Once a year your water heater should be drained to help remove any sediment that accumulates.
  • For Homes With Septic Tanks – For homes with 4 or less residents, the septic tank should be checked every 4 years. If there are 5 or more residents, then it should be checked every two years.
  • Sewer Lines – Should be cleaned out every 18 to 22 months. A camera inspection can do that job and help to find out if there are any potential problems.
  • Check Under Your Sinks – Ideally you want to check under your sinks weekly for any possible leaks or any signs of moisture.
  • Winterize – Always disconnect your outdoor hoses and shut off your outdoor valves during the winter months – especially if the temperature dips below 20 degrees. If possible, insulate any pipes that may be exposed or behind walls that are not insulated (i.e. garage walls).
  • Check Outdoors – take a walk around your home at least once a month and lookout for any puddles of water where there shouldn’t be – this may be a sign of a pipe leak.
  • Clean Your Appliances – it seems that you probably shouldn’t have to clean a washing machine or dishwasher but it is recommended. You can use a commercial product or homemade solution to clean them but also don’t forget to clean the filter in your dishwasher and also to clean out the lint tray in your dryer.
  • Don’t Forget The Sump Pump – Many homes here in Georgia have a sump pump and it’s often a neglected piece of equipment. We recommend checking the pump at least every 3 months to make sure it’s working correctly.

Follow these maintenance tips – put them on your calendar so that you don’t forget. By doing so, you will not only keep your home well maintained and running smoothly but you will help to prevent any issues from becoming a big problem which could end up costing you much more money in the long run.

If you have any questions about preventative measures you can take about plumbing issues, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.