10 Areas to Check When Maintaining Your Home’s Plumbing System

When it comes to maintaining your home’s plumbing system, you don’t have to feel like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. There are ten areas you should check when you are maintaining your home’s plumbing system.

1. Water Leaks
   Check for signs of water leaks around all exposed pipes, including under sinks, the water heater, central A/C unit and underneath your refrigerator.
2. Water Stains
   Check for water stains on floors and walls where pipes run inside. Even small patches of water could indicate a bigger leak inside the wall. Also check for water stains on tub and shower gypsum, where the pipes are behind the tile.
3. Laundry Floor
   Check your laundry area floor. Water collected under your washer and dryer could indicate the appliance itself is leaking or overflowing, but it could indicate a bigger problem, such as a septic system blockage.
4. Water Quality
   Test your water. You’ll be able to find out if microbes are infiltrating your water supply, if your water is too hard, or if sediment is getting into your water.
5. Corrosion
   Look for corrosion. Corrosion presents itself as pinholes in copper lines caused by acidic water, or green, yellow or orange stains on copper and brass pipes and fittings at connection joints and shutoff valves.
6. Water Pressure
   Check water pressure. Use a tool to make sure you’re getting the water pressure recommended for your system.
7. Faucet Heads
   Unscrew faucet heads. Look for sediment in the filters and remove as necessary to ensure proper flow.
8. Drainage
   Monitor drainage. Slow drainage could indicate an obstructed pipe. Gurgling noises can either be a vent problem or a temporary clog.
9. Flushing
   Check flushes. Toilets should flush smoothly. If not, consider when the last time you had your septic cleaned.
10. Cracks
    Look for cracks. Cracks in tile around sinks, tubs and showers allow water to slowly seep through. Fill with waterproof caulking or replace tile.

Maintaining your home’s plumbing system in Wilmington and surrounding areas isn’t too difficult, but repairs can be. If you discover a potential problem, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals at Sobieski Services for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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