Plumbing problems have a way of showing up when you least expect them, like when temperatures outside are below freezing or you’ve got a house full of guests. And while some issues arise unexpectedly, many are entirely avoidable with a little planning and maintenance.
From burst pipes to clogged drains, keeping your plumbing system in good shape saves you time, stress, and money. Our team at Dog House in Brunswick, ME, has helped many homeowners stay ahead of plumbing emergencies, and a few tips can help prevent a disaster.
Watch Out for Freezing Risks
As soon as fall turns to winter, the temperature outside drops fast. Pipes along exterior walls or in unheated areas, such as basements and crawl spaces, can freeze without much warning. When water freezes, it expands. That pressure can cause a pipe to burst. You might not notice a problem until you have water all over the floor.
If your home has older plumbing or you’ve had frozen pipes before, you’ll want to stay ahead of this issue. Wrap exposed lines with pipe insulation, especially near garages or crawl space vents. Material options include fiberglass batting or foam sleeves that fit around pipes snuggly.
Don’t Ignore Small Leaks
A slow drip under the bathroom sink or a tiny puddle by your water heater might not seem like a big deal. However, a small problem can become a big deal quickly. Leaks can weaken flooring, rot cabinets, and lead to mold growth. Worse, they can signal pressure problems or worn parts somewhere deeper in your plumbing system.
If you hear gurgling from behind a wall or notice damp spots near pipes, don’t ignore the problem. Even a loose connection on a supply line can turn into a steady stream of water if the issue escalates. Keep up with routine inspections on an annual basis.
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
Not everything belongs in your pipes. Things like cooking grease, coffee grounds, baby wipes, and even too much soap scum can build up in your drains. A clogged drain might just seem annoying at first. If it backs up enough, it can put pressure on joints and cause cracks or bursts.
In the kitchen, make it a habit to discard grease into the trash instead of rinsing it down the sink. In the bathroom, hair catchers in the shower help keep drains flowing freely. Never flush wipes, even the ones that say they’re flushable. They don’t break down quickly and tend to accumulate in sewer lines.
Know Where Your Shutoff Valve Is
If water starts leaking from under a sink or a pipe breaks in the laundry room, you don’t have time to search for a way to shut the water off. Every home has a main water shutoff valve. You should know where it is and how to turn it off. In most homes, it’s near the foundation where the water line comes into the house. It could be in a basement, utility room, or even a crawl space.
Make sure your valve moves freely. If it’s stuck or rusted, you may not be able to stop the flow when necessary. Practice turning it on and off so you know what to expect.
Get Your Water Heater Checked Annually
You count on your water heater each day for things like bathing, cooking, and cleaning. If you’ve ever run out of hot water mid-shower or heard banging sounds from the tank, it’s worth looking into. Sediment build-up can make the heater work harder than it should. That shortens its lifespan and runs up your energy bill. Draining the tank once a year flushes out minerals and sediment.
You don’t need to complete this process yourself if you’re not comfortable. Also, it’s wise to have a knowledgeable professional look over everything. We can also make sure the pressure relief valve is working and spot rust or leaks you might miss. A water heater leak can be slow at first. It can progress quickly, leading to the necessary replacement of your water heater.
Prevent Plumbing Emergencies
It only takes one leak or frozen pipe to turn a normal day into a costly mess. Paying attention to your system now helps you avoid major problems later. We also offer drain cleaning, sump pump repair, and bathroom fixture installations. If you want experienced help protecting your home, call Dog House to schedule a plumbing inspection in Brunswick today.
