It’s easy to take your home’s plumbing for granted, that is, until a clog, leak, or busted pipe disrupts your daily routine. From washing clothes and doing dishes to taking a hot shower, your plumbing keeps life running smoothly. A little preventive care now can save you stress, damage, and big repair bills later.
1. Keep Strainers in Sinks
Sink strainers are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent clogs. They catch hair, small toys, jewelry, and other debris before it can get stuck in your pipes. In the kitchen, strainers block large food pieces from going down the drain. Even with a garbage disposal, avoid pasta, eggshells, potato peels, rice, or other tough, fibrous foods—they can still cause problems.
Pro Tip: Consider silicone or stainless-steel drain guards—they’re easy to clean and last longer than plastic strainers. And never pour grease down the drain; let it cool in a jar or can for disposal.
2. Inspect Washer and Appliance Hoses
The hoses that connect your washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker to the water supply may be flexible, but they’re also prone to cracks, blisters, and leaks. Check them every few months for bulges, leaks, or corrosion and replace them proactively to avoid a big water disaster.
Pro Tip: Upgrade to stainless-steel braided hoses—they’re more durable and less likely to burst. Going on vacation? Turn off water supply to major appliances.
3. Clean Your Drains Naturally
Slow or smelly drains are often caused by buildup. A natural cleaning routine can prevent problems without harsh chemicals.
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow with ½ cup of vinegar.
- Let the mixture foam and sit for at least 20 minutes.
Do this weekly for kitchen drains and monthly for bathroom showers. The reaction helps break down grime and keeps water flowing smoothly.
Pro Tip: Use a drain brush or a plumber’s snake quarterly for hair buildup in showers.
4. Monitor Water Pressure and Your Water Meter
High water pressure can strain pipes and appliances, causing leaks or early wear. Low pressure may signal a clog or pipe corrosion.
Monitor your water meter regularly. Unexpected spikes could indicate a hidden leak and catching it early prevents major damage.
Pro Tip: Use a simple pressure gauge ($10–$15) to check your home’s water pressure. Ideal range: 40–60 psi.
5. Maintain Your Water Heater
Annual care prevents leaks and inefficiency. Drain and flush your tank, check the pressure relief valve, and consider a tankless or hybrid water heater for energy savings and longer lifespan.
Pro Tip: Consider upgrading to a tankless or hybrid water heater. They can pay for themselves in energy savings over time.
6. Be Gentle with Faucets
Over-tightening a leaky faucet can worsen the problem. Avoid putting weight on faucet necks. Don’t hang towels, toys, or clothes from faucets, and be careful when resting your hand on the faucet while filling containers. Outdoor faucets require extra care during freezing weather to prevent pipe bursts.
Pro Tip: Install faucet aerators with filters to reduce sediment buildup and improve water quality.
7. Upgrade Your Home Plumbing Smartly
Modern plumbing tech can prevent problems before they start. Leak detectors alert you to hidden issues, smart shut-off valves stop water automatically during emergencies, and water softeners reduce mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures. Even small upgrades today can prevent costly repairs tomorrow.
Pro Tip: Pair leak detection devices with a smart home system or phone alerts so you can respond immediately to potential water issues, even when you’re away from home.
8. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Annual inspections catch minor problems early. Pros can check faucets, toilets, pipes, water pressure, water heaters, slow drains, hidden leaks, and clean aerators. Routine maintenance extends plumbing lifespan and protects your home.
Pro Tip: Schedule your maintenance annually and coordinate it with seasonal changes (spring or fall works best) to address potential winter or summer plumbing stresses.
Plumbing Solutions You Can Trust
If it’s been a while since your last plumbing check or you’re thinking about upgrading your system, call Pioneer Comfort Systems. We provide preventive maintenance and emergency plumbing services, ensuring your home’s plumbing runs smoothly and reliably year-round.