Summer Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for 2020

All homeowners should engage in routine plumbing maintenance to keep their homes in working order. Water, rust, mineral buildup, and temperature changes can do a number on the pipes and fixtures in your home. Most problems are easily resolved when caught early, but even minor problems can compound over time and cause significant issues. Severe plumbing issues can even compromise other systems and structures in the home.

Summer is the perfect time to revisit your plumbing preventative maintenance plan. You may have more free time to attend to your home plumbing system, and warmer temperatures make it easier to access and work on pipes and fixtures. The below checklist describes some simple tasks you can perform to keep your home in good shape.

Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect your pipes for corrosion. Check your attic, basement, and other spaces in your home for exposed pipes. Remember to look behind toilets and under sinks. If you see rust on iron and steel pipes or a green-blue buildup on copper and brass, your pipes are on their way to being corroded and may need to be replaced.

• Check for leaks. Check pipes and fixtures for leaks, however small. This means checking showerheads, tub and sink faucets, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water softeners, refrigerators, and any other appliances connected to your home’s plumbing system. Check not only for puddles and dripping water, but for signs of water damage, such mildew, warping, and peeling paint.

• Confirm your drains are draining water efficiently. Watch how long it takes for water to drain from your bathtubs and sinks. Listen for unusual sounds or gurgling. If there seems to be a clog, you can use a plumber’s snake, clean the p-traps, or apply drain cleaner. 

• Look for mineral buildup. If your water has high mineral content, you may notice accumulation on your showerheads and faucets. Immersing the affected area in vinegar can solve the problem.

• Service your water heater. Check your water heater for any signs of damage. Also inspect the anode rods, which are long rods that remove corrosive particles from the water. Over time, anode rods become less efficient and need to be replaced. Finally, drain your water heater to flush out any sediment before refilling.

• Perform a septic tank check-up. Review important septic tank maintenance tips to ensure your tank continues to work properly. Check if your tank is due to be professionally emptied. Inspect the area where the tank is buried for signs of possible issues. Pay attention to odors, insects, damp ground, or noticeably different patches of grass.

• Survey your outdoor irrigation and drainage systems. If you have a sprinkler system, check that all sprinklers are in working order. Also check any hoses, outdoor spigots, gutters, and storm drains. Clear gutters and drains of leaves and other debris to prevent flooding.

Remember to use technology to your advantage. Look into some of the best home maintenance mobile apps. Some apps can help you diagnose problems with your plumbing system. Others can provide detailed information on how fix an issue. There are also apps to help you create a home maintenance schedule so nothing is overlooked.

Maintain Your Plumbing System with Liberty Home Guard

Routine maintenance will extend the lifespan of your home’s plumbing, but fixtures and pipes still require repair and replacement. An affordable home warranty with Liberty Home Guard can provide peace of mind and ensure you won’t be hit with a surprise expense when something goes wrong.

Click below for a free quote or contact a representative at (866) 699-4589.