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If you've ever heard the old saying "a stitch in time saves nine" you know that taking action now to fix a smaller problem can save you a massive headache (not to mention a huge bill) later. Plumbing maintenance should be a consistent and regular process, yet it is often overlooked.
Given that our plumbing and pipes usually operate entirely unseen (underground or in the walls), we only really think about it when something goes wrong. The sink blocks up, the toilet doesn't flush, the shower gives out only a dribble of water, or worse, we find water damage or a burst pipe leaking in the morning.
The importance of regular plumbing preventative maintenance cannot be overstated, not only to give you peace of mind but to save you from expensive repairs later on. Hiring a professional plumber now to conduct your plumbing maintenance can save you enormously in the long term. Here's how.
What is a small leak in a pipe today can become expensive water damage tomorrow, so being on top of your preventative plumbing maintenance should be treated as an investment rather than an outright cost. Like your car, your electricity, or even the public infrastructure we enjoy like roads and the internet, without maintenance they will eventually stop working.
Your home plumbing is no different.
Regular plumbing maintenance helps expose the issues early that otherwise go unseen. We notice when a sink is blocked, but how long has that blockage been forming before we see a noticeable issue? That is what preventative maintenance is all about: anticipating and finding problems before they become expensive, time-consuming, and inconvenient to fix.
The symptoms of maintenance neglect include an increase in clogged drains, water pressure issues, and a higher likelihood of pipe cracks and leaks. However, getting to your plumbing can be a difficult exercise, so contact your local plumber if you're unsure about what to do or need some advice.
The benefits of regular maintenance checks include the prevention of plumbing emergencies, which saves on an expensive future fix and the inconvenience that comes with it. Secondly, by ensuring your systems are working effectively, your plumbing will have peak water efficiency which will lower your water bills. Ultimately, the primary benefit of regular checks is identifying and fixing minor issues early, catching them well before they turn into major (and expensive) problems. A few dollars spent now saves on a big bill later.
Apart from the increased efficiency and cost-saving benefits mentioned above, a well-maintained plumbing system also has a longer lifespan, provides a more stable and comfortable water supply, and gives you peace of mind and a sense of confidence that your system is healthy and without issue.
While a well-maintained system can save you money on your water bills, regular plumbing checks can also help to improve your home's energy efficiency. This includes servicing your hot water system to ensure it is running at its optimal efficiency and not using more energy than is required. This is particularly true in hot climates, which can place additional strain on water heating systems.
Preventative maintenance is the best way to prevent plumbing emergencies, such as burst pipes, which can lead to wasted water, water damage inside the house, and expensive repairs. However, it also includes optimising your plumbing system, such as fixing leaking taps and fitting efficient fixtures to showers, taps, and hoses to ensure you are using your water as effectively as possible.
In some parts of the country (like Perth), the mains water is considered "hard", which means it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. This can lead to mineral build-up inside pipes, taps, and appliances, which can cause blockages and the feeling of low water pressure to occur.
What seems like low water pressure is often caused by mineral build-up narrowing the pipes, increasing internal pressure and leading to cracks or leaks. This can cause cracks and leaks to occur as the pressure exceeds the pipe's design. Regular maintenance addresses these issues, and the application of water-softening solutions helps to reduce scale build-up and extend the life of your pipes and appliances.
Blocked drains are a common problem and can occur for a variety of reasons, including food waste down the sink, leaves and sticks down the drainpipes, or tree root intrusion linking water supply or sewage to the mains.
A regular inspection, with an experienced plumber using CCTV technology, can identify and resolve these problems before they cause significant issues, such as burst pipes or blocked sinks or toilets.
Regular plumbing maintenance gives homeowners peace of mind and allows you to enjoy life at home without worrying about the next emergency. With consistent plumbing maintenance, you significantly reduce the chance of ever suffering a plumbing emergency, meaning one less thing to worry about as a homeowner.
Water damage is an extremely costly and destructive issue for both homes and businesses, often requiring expensive pairs and damage to the structure. Plasterboard needs to be replaced, paint needs to be applied, and timber floors and furnishings need to be stripped out and redone at enormous cost.
That's not all of it. Even smaller plumbing issues, like cracked pipes or leaking taps, can get worse without maintenance and cause mould growth (creating a health hazard), as well as warping in walls and floors. Plumbing inspections help to ensure that water is only where it is meant to be, identifying faulty plumbing fixtures, weak spots in your plumbing system, or issues that will become major problems later.
With the cost of living going up, many households may struggle to front up the costs for significant problems in their plumbing. However, you can save money and safeguard your household budget by avoiding the risk of needing plumbing emergency repairs. Take control of your home's plumbing system and maintenance and ensure everything is functioning correctly to ward off major issues to the budget.
Maintaining your plumbing system regularly can also significantly impact the quality of your water. Old pipes can become corroded, hard water can cause mineral deposits and build-up to form, and blockages can lead to water discolouration, unpleasant odours, and in some cases, water contamination. Regular plumbing maintenance ensures that the water coming out of your taps remains clean and safe to drink for you and your family.
Plumbing maintenance is essential to the health of your plumbing system and to avoid costly repairs from minor leaks or other issues. A small cost and effort now can end up saving you time, money, and energy in the long run, not to mention the valuable peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained house.
If your plumbing maintenance is overdue, contact your local Plumberoo plumber today to find out how preventive maintenance can put the hassle of leaky pipes, faulty water heaters, and costly problems behind you for good.