We often get calls like this: a homeowner is in a panic because they have relatives visiting and their sewer line has suddenly backed up. The homeowner is upset because of the cost, mess and disruption of needing emergency plumbing repairs. Situations like these are unfortunate not only because they’re stressful but because they’re often preventable.
Benefits of Regular Plumbing Maintenance
We recommend homeowners arrange for sewer line service about once a year, similar to a spring cleaning. Just as regular auto maintenance helps your car last longer, regular plumbing maintenance will help your plumbing system last longer. Additionally, regular maintenance takes care of small plumbing problems before they become big (and expensive) plumbing disasters.
In the situation above, the home’s plumbing probably had some damage that went undetected by the homeowners. But under the stress of increased showers and flushes, these latent issues came to a head at the most inconvenient time.
What Preventative Maintenance Entails
When we perform preventative maintenance on a home, we start by talking with the homeowner to understand the household’s plumbing and water use. We then do an inspection of all of the home’s pipes. That might mean getting into the crawlspace to check for any signs of corrosion or decay. Then we’ll put cameras down any of the drains that give us cause for concern to see if there’s interior damage or blockage. We check the integrity of all the home’s sinks and verify that the angle stops (which shut off water flow in an emergency) are functional. If we come across any issues, we will give the customer options for making repairs.
Save Money, Avoid Hassles
The cost of regular maintenance is much lower than that of emergency service. The work generally takes about an hour or two, depending on the size of the home, and can be done when it’s convenient for the homeowner. Contact us to find out more about our plumbing maintenance services.
Maintenance Tip: Clearing Clogs
If your sink or shower drain has a clog, don’t treat it with a corrosive product like Drano. These products contain harsh chemicals that will erode your pipes, leaving them fragile. Clogs are often recurring problems, and by the time the homeowner calls in a plumber, the pipe may be too weak to endure the pressure of our professional-grade snaking equipment. We recommend homeowners try treating a clog with a solution of baking soda and vinegar. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to contact a plumbing professional.